Outline of Julie Morgenstein's "Organizing From The Inside Out"

Analyze

    What's working? Save yourself effort by leaving what works.

    What's not? Whine! Be comprehensive.

    What items are most essential? Big-picture goals. What would you save from a fire?

    Why do you want to organize? Pull out this list when you don't feel like organizing.

    What's causing the problems?

        Technical errors e.g. things don't have a home; things are inconveniently located

        External realities e.g. career change

        Psychological obstacles e.g. sentimental attachment, perfectionism



Strategize (1 hour)

    Kindergarten model: activity zones and fun homes for things

        Define zones (3-5 per room)

        Choose zone locations

        Move furniture

    Estimate time (usually 2 days per room)



Attack

    Sort: do what's visible first; don't purge yet

    Purge

    Assign homes for stuff

    Containerize: aesthetics, manageability, size.  Label containers

    Equalize: daily cleanup; periodic tune-ups