Tips for Tackling a Large Project
I recently finished the gargantuan task of organizing the crawl space in our family home. Since we moved in almost two years ago, it became a dumping ground for a whole lotta stuff we no longer used and a whole lotta stuff that was better stored elsewhere. Even for me, this project seemed overwhelming and never ending! Explore my top tips below for tackling the large project you have been casting aside.
Our crawl space before - crowded, cluttered and totally overhwelming!
Tip 1: Work in Sections
For large projects there is often no physical way you can complete it in a few hours, or even a few days. Each time you set aside to work on your project, devote that time to a particular area or type of item. For example, with our space I tackled clothing storage one day, document storage another day, etc.
Tip 2: Get Creative
Think outside of the bin when it comes to storing a large quantity and variety of items. We had a lot of baby gear we were storing, so rather than just boxing them up I used Command hooks to hang them. Never underestimate the power of vertical space! Also have fun with your space! I found a lot of art my husband and I used to display in our old apartment, or art my daughter has made at birthday parties, and took some trusty Command strips and hung them up! Why shouldn’t our storage space be cheery like other rooms in the home?
Tip 3: Don’t Rush the Tough Decisions
Our crawl space has a lot of items that hold a lot of sentimental value to us. Old baby clothes, personal mementos, old decor items or books that bring back happy memories. Rather than rush your decision to store or donate items, large projects offer you the gift of time so take advantage of it! I had a continuous pile of items I planned to donate, but I would not remove them from the home until later on in the project. Many items remained set aside, but there were a few items we just decided we weren’t ready to say goodbye to yet.
Tip 4: Function for Now, and Later
When tackling a space like a crawl space which houses a large amount and variety of items you may not need everyday remember the F word - function! This space is yes, supposed to be organized, but just as importantly it has to be functional for your family today, tomorrow, and next year. We took a lot of everyday items that were stored in the crawl space such as paper towels and toilet paper, and moved them elsewhere as grabbing them in a pinch was not convenient. We used to have gift wrap in the crawl space but cards in another - we consolidated those items to make it a one stop shop.
Also - set up your space for future reconfigurations! For example, with our large bins that house clothing, I always label one short side and one long side. That way, if I have to move them down the road and they face a different way I won’t have to relabel countless bins. And when using vacuum bags, place a post it or index card inside labeled with its contents - nothing is worse than guessing what a smooshed up vacuum bag contains only to have to then reseal it!
Tip 5: Be Kind to Yourself
I started this project back in June, and planned to finish it before Labor Day when the back to school madness started. Well, life happens, and here we are about three weeks after that. Did I love staring at donate piles and bins on my basement floor, knowing I didn’t have the time to devote to them? Nope! Did I love not meeting an imaginary deadline I imposed on myself? Hell nope! But, I took the time that I had that was quiet and quality and chipped away little by little and am so happy with the end result. Never work at a pace that is anything but suitable to you and your lifestyle.
After: a crawl space that is functional, spacious and calming!