This topic may have been previously discussed and if that's the case, kindly accept my apology. I am organizationally challenged and not sure why. My mother & grandmother were teachers and organized beyond belief so I'm confident they got the lion's share of organizational DNA which explains my deficiency. My home and sewing area aren't nearly as bad as some pix I've seen but, nonetheless, I sometimes buy items and fabrics in duplicate because I can't find the original. I've decided it's time to tackle the sewing room but, the thought of it overwhelms me. I've read lots of articles and agree it's best to try and take it in 20-25 increments. Any other suggestions or lessons learned out there?

When over whelmed, I have a rule of "3".. Just take care of 3 items each day. Often times when I do this more than 3 things get taken care of amd if not, then at least 3 things are put away..

Start in a small area, take a break, have a cuppa, then consider doing more. It will happen, just keep moving forward~ :)

i store my fabrics in stackable plastic drawers. i can see what's inside, but they don't get dusty or faded from the light.

the drawers are fairly inexpensive and available at most discount department stores.

i try to organize by color. i usually mess up my own system when i shop my stash and so i "have to" reorganize a few times a year. i don't mind because i rediscover all sorts of things. :-)

i love the 3 rule that is great

messes can be overwhelming especially if you think you have to get it all done now before you can do anything else. When getting my boys to clean their out of control room I set the timer for 15 minutes each day. That worked really well for them. As for not being able to find fabrics for planned projects have you tried to put them in extra large zip lock bags? If you have a pattern planned for fabric make sure you put that with it and anything else you have planned. Put this bag into a basket or tote for planned projects. Good luck.

There are lots of ways to do it but remember the golden rule. You cannot organize too much stuff. Sometimes a purge is necessary.

Try not to get side-tracked: oh peek in this book , fondle this material, set aside this..thats my three for the day!!!Take pics before, during and after to inspire the rest of us

I am so different from most of you!!! When I decide something needs to be purged or organized, it all comes out of the closet/cupboard/hiding place. I put it on a bed/floor/whatever. This lets me see how much I have and I can decide on the best method of organizing. If it isn't all out of the way, there isn't room to start putting it back on shelves or in totes. I label my shelves/totes and then start putting things back. Nothing goes back in until I know that it is the place where it needs to stay. I get so excited about how it is coming together that I don't mind the bed or floor being piled high while I am getting it done. Just me I guess!!!!

This is one topic that needs to be repeated so I thank you for bringing it up!!!
I'm just like you- probably much worse. I'm a total scatter-brained person.
My main problem is starting out and then getting side-tracked.
I tore my sewing room apart in November and it still isn't finished!! But the good thing I did was stuff bags full of fabric to sort while watching TV- I gifted a lot of it, sorted through, reorganized my shelves.
I have plenty of space but then Thanksgiving, Christmas, now my Mom's surgery got me side-tracked. Now those are legitimate reasons but I have way more that are just dumb.

Again, thanks for the post. I may learn something new. There are always good tips here :D:D