Project management is a huge part of my work, but when it comes to my home, which is filled with half-finished (or barely even started) to-dos, my track record is less-than-stellar. This year I'm resolved to tackle home projects in an organized and efficient way, the same as I would approach my job. Here's my plan:
• Prioritize: It's easier for some people than others, but making home projects a priority in your life is the first step toward actually getting them done. I, for one, will often put work, family, even doing nothing ahead of working on my house. I am constantly reminding myself that even though it isn't obvious, getting things organized at home keeps me out of a mental state of frenzy that messy, half-finished projects cause. And that makes pretty much every other part of my life a whole lot easier.
• Make a List: Step one in managing projects is making a list of what needs to be done. Writing it all down will obviously keep you from forgetting, but will also help visualize the scope of the work.
• Break it Down: If the list starts getting so long that it borders on overwhelming, break it up into smaller, prioritized lists — “Things to Get Done in the Next 3 Months,” “...Next 6 Months,” “When We Finally Get the Money,” etc. Also break down large projects into individual tasks, the smaller the better.
• Create Milestones: For me, this is the essential step in keeping a project from languishing and moving it forward. Look at each task and think about how much time it will take, whip out your calendar and schedule it. Think about what works best for you — schedule one thing a week or set up times specifically for getting certain jobs done (i.e. 1 hour for sorting though clothes for goodwill). Scheduling helps me figure out exactly what I should be doing and when, so I can focus on the task at hand instead of worrying about all the other things that need to get done. Milestones can always be adjusted along the way if you start getting behind (or ahead!).
• Start: The hardest part of any project is always getting started … or getting started again. Often just getting up and going will provide a ton of positive momentum — momentum that sitting around and thinking too much about it will totally erase.
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This is great, I especially like giving each project a timeline priority. This could really help me out, thanks!
I'm in that state where the mess associated with half-completed projects is literally driving me into a mini-frenzy. Problem is, hubby insists on DIY for everything, even if it'd occasionally be far more efficient to Just Get the Darned Thing Done. And sadly, I'm not talented at the electrical or ductwork stuff, as he is. Grr...
I'm sure this has been a complaint since the time of Neanderthal Woman. lol
This article came just in time. A few minutes ago I sat down at the computer to take a "break" from cleaning out the disaster area I call my walk-in closet.
I guess I'll log out now and go finish what I was doing...
I would add that when you create the list, consider arranging the list not so much by importance, but by ease of completion and/or time involved, ranking the easiest projects first. Completing easy, quick projects first builds the interest and momentum to tackle the bigger projects. Also avoid scheduling projects during time periods when your interest in completing them will be low. For example, if you like spending time at the beach in Summer, don't schedule projects on your list between June and September. If you do, make it a rainy day project.
The timeline for any task is as follows- think of how long it will probably take to finish, then double that figure!
I redid my study last year just before going back to work after a year off to have our child (yes, we're lucky that way in Quebec). Problem is, the darned thing was never finished and the half-forgotten knick-knacks that were meant to be put away in the new cabinets are still languishing on the old bookshelves that are meant to go down into the basement. This is part of my New Year's projects: get help (even if you have to pay for it) and get it done. Amen.
In my art studio, I try to have more than one painting going at a time so that I can move on to one when the drying process is needed on the other. It's the same with tasks...I group the errands like grocery shopping and post office with places that are near each other and make just one quick trip. I live by the list!
If you have a project to finish that involves sorting through boxes of stuff: get an acquaintance -- or hire someone -- to help you. Even if you think you don't need professional help, having someone there to help you sort through things is a great way to get some outside perspective on how to organize, and question whether to keep it or toss it. Just make sure it's not your husband/wife or a long-time friend, because you might end up in even worse shape as you dredge up old photos, trinkets and such and spend hours looking through photo books instead of working on your project.
The other value of hiring someone: it makes you set a time and keep an appointment to work on it.
My living room floor looks exactly like this right now! hahaha. Sigh.
I cannot emphasize enough the value of No. 5 "Start". In fact it was the first thing I thought of before I saw it on your list. I often remind myself that unless I start, I'm guaranteed not to finish. Also, even if you only do a little bit, that bit won't need to be done later and often times you'll get some momentum going.
Lists are also great. Keeps you focused and if you have things broken down to small specific tasks it's a good way to see you progress and keep you moving forward.
I haven't used a planner in years, but I think it's about time I invested in getting one again. I have so many projects going on at once, which makes it hard to let your home grow organically without it looking like a sty. There really is nothing more rewarding than coming home to an apartment that doesn't look like it has been ransacked!
(i.e., that's always how my home looks. lol)
I've found it really helpful to commit to spend 15 min on a project that's looming like a black cloud (or will/could) and I set an online timer. It reassures me I won't be lost forever in it, and I'm almost always surprised how much I can accomplish and how much better I feel for digging in a bit. It also reinforces a little more eagerness for the next 15 min session...