Sometimes the best solutions start with the right questions. The process originated with the Greek philosopher Socrates who developed a dialog with his students. The dialog begins with a question that leads to the examination of underlying beliefs and is a really effective way to feel confident in the conclusions finally drawn. I find it extremely helpful with the organizing process and use it with clients, but you can even use it when alone, asking and answering the questions for yourself.
In the Socratic method, you Receive the question, Reflect on it, Restate it if necessary, Refine it, and then Repeat until a satisfying conclusion is reached. The first question I always ask when organizing is, “What is your vision for this space?”
Usually, a person has some idea of how they want to use the space, but sometimes things have gotten so jumbled in the home that a significant amount of time needs to be spent reflecting on what a realistic vision might be. Start with a “blue sky,” best-case-scenario, no-holds-barred vision. Keep asking questions (restating) to refine the vision until you feel that tingle of recognition that you have hit on an answer that is both desirable and workable.
Examples of refining questions might be: Who uses the space? What activities are essential to accomplish here?
Once you get the framing questions answered, you can move on to the further refining, detailed questions, such as: What items don’t belong in this space? What storage solutions would be needed to make this vision a reality? What habits will need to change to maintain order in the space?
A lot of the questions will be asked over and over as we get into the decluttering and organizing process. Sometimes the simplest question, “What is it?” will give you the answer of whether an item belongs in the space. If something does not belong, you can put it in a box to relocate later or you can go further, asking, “If not here where?” or “If not here, do I want to donate, sell or toss it?”
Depending on the volume of clutter that doesn’t belong, you can decide whether to deal with each item as it comes up or put it to the side or in a box to deal with later. I err on the side of dealing with everything as it comes up because it prevents overwhelm later and gives you a more finished feeling at the end of the session. It really depends on how much time you are able to dedicate to the organizing project and whether or not you are able to continue the project over several sessions to continue through the whole house.
Curiosity is what makes life interesting and rich. It keeps us feeling young and engaged. When you inhabit a space over a period of time you will continue to change and grow. Circumstances and perspectives change. Keep asking questions to make sure your surroundings reflect your current needs.
Note: You might have noticed that one vowel and one consonant has changed in my byline. I decided to make this year about two things: lightening up (literally and metaphorically) and identity. Changing my name was a big symbolic shift I’ve wanted to make since early 2020. I finally braved the lines at the County Clerk’s office (there were none) and downtown Napa parking (also a phantom problem, go figure) to make it a reality. A couple thousand dollars and copious official documents later, I feel lighter and more “on purpose.” As writer (and inspiration for my new name) Aldous Huxley might say, it’s a Brave New World.