My Journey from Chaos to Calm
Growing up in Brazil, my family was great at keeping the visible areas of our home organized, but behind closed doors, our closets, drawers, and cabinets were packed to the brim. With things we barely used and essential documents we could never find. When family and friends came over, we had to go around the house stuffing things where they fit.
A few years ago, already living in Raleigh, NC, with my roommates, I was drowning in clutter. My bedroom and closet were messy, and I couldn't find anything I needed - keys, documents, clothes, college stuff, you name it. I felt overwhelmed and stressed. I knew something had to change, so I began my organizing journey.
It started with my closet, as you can see in the 'before & after' photos below, and over time, this transformation rippled through my entire living space.
My cluttered closet before embarking on my organizing journey in 2018.
In the beginning, letting go of my possessions wasn't easy. But as I began to declutter and organize, I experienced a sense of lightness and freedom. It was as if the energy and air in the room had started to flow freely. I came to a profound realization: I didn't need the many possessions I had been clinging to for years, and over time, I transformed my living space into a haven of functionality and calm. What I truly needed was a space that was functional and in harmony with my needs and values.
Ta-da! A beautifully organized closet!
Organizing isn't just about cleaning up your physical space; it's a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, and today, we'll explore the key mindsets I adopted during my journey. If you're considering starting your organizing journey, I encourage you to pay special attention to these mindsets. They will make your journey successful and bring you a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
1. Embrace Purpose Over Possessions
One of the most impactful shifts in my organizing journey was embracing less. I embarked on a mission of letting go, releasing items and styles that no longer resonated with me. Letting go of items that no longer served a purpose or held sentimental value was liberating, and it created space for what mattered and allowed my living space to breathe. Ask yourself, "Does this add value to my life?" "Do I use it?" "Why am I holding on to it?" This shift in mindset transformed how I perceived my belongings. Trust the process, and you'll gradually find it easier to let go of the excess and will notice that you don't need all that stuff you don’t use shoved in your closet.
2. Let Go with Grace
Decluttering can be emotionally challenging. We attach memories and sentiments to our belongings, making it challenging to part with them. However, learning to let go is liberating. I found that saying goodbye to items that no longer served a purpose allowed me to create space for things that truly mattered. It's not about discarding memories; it's about making room for new experiences and fresh beginnings.
3. Big Steps, Big Changes
Embarking on an organizing journey might seem overwhelming at first. Start with one area at a time, a space you use every day, and it will significantly impact your daily life. For me, it began with my closet and bedroom, then the kitchen and pantry, and gradually, I transformed my entire living space. Be patient and trust the process!
4. Prioritize Functionality
An organized space should serve your needs. Arrange your belongings in a way that makes your daily life easier. Store frequently used items within easy reach and less-used higher up or further back. It's about ensuring everything has a place and makes sense to you and everyone who shares the space.
5. Maintenance is Key
Organizing isn't a one-time task; it's an ongoing process. Implementing routines and systems that are accessible to everyone helps maintain an organized space in the long term. Regular maintenance prevents clutter from piling up again and keeps the peace. The more consistent you are, the easier it becomes to maintain the space you've created.
6. Seek Support and Guidance
Don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a professional organizer. Getting organized can be challenging, but having a non-judgmental presence can make it more enjoyable and effective, and you won’t need to work as hard as you think. It's an act of self-care and self-discovery that goes beyond containers and labels, a profound inward exploration to understand ourselves, our values, our needs, and what truly matters.
So, trust the process and take that first step. Embrace and cherish the transformation of your space, and appreciate the joy of a fulfilling and intentional life. You got this!
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PS: If you need help & support on your organizing journey, contact us. We will help you create a space that's easy to maintain and fully customized to your needs.
