Basement Organization! - My First You Tube Video
…and a few thoughts on perfectionism.
I just uploaded my first YouTube video! It is a time-lapse of my basement organization. Throughout 2020, when I had the time and energy, I would duck into my basement and organize. Just as the year wrapped up, this project finally came together.
I’m going to talk a bit about the process, but before I do, a couple things to note:
Empty boxes. You may notice I don’t often show the back left of the space; this is where I store empty boxes. Have you ever suffered from “It’s A Good Box” syndrome? We all do. It’s okay to keep some empty boxes, but there are two things to consider.
First, keep a reasonable amount: Base your amount on how much space the boxes occupy and how valuable that space is to you. For example, perhaps you have 20 empty boxes and you have been wanting a designated workout spot in your home. Perhaps you can cut down to 10 empty boxes in order to have a workout space.
Second, ask yourself how often you need an empty box. Are you moving in two months? Do you wrap large gifts all the time? Cool, keep them. Otherwise, recycle. There are always more boxes available, and they are easy to come by.
Perfectionism. I am a perfectionist. Does that mean I am super productive and type-A? NOPE. Perfectionism is actually quite counterproductive – and a pain in the butt. It often prevents me from starting a project unless the action steps line up perfectly, or finishing a project unless I think the end result will be “just right”. Do I wish every item in my basement was contained in the exact same bin type with beautiful labels? Sure. Was that necessary for this project? Nope. Overcoming this is difficult, but acknowledging that your brain is doing that good ol’ perfectionism thing is helpful. When you realize it’s happening, take a moment to tell yourself it’s okay for things to not be “just right”. I realized this project did not call for this level of precision and my matching-bin wish was motivated by the idea of getting a “perfect” after picture. That’s just silly. I’m so happy with how this came out and the basement looks and feels transformed. Done is better than perfect. That’s what matters.
The organizing process – A general overview.
1. Sort: Take stock of everything you have. Depending on the type of space you are working in, check any tucked-away space, such as drawers and cabinets. Start to sort into general categories.
2. Categorize: Keep grouping similar items and PURGE as you go. (for my purge guide, click here).
a. Purge notes: For a quick mantra, think, “Do I use it (more than 3x a year), need it, or love it?”
b. If you get stuck because the purging is too stressful, it’s okay to let some clutter slip through the cracks. It will be easier to spot unnecessary things in an organized space.
3. Assign a Spot: Start to place the categories in locations where they make sense.
a. Think of how easily accessible they need to be (for example, in-season clothes or everyday vitamins).
b. Think of where they are useful (such as plates by the dishwasher, spices by the stove, makeup near a mirror).
4. Contain: Store the categorized items in a way that they are corralled and visible.
a. If the individual items do not need to be visible, just make sure to label the container (for example, a bins of camping supplies or basket of winter hats).
As always, if you need expertise, support, and/or an extra set of hands, contact or hire a professional!
We’re here for you!