The 4 S Approach
My 4 "S" methodology to organizing is my tried and true approach, resulting in organized solutions that are both maintainable and sustainable.
Don't be fooled: organization is not the same as neatness. Organization provides a method for making the process of straightening up and maintaining order easier, quicker and more satisfying. If you feel as if you're constantly tidying up and fighting an up hill battle of keeping your home in order, then you simply do not have an organization system in place that works for you and your family. Want the good news? It's fixable!! AND it's not nearly as hard as you may think it is. Honest.
An organized system is not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. It needs to be designed and tailored to specifically work for a particular family and space, otherwise the system - regardless of how pretty it may appear or how Instagram-worthy it may initially look - will ultimately break down, allowing chaos, confusion and frustration to return. My 4 "S" methodology is a full circle approach that begins with an initial needs assessment and concludes with an evaluation of the implemented system, ultimately culminating in an organized space that stands the test of time.
Outlined below are the specifics for each of the 4 S's:
Don't be fooled: organization is not the same as neatness. Organization provides a method for making the process of straightening up and maintaining order easier, quicker and more satisfying. If you feel as if you're constantly tidying up and fighting an up hill battle of keeping your home in order, then you simply do not have an organization system in place that works for you and your family. Want the good news? It's fixable!! AND it's not nearly as hard as you may think it is. Honest.
An organized system is not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. It needs to be designed and tailored to specifically work for a particular family and space, otherwise the system - regardless of how pretty it may appear or how Instagram-worthy it may initially look - will ultimately break down, allowing chaos, confusion and frustration to return. My 4 "S" methodology is a full circle approach that begins with an initial needs assessment and concludes with an evaluation of the implemented system, ultimately culminating in an organized space that stands the test of time.
Outlined below are the specifics for each of the 4 S's:
Strategize |
This step begins with an Initial Needs Assessment, which involves an analysis of the current space. Together, we will determine what is and isn't working and identify your goals. From there we will come up with a strategic plan for creating an organized system.
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Sort |
This crucial, hands-on phase requires that each item in the space be evaluated and placed in one of 5 categories:
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Store |
This is where the real fun begins! This phase involves placing items in suitable containers and applying not only visually pleasing but ultra functional labels. When everything has a place, it's easy to put things back where they belong and to quickly find whatever it is you're looking for. And while the labels may not seem entirely necessary, they are often the glue for holding the new organizational system in place. They provide the finishing touch and serve as the instructions for how to maintain and sustain your space.
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Sustain |
The final phase is the true test of a successful organization system. Does the solution stand the test of time? Is it sustainable and maintainable? Does it hold up to the typical wear and tear of a busy household? If not, then we need to make the necessary adjustments to the system so that the answers to all of these questions are a resounding YES!
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So that's it! Easy, right!?! No need to feel overwhelmed. Stop spinning your wheels, fretting over the chaos - it's an unnecessary waste of time and energy. Together, we can tackle whatever isn't working in your space and create organized systems that provide a sense of order and calm to your busy life. Let's do this!!