Organizing as an Artistic Medium

I was recently working on some organizing projects in a writer's home, and before we started I explained to her that the process would be a creative endeavor. I do not know all of the answers right when we start... I have to wade into the project and get my hands in the "stuff" before I know what all of the answers will be. 

She was intrigued about the idea of organizing as a creative effort, and I realized that I had never discussed this before on my blog. I imagine that people think Professional Organizers just walk into a room and know exactly what to do, and to some degree that is true. We definitely have a process, and there are tried and true methods we use to achieve the desired effects and facilitate the decision-making that's required. But there is definitely an organic synthesis that happens when you're in the middle of the worst of the mess-- when you finally gain visibility to everything that is needed in the room and are unraveling the knot. It's problem-solving, pure and simple, and it's a creative act. 

It's like solving a lifesize jigsaw puzzle. That's not going to fit? OK, Plan B. We need space for a rock collection? OK, let's move something else out. The product we bought is not going to work? OK, we'll do this instead. 

I want everyone to understand that YOU have this ability. You solve problems every day! Apply those same problem-solving skills to your projects, and don't be afraid to wade in. Yes, we as professionals have more experience to draw from, and we have more knowledge of the products and options available... and that is the value people get from hiring us. The content in our site's tutorials and articles teaches you the methods and approaches we use, but the problem-solving process is still done organically and in-the-moment, no matter what. 

Once you've sorted everything out and are looking at what you've got to put away, don't feel like you have to have all of the answers-- get comfortable with the chaos and let it speak to you. Here are some questions to ask in the eye of the storm:

• Who is using this stuff exactly? Have I accounted for everyone's needs?
• What themes are emerging? What are some common threads I can pull on a little?
• Are there bottlenecks or hiccups in the existing systems?
• What needs and functions have been uncovered that I didn't expect? 
• Where is a place that may be more appropriate for these items?
• When and how will I use these items? (Our members will recognize this as a time to think about A-B-C-D prioritizing of your stuff.)
• What containers or storage solutions can make it easiest for me to use these and maintain the space too?
• Why? Why? and Why? Keep asking why things are the way they are until you get to the root.
• What are other ways I could use my furniture in this room or another room? Can I paint something, move something, or turn something upside down or sideways to make it work?

And remember, it's not about making it perfect, it's about making it "Good Enough" to work for your family and the time and money you want to invest. Just do it...

Artists who seek perfection in everything are those who cannot attain it in anything. 

-Eugene Delacroix (1798 - 1863) 

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Comments

[Paula Harvey]

This is such a great way to look at organizing, as a creative process. The questions you ask can apply to organizing your life as well. Another thing that I like to do is to imagine what it would feel like in the space after it is all organized. That helps inspire me to take action.

Thanks
Paula Harvey
Life Transition Coach and
Certified Passion Test Facilitator

[Genny Esterline]

I like the making it "good enough". I just interviewed a new author today that talked about how striving for perfection can delay action and then clutter the mind. What a concept. Just make it good enough!

[Kim Oser]

As a child, I loved jigsaw puzzles. These days in my 'free time', I complete them online. Even online I sort them by end pieces and middle pieces. The sort again by colors, etc. Never did I think that my skill in jigsaw puzzles would be key in a future career.

The jigsaw puzzle analogy tends to put clients as ease.

I take the analogy a step further. There are some organizing projects that are like the puzzle which is missing a piece. Although it may be a little more challenging, you can still complete it. It may not be perfect, still good enough to see the big picture.

Thanks Lorie-

Kim Oser, Certified Professional Organizer
Put It Away!

[Monica Ricci]

Lorie, what an excellent post. I have long agreed with you. Organizing is indeed a puzzle and it takes a balanced mind -- left and right side -- to create smart, effective, sustainable solutions for our clients. Great post!
~Monica

[Allison Carter]

I have always felt like what we do as organizers is even more than just problem solving and putting a puzzle together. I have been an artist-wanna-be since I was three. When I began my organizing career I quickly saw that I was creating in space what I used to create on canvas or with clay. I'm bringing design and beauty into a room as if drawing and painting and editing a work of art.

Art it is.

The other reason I define organizing as an artistic pursuit is because like art, there no one right answer. A puzzle however does have an exact answer. I like to think there are many ways to solve the same organizational problems.

-- allison

[Ariane Benefit]

Right on Sister! I always help my clients see organizing as creative problem-solving..AND help them to see it as a Stress Reliever...

Once you know how to do something, you begin to trust yourself...your confidence grows...and you relax more.

Great Article Lori!

[Jennifer Hunter]

I am a professional organizer AND a collage artist, and I find that there is a ton of crossover. The best of it comes when I make collages from my clients' castoff magazines. :-)