136 - Tackling "The Mess"

Today on the Scale Your Small Business Podcast, we’re diving into something we all deal with but somehow always want to ignore: our messes. That big pile of everything sitting in the corner of your room that you walk by every day is certainly daunting, but Jill is going to break down how she tackles “Monica’s Closet.”   First thing’s first: get rid of any trash. Coffee cups, wrappers, or even old paperwork that you know you don’t need to have on hand anymore. Get the easy stuff out of the way so you can dive into organizing what needs to stay.    Next, you need something to put everything in. Do your best to stay consistent with your drawers, bins, or baskets, and don’t be shy when you buy them. Anything extra will definitely find a use.    Now that you have your storage in place for things, take it one thing at a time. There’s a good chance this pile has been overwhelming and the idea of tackling it seems scary, but when you are able to only focus on one thing, the pile starts to melt away.    Have a designation for your bins to keep you focused. Technology, binders, and other categories of things will help you stay on top of it. Make sure to label, though, so you’re able to replicate the process!   When you’re making your categories of bins, do what makes sense for you. For some, one ‘binder’ drawer is enough. For others, they may have 10 different kinds of binders that they need to have access to.    Consider the space you’re in and think about if going vertical makes sense. Stacking bins is a great way to save space. Alternatively, if you have a flexible space, wheels on a shelving unit can help make space where you need it.    Key Takeaways   Do your best to stay consistent with your drawers, bins, or baskets, and don’t be shy when you buy them. Anything extra will definitely find a use.    Have a designation for your bins to keep you focused. Make sure to label, though, so you’re able to replicate the process!   When you’re making your categories of bins, do what makes sense for you.   Consider the space you’re in and think about if going vertical makes sense.