Organization Resources

This book by David Allen is THE number one recommendation I can make to you.  It is the basis of most of my coaching and has transformed my life

​This is the list of items I ask clients to acquire before our fist coaching session

How to get started on your own

How to get started decluttering

While Bower Bird decluttering sessions are usually focused on home organization, I also declutter classrooms, offices, and even on the farm. No matter what you are decluttering, the basic process is always the same. ​

​1) Where to Begin?​

I suggest starting in the place that will bring you the most joy/satisfaction to have under control but if you have time limitations a small space can be an excellent starting point as well. Common starting projects include:
  • Kitchen organization
  • Closet organization
  • Bedroom organization
  • Play area organization​ 

2) Envision your perfect outcome

What would this look like as your dream space? What functions must it serve? If you could have it look, feel, and function with no limitations, what would that look like? What obstacles you are dealing with?  

​Jot it all down!

3) Make a plan

Set some goals and make up rules (don't worry, rules are made to be broken!) Define what your ideal space will be.  Then, acknowledging the constraints you are working with, make a plan to get as close to your dream space as you can. 
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4) 'Sweep' the area clear

Get all the clutter off the ground and the surfaces so that you can actually sweep it with a broom. 

Where will this clutter go? In a PILE! The pile can be in a designated corner, a box, or a bag (for some of my clients it's an entire room).  But everything that doesn't have a perfect home (that it can get to within 30 seconds) goes to the PILE.  This is where most folks get sidetracked - remember: this is not a time for thinking, this is a time of action!  Sweet it clear!!
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5) Get creative / try stuff!

I love building mockups before purchasing anything - think you want shelves there? try cardboard boxes!  Hooks might be the thing? - hang your items on pushpins for a minute and see how it looks!
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Have fun!

6) Deal with the PILE...

This is the trickiest part!  You have what was once clutter in a pile and your dream space is laid out. Now you will need to deal with the pile ONE item at a TIME (in productivity jargon we call this your InBox).  Your pile doesn't need to be gone through all at once - Whenever you have some free time.  Put the timer on for however long you think you can handle (2o minute sessions are my personal favorite) and take an item out.  Ask yourself what is it? Where should it live? Now, find it a functional and beautiful home.  Repeat until your pile is gone.


​Tip of the Week

Find YOUR perfect upstairs-downstairs basket!  This one fits my needs: it looks good, can be carried with one hand, and isn't too deep (I won't build up too much clutter before dealing with it)