Difficulty letting go is one of the recurring themes that I frequently encounter in organizing work with clients. In fact, this is often one of the first steps in the organizing process. You can’t organize if you haven’t gone through the editing phase.

Many clients find it extremely challenging to let go of their physical stuff, places, ideas, unhealthy relationships, items from their to-do lists, or unproductive habits. Of course the challenge with letting go isn’t reserved only for clients. I see this also with family, friends, colleagues, and myself.

The tension between holding on and letting go is part of being human.

I find it interesting, too, that even nature is finding it hard to let go this year. Winter just hasn’t seemed ready to transition. Just this week, what should have been a beautiful spring day was anything but that. I was surprised to wake up to plants covered with snow and cool temperatures to match. Spring wants to arrive, but winter isn’t ready to let go and make room for growth.

Isn’t that what our challenge with letting go is all about? We hold on tightly to what we think we might need or want, even if its value or usefulness has long passed. We hold on because it’s familiar or comfortable, and we hold on because we’re fearful of letting go.

So what makes it so hard to let go? For me, it depends on what. I can easily donate clothes I no longer wear or don’t feel good in. However, books that I’ve read and might want to refer to again, I have a much harder time giving away. I keep papers that need to be saved or archived for tax purposes, but junk mail, magazines, or notes that I’ve attended to, I recycle without hesitation.

I suspect that you are much like me. There are things you can easily let go of and others that prove more challenging. I also recognize that sometimes it’s OK to hold on. We might not be ready yet to let go. However, when we are ready to clear those things and thoughts that are holding us back, it is liberating and energizing.

What is hard for you to let go of? What’s easy? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation.

The most frequently asked question by my organizing clients is,

“Where should we start?”

It’s an excellent question for figuring out the next step. The first step was deciding that getting organized was a priority. Now that you’re ready to begin the organizing process, you’re unsure about where to begin. I’ll share some ideas that my clients have found useful.

If you take away nothing else, remember . . . there is no wrong place to start.

To figure out where-to-start, ask more questions.

Are you organizing single, confined areas like closets and drawers?

• If so, have you cleared time in your schedule to complete an entire single project?

• Or, will you need multiple time blocks to complete one single area?

• Base your where-to-start decision on the time component and scheduling the time you need to complete a single spot.

Are you organizing multiple areas, as in many rooms or every room in your home?

Time and scheduling are also part of these multi-phased projects. Also, choosing where-to-start requires asking additional questions because there are so many options. Again, remember that there is no wrong place to start.

Here are some questions consider:

• Which room would be most helpful to organize first?

• Is it the area you spend the most time in?

• Is it the room that’s easiest to organize because it’s almost done?

• Is it the room that’s causing you the most angst?

• Is it the room you know what to do, but just need the time to do it?

• Is it the area that will have the biggest, positive effect on your daily living?

• Is it the one that you feel like organizing today?

• Is it the area that you have the mental and physical energy to work on today?

Some spaces are more emotionally draining than others. Papers, for instance, take a lot longer to process, and decision-fatigue can set in quickly. Clothing closets and drawers are usually faster, and results are realized more easily. Of course, this varies by person. Some of you many love organizing papers and detest closet organizing.

Once you’re in a room, more where-to-start questions arise. They include:

• Do you want to edit the floor first so you can move around more easily?

• Do you want to edit the surfaces (counters, chairs, shelves) first to notice the visual change more quickly?

• Do you want to edit the closets and drawers first to make space for things that don't have any place to be stored?

• Do you want to work in a zigzag pattern or move methodically from one end of the room to another?

• Do you want to edit the biggest, bulkiest items first to make more space?

• Do you want to remove the items to discard first?

Guess what? You know what I’m going to say, right? There is no wrong place to start.

The questions are useful so that you can define your parameters and figure out where to begin. Remember, there are no wrong answers.

I’ve given you a few questions to get you started. What other questions are useful for figuring out where to start organizing? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join our conversation!

Recently I was at the doctor’s office for an annual visit. On the wall was a sign with a series of suggested questions to ask the doctor during your appointment. Two in particular caught my attention since they related to this month’s theme, next step. While the questions were intended for a different purpose, I think you’ll find them useful for a variety of situations.

I’ve modified the language slightly to help focus your responses. When you’re stuck and feeling challenged with moving forward, ask yourself the following:

What is my next step?

Why is it important?

Pausing to question what will be next is useful in all situations. Adding the second question, that qualifying “why,” can add motivation and purpose to your action.

Some possible examples of what next and why important are-

• Look at my to do list so that I can stay focused for the day.

• Call doctor’s office to make an appointment because my health is a priority.

• Organize my desk to provide physical and mental clarity needed to begin my new project.

• Prepare meeting agenda so that I’ll be able to effectively run the meeting.

• Work on the next phase of my project so it I can complete it on schedule.

• Make a coffee date with my friend to nurture our relationship.

• Begin my bedtime routine so that I’ll be alert and more productive tomorrow.

• Write this blog post to stimulate an engaging, lively conversation.

I’m sure you can think of many more what and whys. I’d love to hear how these questions could work for you. Share your thoughts with us. What is your next step? Why is it important?

Are you in the process of working towards your organizing or other goals? I admire the determination and openness my clients have as they pursue theirs. Getting organized is a process, which is complex and often lengthy. Goals, habits, and perspectives change as progress is made. Goals often seem so overwhelming in their enormity and so far away, that we can get discouraged. However, like with all things, if we put one foot in front of the other, taking that next step, eventually we’ll get there.

The other day when I was organizing with one of my long-term clients, she said something that was so brilliant. I had to acknowledge and capture her thought. She gave me permission to share it with you. She said,

“More of my life is where it belongs.”

Think about that one. In the process of getting organized, things are almost never where they belong. Our possessions, our thoughts, our habits, and our choices can be radically out of alignment with our values and dreams. It’s spectacular that my client realized this positive progress after she’s been working consistently on these issues.

If you’re feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, or like you’ll never “get there,” know there’s hope. Know there is calm after the chaos. Know that it’s possible to have your life how you’d like it to be.

Just take that next step. Take another. Keep choosing “next.” You will get there.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. What next step will bring you closer to feeling your life is “where it belongs?” Come join the conversation.