The holidays have nearly wrapped up, or been unwrapped, as it were. The tree is so dry that a spark from static could set it on fire. And you’ve put off all those pesky little chores, like plowing through the stacks of paperwork piled nearly to the ceiling in your office. The holidays are a good excuse for procrastinating.
Jen Starbuck has wise words to share. “Get yourself organized, and you’ll bring peace to your home,” says the organizing consultant and president of Starbuck Life Design ().
Starbuck, who has had her Denver-based business for nearly five years, offers sensible advice to those whose New Year’s resolution is to get organized.
Q: Let’s start with that daunting task of packing up after the holidays. Any tips for those who far prefer the setting-up process over the dismantling chore?
A: First, it’s been my experience that people who live in small places often collect, or have inherited, too many decorations. Look at your boxes before you pack up. What was never set up or hung up? Do you have a pile of children’s books, even though your children are grown? Those are the things you might want to consider donating. The library takes books if they’re in good condition, as does Goodwill and other groups. Obviously, keep what has deep meaning, but you know that cookie ornament you never hung up? The one the dog chewed on? It’s time to let it go.
Q: Aside from over-collecting, what are some of the other common mistakes people make when packing up the holiday decor?
A: Resist the urge to just toss those lights in a box. You know how long it took you to untangle them this year. First, make sure they all still work. Then roll up magazines or newspapers and wind the lights around them. You’ll thank yourself next year. Also, don’t just toss everything in a few big boxes. Put your ornaments in one box, your kitchen stuff in another and so on.
Q: Spring is the traditional time to purge and clean. What keeps you busy with clients this time of year?
A: One word: paper. Everyone wants to get on top of paperwork for tax season. People are really anxious this time of year, and worried that they lost documents. One question I ask my clients is, “Is it information you can get online?” If they can access utility bills and things like that, they can cut down on the physical paper.
Q: Aside from the office, are there other areas of the home that stress people out?
A: Closets are right up there. I have one trick. Most people have heard the old saying that if you haven’t worn it in six months, get rid of that dress, sweater or whatever. I say give it a year, because in this state, with our odd weather patterns, I’d hold out longer. But look at every piece of clothing, and ask yourself, “Is it torn? Stained? Does it fit well?” More important, even if it fits, ask yourself if it flatters you. Then you can start to weed out.
Another trick: Turn all your hangers backward. Mark the day you did that on the calendar. When you wear a garment, hang it back up with the hanger turned correctly. Check that calendar after six months or a year, and you can clearly see what you haven’t touched.
Q: How about the kitchen?
A: With most rooms, I take a similar process. Take everything out of those drawers, then the cupboards in your kitchen. Now sort similar things. Do you really need two ladles? Twenty spatulas? Probably not. If you have a small kitchen and ton of stuff, think creatively. You can incorporate an armoire in the dining room and store the cookware you don’t use so often.
Q: How do you know when it’s time to hire a pro to help you, and how can you find a good one?
A: If you just can’t get started or you’re stuck, it’s a good idea to have a new set of eyes to look at your space and envision what it could be. Find someone who’s a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (). Interview them and be sure you’re comfortable. You’ll be working closely with the organizer, and it’s important that your personalities match. When it’s all done, you’ll truly enjoy your space more and feel much less stressed when you walk in the door.
