I was at the BC Home and Garden Show last month among the throngs of do-it-yourselfers and idea-starved renovators. It occurred to me that these shoppers, similar to many of my clients, are hunting for a solution to their organizing problems. It could be a messy garage, a cluttered office, or lack of storage space for files and archival information. Many people go out hunting for a pretty solution to their problems. They scan catalogues that come through the mail slot and salivate over the ‘reveals’ seen on TV make-over shows.

Stop! — I say! Before you waste your time and money on another inappropriate organizing solution. Be aware that pretty is not necessarily practical nor functional. First, look at what you have and take inventory of your possessions and processes.

The solution to organizing problems does not always come with buying more products. How many containers have your purchased that are still in their shopping bags? Do you still have shelving that is still in boxes and still not assembled?

Until you know what you have, how much you have, and how frequently you need to access it, you can not make an informed decision about what products to buy. You may end up wasting your time and money buying a product that does not fit your needs.

First, concentrate on taking inventory of what you have. In doing so, you will clear out and streamline your possessions and your processes. I take individuals through the five-step process, S.P.A.C.E.* to develop a system to get organized and stay organized.

If you are looking for assistance and advice on choosing the best organizational products for your home or office, contact our Out of Chaos team.

*The S.P.A.C.E. process was originally developed by Julie Morgenstern in her book Organizing from the Inside Out.