Feel Defeated?
Most of us won’t say it out loud, but we often feel our effort to stay organized is a losing battle. We may blame our family members or even ourselves for the chaotic spaces that used to be so orderly but didn’t stay organized. It doesn’t have to be that way. Do you believe any of these three myths about being organized?
Three Myths About Staying Organized:
1. “I (or my family) will always be messy.”
Some of us are messy only because we never had a good example, or were never taught organizing skills. I empower my clients with knowledge and skills they can keep using after I’m gone. I tell my kids life is all about practice. We practice at being organized, just like most things we have to learn in life. Anyone can improve because it’s a buildable skill. Perfectionism is the enemy. Keep practicing!
2. “I (or my family) will always just drop things and not put them away.”
This happens when we’re unsure where to put things. We feel fatigue about trying to figure it out, so we end up with “drop zones” in the house.
After decluttering an area, use bright, easy-to-read labeling, even if you live alone. It can be visible, or hidden inside the drawer or cabinet. It will remind you where things go, and can make a world of difference in communicating to others who are aggravating you by leaving things “anywhere.”
Strategize to reduce the motions or steps required to put something away, such as hooks for towels instead of towel bars. Choose containers without lids for everyday things whenever it’s practical. Even the extra step of removing a lid will hinder some of us!
A mom recently told me she was frustrated because no one paid attention to her labels inside the fridge. She had beautiful ones that were clear with black script. I suggested she replace the elegant ones with neon, large labels with bold print to get her kids’ attention.
3. “To get organized, it would take a whole day. We’d probably argue and make a bigger mess. Plus, who has the time?
Decluttering and being organized is something we can and should do a little at a time. My sessions are limited to three hours because decision-fatigue sets in after that. I often suggest my clients set a timer and declutter 15 minutes at time. Small sessions really work! My system guarantees no mess left behind.
My clients learn how to quickly identify clutter and what to do with it as soon as they see it instead of waiting for a special day. Rather than shifting stuff around that they no longer use, they learn how to keep a DONATE box or bag going all the time, so when it’s full, unloved stuff goes away.
I’d love to empower you and your family to live in peaceful spaces with less stress, more communication and fewer arguments. If you could use some support while taking back control of your space, use the link below to make an appointment with me.
-Beth