Sometimes just getting started is half the battle….my brother and sister-inlaw have a nice bookcase in their living room that holds books, photos and toys. The problem is that it had gotten over cluttered and was driving them crazy but with two young kids in the house it was just one more thing in their long list of to-dos. Yet everyday there it was, mocking and frustrating them. I knew we could get it done in no time, less than an hour even, I’m pretty sure they thought it would take much longer. This bookcase is a command central of sorts and I knew it would make a big difference for them if it was organized. Since I love tackling small things that make big impact I was more than happy to lend a hand.
I was right, it didn’t take long at all. Afterwards my sister-inlaw said to me “you have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that”. Once we got going things were flying into the purge pile so fast I was having trouble keeping up with them! They did an awesome job! The best part? A couple of days later my sil went out and bought a tote and organized all her son’s craft supplies, something else she’d been wanting to do for awhile. And that my friends is how it goes. Once you see how easy and rewarding it is to tackle one small space, the impact of those results will make you want to do it over and over and over again….until you become an addict like me 🙂
Next up: my sister’s front door closet!
DON’T DELAY, START ORGANIZING TODAY, LITTLE BIT BY LITTLE BIT!!!
Maree says
What a good idea! So easy when you get started. It’s the motivation that is hard to get sometimes!
Great story!
Blessings,
Maree…
Marcia says
That is absolutely true. Just getting started (even for me) is the biggest part of anything 🙂
Organising queen and
Marcia’s take charge blog
Tina says
That’s true! Getting started is the hardest part. Once I start, I’m on a roll 🙂
Tashasc30 says
when i start i cant stop lol
Ladybug says
When are you coming to stay at my house?? LOL
Veg says
No wonder your family doesn’t mind if you come to visit for longer than a weekend! LOL
Melissa @ Breath of Life says
I’m with Ladybug…if you ever want to come visit the mid-Atlantic United States, come on down! I’ve got plenty you can do!
Lorri says
I’ve been de-cluttering my house one little spot at a time. Just thinking about trying to do the whole thing is overwhelming. But I can do the buffet table, a bookshelf, the catch-all corner in just a few minutes at a time. I’ve been keeping track of my progress at my blog: Corners of My Home.
tamara cosby says
Um…I will put you up, feed you and take you to a Nashville Sounds game if you come help me organize my house! 🙂
Jen says
You are right….you will feel better once you start.
carrie says
Great job with the bookshelf! I agree–once I start organizing, I am more motivated to tackle additional projects.
The Estrogen Files says
Whoo Hoo, good for her! I have noticed that it’s catching. One day the stove hood, the next the pantry. Then the spice rack! What will become of me?!
Thirdtimemomma says
Whoot…so Im going to marry into your family..What do you think about polygomy? Hmmm…. (joking)
Thea says
You crack me up. I seriously can see your head banging against a wall if you don’t have a chance to organize.
And that’s why I love you!
Lisa says
What a great job you did and a wonderful blessing you were to your sister.
It was so cute to see in (the before pictures) how the magazine holder was empty. It was sitting there, just begging to be used as a storage solution again, it’s original purpose. And you answered its call.
🙂
Now would you come rescue my medicine cabinet. 🙂
Christian Homekeeper says
Great job!
Rachel says
That looks great! I hate getting started on projects. I spend more time procrastinating doing something than actually doing it. Even when you know that it still seems to take forever to get started.
Faerylandmom says
First of all…I have that same IKEA bookcase…crazy.
2nd of all – it looks amazing! Grats to your SIL, and to you for helping her accomplish something that makes such a difference.
Tricia says
You did a wonderful Job. I love you blogs so much and I am so glad that I am not the only one that is a junkie to organizing.
SAHMmy Says says
We must be on the same wavelength–I posted about nagging projects today! Great job–my bookcase is also set up with the lower shelves as kid-friendly zones!
Ginny says
Wow looks great, I need to tackle my kids book case!
annie says
Getting started is more than half the organizing battle for me!
Rebecca says
Weird, I thought I commented yesterday. Anyway I finally got started on my daughters closet – only a couple small things to do. But now I am inspired to tackle my son’s closet and the rest of the closets as well. Again, if you are ever in need of more to organize you are more than welcome to come over. 🙂
Once Upon a Dream... says
Hey Laura! I tagged you for a meme. Come around and check out mine if you get a chance.
Hugs,
Eden
Erin says
Oh I am so glad I found your blog (via Lily of the field). I am so please to meet someone that loves to organize. We have a lot in common. The biggest being that I too am an organizational freak. I used to own my own organzing company a few years ago. I am a SAHM of 2; 8 &6 and we live in BC! I will definitely be checking in on a regular basis and seeing what great tips you have to offer! Cheers, Erin
Erin says
Oh yeah one more thing in common…not that I’m pleased about it buy my 6 year old son also has life threatening food allergies to peanuts, asthma and eczema. I found your links regarding allergy support groups and I will check them out. I am terrified as my son will be starting grade 1 next week and I am scared about him eating lunch at school. He has his epipen with him too but I am not confident about the teacher administering it. Sorry I am rambling here. It’s just that it is rare to meet someone that understands the seriousness of food allergies. Sometimes it’s a bit isolating. If you have any more food allergy links that you might be able to send my way I would greatly appreciate it. my email address is: erinsoriano(at)shaw(dot)ca
Thanks so much :o)
rob says
wow that looks great. now if only i could do that with my closet!