Tripping over objects and having difficulty finding stuff can be troublesome. Organizing the place can help, but some people lack time. Others may hate the idea. After all, sorting and making decisions on everything takes a lot of mental energy, and this can make us physically exhausted. But, as I always tell my clients, it is like a muscle, the more you do it, the easier it gets.
The process does not have to be a burden. There are plenty of ways people can stay organized. Here are seven tips to help you get started.
1. Start Small
You might have a lot of stuff to sort through, which makes organizing painfully overwhelming. The first tip is to start small. You do not need to take care of everything right away. Instead, you should begin with one area at a time.
You can pick a single room in your home, closet, or even just one drawer. By breaking it down into smaller chunks, it will feel less overwhelming and in the end, you are one step closer to a clutter-free home!
2. Do Quick Tasks First
It may seem like there is a lot to go over and not enough time to finish going through it all. You may feel like it’s just easier to put the task aside, but in the end, putting things off may add more stress in the long run.
Focus on tasks that require little time to do. A rule of thumb you can use is to complete any task that takes less than two minutes. Examples include putting shoes away and placing keys in a convenient place.
Grab a laundry basket and do a quick sweep over the room, putting everything that doesn’t belong in that particular space in the basket. By removing the unnecessary clutter, this will help you concentrate and give you more time to focus on the important matters when you have more time.
3. Get Products That Help You Organize
Once you have gotten rid of everything you don’t need, use, or want anymore, consider using some organizing products. At POSH Organizing we use a lot of clear acrylic bins and drawer organizers to help create systems of where things go. It makes putting away things easy and consistent.
You aren’t just shoving an item in a cabinet or drawer, it has a home. Bins help people see what they have and what they may need. It’s an investment, but over the long run, it will save you so much time and energy keeping things organized.
4. Set Realistic Goals
A person does not have to organize everything perfectly. Unrealistic expectations can backfire and can make the process feel pointless. Getting organized, it’s not a one-size-fits-all. Systems should be created that embrace how you think and categorize. Setting realistic goals and being consistent will help create the habit of keeping items where they belong.
5. Decide What to Get Rid of
It is easy to collect items until you have a pile on the desk. Consider what you can do without. Can you donate the item? Some things may have a lot of emotional value. Perhaps they can be placed on a shelf or in a display cabinet. The home will feel more spacious as a result.
Alternatively, you might have unnecessary files on your computer or an inbox filled with unread emails. One of the things you can do is set aside 15 minutes a day on your calendar to go through them bit by bit. Before you know it, your digital clutter will be gone!
6. Make a To-Do List
A to-do list lets you plan what to organize and helps you stay on track. It is a great visual of the progress you have made so far and helps you stay motivated with each task you mark off. The list can be a physical one that you hang on the wall or fridge or a digital one that is available on our smartphones. Choose the one that works best for you.
7. Forgive Yourself After a Slip-up
While you get into the habit of organizing things, you may slide backward occasionally. The space you’ve already organized might get a bit cluttered again. Slip-ups happen, that’s life! Don’t be too hard on yourself because that can lead to feeling demotivated and asking yourself what is the point in even trying anymore. It’s a new day, so just pick up where you left off and get back on track!
One Step at a Time
Organizing the home can feel like a challenge. However, adopting new habits can make chores easier to do. Your home will feel more spacious, and you will know where everything is. There are plenty of more tips that can help you stay organized.
If this process feels too overwhelming for you, or you just don’t have the time, POSH Organizing can work with you and help you declutter and organize your home with systems that fit your style. We work as a team, so this gets done quickly and allows you to start living your best life!
