New Ways To Make Organization Work For You
Staying organized can be difficult for many. After cleaning out our spaces and making clean sweeps, the clutter seems to creep back into our homes and offices.
At the end of the day, we may feel overwhelmed because we realize we have not caught up with all the things that sill need to completed, much less begin the projects we have planned to accomplish. It’s also not uncommon that we sometimes may compare ourselves to others, who we may think are “more organized,” which leads us to feel even more discouraged.
Good News
There is good news. Getting organized is a learned activity. We can get organized and stay that way with the proper guidance and support. The key component here is to understand that we are all individuals with different needs, so our approach to getting organized may be different as well.
Finding What Works
It’s about finding what works for you. Begin with thinking about what you need to organize so you can come up with a system that works for you, not a system that is pre-designed for someone else.
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Paperwork
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Bills and personal finances
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Mail and junk mail
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Newspapers, catalogs and magazines
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Children’s schoolwork
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Medical bills
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Appointments, telephone calls
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Closets and pantries
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Home Office
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Kitchen
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Living area or bedrooms
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Garage, attic , basement
Now that you have established what needs to be organized, choose a task and figure out what organizing tools you will need to help you.
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Colored file folders
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Colored pens and markers
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File rack or cabinet
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Paper shredder
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Calendar, cork board, dry erase board
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Clear storage bins, containers or baskets
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Label maker
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Appointment book
The 3 Golden Rules
The key to successful follow through in your organizing is to commit to the following rules, one at a time.
1. Everything Needs A Home
Temporary Home – A holding place for your things before an action occurs
Action Home – A safe place for your work, so if you get interrupted you can find it again
A Permanent Home – A place for your things after the action is complete
2. Keep Like With Like
When sorting out your things, put like items together, i.e., bills stay with bills, magazines with magazines, etc.
3. Dedicate 15-20 Minutes To A Task
Choose something that you can do each and every day and stick to it. For example, maybe one day it is returning phone calls, another day you can sort the laundry, and so forth.
According to the National Association of Professional Organizers, (NAPO) some of the benefits to an organized life are less stress, increased productivity and managing your time better.
Celebrate Your Victories
In order to get to that final reward, some motivation is needed during the process. While undertaking your organizational tasks, build in some extra incentives for yourself. Treat yourself to something special such as a favorite meal or a movie with a friend after completing a step or two. Most of all, pat yourself on the back for all your efforts, you deserve it!
