When it comes to organizing, 75 percent of us would rather do anything else.

As you begin a large organizing project, it quickly becomes apparent just how hard it can be to do it on your own. For example, when organizing your garage, having helpers is a big bonus, as you can cut the work in half and turn the project into something fun for everyone. The ideal solution would be to have your family help you — if they are willing. Just keep in mind that more isn’t always merrier. Having people involved that help you and not hamper you is key.

Last week I spoke to young mothers at a Community Outreach group of Queen of the Valley Hospital. One asked, “How do I encourage other members of my family to value organization?” Since our loved ones may not know the effort it takes to get a room organized, it’s best to do things together and to foster a sense of ownership.

To begin with, have a family discussion. You can inform the family of what your intention is and how you’d like to have everyone involved. Initially, talk about the importance of organizing, and the value of organizing the garage from each person’s perspective. It’s important that everyone gets something from it. As a result, everyone will be willing to do the work. You will also be surprised as to how many cool ideas your children will come up with.

You can start the day with a special breakfast, so you are fueled up for the day’s work. I would let the kids pick their snacks beforehand and give everyone a specific duty. For example, Dad can move the heavy boxes down from the shelves, daughter can help go through the boxes, and son can stack the unwanted items outside the garage.

It’s important to have a leader in this process, someone who can keep the ball rolling. When I work with clients, I work ahead of them and then behind them. For some clients who have a hard time with this process, I only ask: “To keep or to toss.”

Open the windows, turn on some music and turn on the lights. Keep it fresh and you’ll find it helps everyone to stay motivated.

By the end of this experience, you will discover your family’s organizing strengths and weaknesses. Voila! You’ve had a great family bonding day and everyone realizes how much effort it takes to keep things organized.

So perhaps the organizing tasks won’t fall on the same person from here on out. Keeping an active home organized requires help from all who live there and working on a project together is great for family esteem and motivation.

Lanna Nakone has been teaching people how to gain mastery over their physical environment since 1998. She is the author of “Organizing for Your Brain Type” and “Every Child Has a Thinking Style.” Her Web site is www.organizedworld.com. She can be reached by e-mail or by calling 524-9896.