Vision?
What could that possibly have to do with something as practical and hands-on as getting your home organized?
Well, it turns out, quite a bit!
When I first meet with a prospective client, one of my very first questions is “What is your VISION for this space, this room, your home? A lack of clarity about the vision for the space will make it very difficult to plan and execute the organizing project.
In this day and age where we are bombarded with so many beautiful images of perfectly organized bookshelves, impeccably designed living rooms and hand crafted kids lunches (bento box style), it’s easy for us to get caught up in thinking that’s the ideal…that’s what we should all be striving for.
Reality?
We all know that those staged pictures rarely reflect reality! Reality looks more like kids toys all over the place, piles of paper work on the kitchen counter and (occasionally) rotting food in the fridge…oh, is that just me?
So here’s my question for YOU.
What does having an organized home look like to you? Yes, you! That’s all that matters here. You don’t need to compare yourself to the perfection you see on Instagram or your favourite Pinterest Board.. This is only about what you and your family need in order to function happily and efficiently in your home.
Some people can tolerate, and in fact love, being surrounded by lots of momentos and personal belongings. They feel cozy in their home and the ‘stuff’ doesn’t register as clutter. Others want the walls, counters and shelves as clear as possible. They breathe more deeply when they see lots of space!
Where are you on this continuum? Are you determined to keep every countertop clear or are you okay with a little catch-all basket, or even a couple of planned piles? Does your clothing have to be colour coded to help you achieve bliss or are you okay as long as everything in your closet fits and doesn’t have holes? We’re all different and that’s a beautiful thing!
Embrace You! Really think about what you love, what you need to maintain a peaceful existence in your home. You’ll also want to challenge yourself to be realistic. If you have 2 toddlers running around, don’t set yourself up for failure by demanding that toys shall never enter your beautiful living room! This is the fun part of organizing…and should happen before you even start…write it down, post it, find pictures of inspiring homes you’d like to emulate. Never make it about perfection though…you’re better (and more real) than that!
With each of my clients, I always ask how they want to feel in their home? In my mind, the space in which we reside is like another family member. It has a role. Do you notice that? It can either make your life and daily tasks run smoothly or it can trip you up at every turn! Also, like many teenagers, it can be moody and is rarely in the same state 2 days in a row. Consider how you want to feel when you enter your front door at the end of a long day? How do you want to feel when you enter your bedroom after finally tucking your overtired and grumpy kids into bed?
When our homes become cluttered and out of control, it’s so easy to forget that we are in control of our space…even though it’s ‘bossing us around’. The first step to taking back control is to decide what your dream is for your home, what level of order you need to feel at peace, and how you want to feel when you’re at home.
Also, before starting your organizing project, you might find it really helpful to create a mantra which reflects your vision for your space. Print it off, make it pretty, post in on your fridge or somewhere visible to help you stay on track and stay inspired!
A recent one? “I want my home to feel like a luxurious hotel suite so that when I walk in I feel like I’m on vacation”. Nice!!
1) What’s your Vision for your Home?
2) What level of order do you need in your home?
3) How do you want to FEEL in your home?
