Organizing itself is actually the easy and fun part, at least for me. It’s decluttering your space that takes focus and energy. Learning how to go from where to start, to the fun part of decorating, takes time. But, it’s also a very doable process.

Think of organizing like painting a piece of furniture. If you simply slap on a coat of paint, without taking the time to do the prep work, it will not turn out as well as you would have hoped. If you take the time to clean the furniture, sand it, clean it again, and apply a few coats and a finishing product, you will have a piece of furniture that looks brand new.

Decluttering is no different. If you stuff your drawers and closets full in an effort to “get organized” you will be doing yourself a disservice. Sooner or later, you will be searching for something you need, but cannot find within the clutter. If you take the time to declutter first, plus find homes for the things that remain, the next time you need something you will know where it is and have easy access to it.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to declutter without letting go of things. If you continue to hold onto everything you own (while acquiring more daily) you’ll never get out from under the clutter. You have to decide what serves a purpose in your life and what doesn’t. If disorganization has been an issue for you, wouldn’t you think it would take a little time and effort to learn a different way?

Learning how to release things more freely and more often is a skill that is developed over time. It doesn’t happen overnight and it takes effort. If you truly want to learn how to get organized, you are going to have to stretch and become uncomfortable because that is what growing as a person takes. It’s not easy, but it is rewarding.

Learning to become organized is a process that will take time, focus, and effort. Just like losing weight or paying down debt. It is possible to get organized and stay that way, but you have to be willing to change your mindset and how you interact with your possessions. Learning to let go of the emotional attachments or the feeling of loss (because you paid so much for something, or someone you love gave it to you) will take time and practice. But if you continue to do it you will see your home become more organized.