Real quick, before I dive into the three reasons you are not organized (please note – these apply to all of us!), I want to highlight that I just created a 2018 calendar for you. (And, you can still print off a 2017 one too.) Hop over to the MWM Shop – click free printables and print!
As part of the Fall Organizing Challenge, I spent Monday organizing our fall schedule. I love using paper calendars for bigger projects. I printed one for our basement remodel/finish that we’re starting next month and I also printed off one for a long-term project I need to plan and organize. I’m also going to be sharing on Instagram my #fallorganizingchallenge progress by using that hashtag. Be sure to follow along and use the hashtag for any fall organizing you are doing!
Now, back to the topic.
Please note, I’m not saying this with my finger-pointing, I’m saying this to both of us, to all of us.
What are the three reasons that are keeping you and I from finding simplicity? What are the universal truths that can make all the difference when it comes to experiencing more calm and less chaos?
#1 – You are not “Tossing like a Boss.”
The truth, clutter is costly. With too much stuff to keep track of, you end up buying duplicates (and triplicates) of the same item and often you won’t be able to find what you need when you need it. (The ultimate goal of organization.)
Going through your things and decluttering is critical if you want to cut down on clutter. When you do so, you pare down the excess and keep things increasingly neat and tidy.
Make time to designate what needs to stay and what needs to go, in all areas of your home. Organizing a medicine area can take as little as 10 minutes and like that – you’ll be MORE organized!
#2 – You are not matching.
Not much ruffles my feathers, but one thing in particular is inconsistent or non-matching storage options. Yes, wire hangers mixed with plastic ones – I’m talking to you.
One of the easiest ways to streamline and organize a space, is to use matching products. Whether you are using baskets, totes, containers, or hangers – insist on making them match. It’s sort of like when you dress to impress, even though you’re having an “off day.” Presentation is everything.
My craft cupboard is a perfect example. These containers were only a dollar each and I’ve had them for over 15 years. They have moved around with us and have worked in many different storage areas. Anyone looking for something craft related can easily find what they need and the shelves naturally look organized, due to the uniformity of the containers.
#3 – You are not using containers.
We recently had some friends over and while touring around one of the ladies (she had requested to see some of my organizational systems), she commented that everything was contained. In each drawer, closet, and cupboard, I have placed organizational containers designed to hold the different categories of things.
Containers are key to setting up systems because they create a visual and physical guard rail. If you have drawers that have no clear assignment or purpose, try adding some containment to create a system. Containment creates order and purpose for a space. It also puts a limit on what can be stored in an area, and limitations are necessary when it comes to organizing and minimizing.
Organization is simple yet complicated.
It demands time yet creates time.
It is essential yet is often treated as a nonessential.
Commit to approaching the organization of your home as an essential priority. When you do, you’ll find you have more time and energy for your true priorities.
Quick review – it’s as easy as 1-2-3!
Happy Organizing!
