I had another blog topic in queue for today, but felt compelled to switch gears – to write about the people side of what it takes to achieve and/or maintain organized spaces.
I’ve often said that an organizing project is typically a decluttering project first. THEN, it’s an organizing project. To expand on this a bit, I believe that organization is equal parts environmental (space/systems) and behavioral (habits/discipline). It’s certainly imperative for everything to have a home, and to have functional systems in place. Yet, equally important is adopting behaviors and habits that….well, take some effort.
I want every client to enjoy long term success with their organization. It brings me a great deal of satisfaction to lighten someone’s load and deliver a functional and beautiful space. But what takes the cake is equipping people with the tools, motivation, and desire for them to take the reins and maintain their spaces for the long haul. This is going to require something, as all worthy endeavors do. It will require commitment. Systems, product, and professions can only take people so far.
Systems can and should be easy to maintain. But they do not maintain themselves entirely. If we desire to move from a state of disorganization to organization, there are mindset and habit shifts that need to occur. We cannot repeat the same actions that contributed to the clutter, yet expect different result…right? Throwing some tough love out today! But, I guarantee that these shifts are achievable. I guarantee that you can do it! I’m sure you have done much harder things!
Here are 3 organizing commitments you can make today that will help you to achieve and maintain long term organization.
1. Question What You Buy.
You worked SOOOO hard to pare down your possessions to be rid of the excess. Feels great, right? You now own only what you use, love, need or holds special value to you. All those things that have left your home do not need to be replaced!
If you had two pairs of brown boots and donated both of them, that does not necessarily mean you should buy a new pair of brown boots. Evaluate whether there really is a gap in your wardrobe that you want to fill with brown boots. And, only fill it if there is. Clutter has a way of creeping back in if we’re not really vigilant about keeping it at bay. Give yourself a period of time (a week or month) to live without the item and see if you miss it. If so, replace it.
2. Finish What You Start.
We get sidetracked. We have every intention of moving the laundry from the washer to the dryer right when it’s done . Or handling the breakfast dishes before lunch. The accumulation of incomplete projects and tasks generates….you guessed it! Clutter!
Here are some tips to help you finish what you start.
- Evaluate how long something will take to finish. If you estimate less than 1 minute, try to handle it right away. This prevents a house full of incomplete tasks that can feel overwhelming.
- Set an alarm and stay focused on a task for a short period of time.
- Bite off organization in small chunks. Only start what you have the time to finish…1 load of laundry, decluttering 1 room, etc.
- Adopting a nighttime routine helps to bring to completion anything that has accumulated throughout the day…handling strewn socks and shoes, finishing dishes, etc. AND helps proactively prepare you for the next day.
- Reward yourself. After you’ve finished what you started is a great time to head out for a walk, grab ice cream, or go to the beach or park. Knowing there’s something desirable at the end of the road serves as motivation to finish up!
3. Make Organizing a Priority.
I hear it time and time again. You’re busy and would rather not spend your precious free time or family time organizing. I understand that. And, that’s ok! But, remember, once you get on top of it, clear the excess, and put some routines in place, you will need to do LESS organizing, not more! Then, you can do more living! And you can always enlist the help of a pro to organize and set up helpful systems. Your role would then be to maintain.
But, what happens if we intend to prioritize organizing, but then let it slide? Or forget? Or life gets in the way? Maybe you just don’t feel like it today. That will happen. Just like a nutrition plan, an exercise routine, or a life goal that isn’t progressing like you want, get back on the bus the next day. Give yourself grace. But, keep going. 1 step at a time. It’s never too late to start. And, it’s never too late to re-start. You won’t be sorry!