Organized. A label not normally thrown my way.
In my mind, organized is synonymous with perfect. I know I’m not perfect. So, it follows I’ll never be organized.
If you’re also struggling with this concept, create a new vision of what being organized really means, too. It’s not all about pretty folders, labeled jars and perfectly filed papers. Letting go of those misconceptions is a great way to begin the journey to being organized.
Over the years, I’ve spent plenty of money on organization stuff. Boxes. Files. Jars for the pantry. Shelves for the bathroom. The truth is, it just added to the clutter because in the end, I could never keep everything organized and filed away perfectly.
Then I stopped trying so hard.
This is what I learned:
- Organized doesn’t mean perfect
- Organizing is not something you do once
- There are no quick fixes
- You don’t need to have the tidy gene
- There’s no need for special stuff
- You get more done when you’re organized
- Getting (and staying) organized doesn’t have to be a hassle
Table of Contents
Organized doesn’t mean perfect
Yep. I’ve been a sucker for that notion for a very long time. Perfectionism is a dreadful malady that sucks the joy out of your life and invariably leaves you sitting in the middle of a pile of stuff. Perfectionism is undoubtedly the root of all procrastination because let’s face it, what’s the point in doing it if it’s not perfect? Right?
Wrong. The idea isn’t to be perfectly organized. The idea is to be more organized. Even a single step toward being organized is worth taking.
Once you switch from thinking perfect to thinking more, you free yourself from the pressure of perfectionism.
Organizing is not something you do once
Even the systems you create won’t be a one-time thing. You’ll discover they need tweaking as you learn to fit them into your daily life. And, it’s much easier to fit your organizational system to your current routine than it is to force a major overhaul in your life.
Good or bad, our habits exist for a reason. Work with them as much as possible.
Remember point one; there’s no such thing as perfectly organized.
There are no quick fixes
If you’re serious about being organized you’ll need to face the reality that there are no quick fixes. Unless of course, you throw everything out and start again. Not really an option for the majority of us!
However, being organized is much easier if you have less stuff. Culling your clutter is probably the hardest part of the process of becoming more organized. Do that first, and the rest of your organizational efforts will be much easier.
Maintaining your organized space will be much easier, too.
You don’t need to have the tidy gene
Not having the tidy gene was always my excuse for my space being a disaster. The truth is, having the will or desire to be organized is more important than anything else.
That means those of us without the tidy gene need to tackle the process from a different angle. We need to apply our will to the task in short bursts.
I get distracted. A lot. So, when I’m faced with a task for which my natural affinity is zero, I do it in 20-minute blocks. This allows me to get the work done and have an intentional distraction break.
There’s no need for special stuff
At least, not immediately. That’s because, until you’ve culled all your clutter and know what’s important, what you need to have readily available and what can sit in a cupboard until you need it, you have no idea what organizing stuff you’ll actually need.
Remember, getting organized is not a once-off deal, it’s a process. You’ll need some time to figure out what works for you and how best to arrange your stuff.
Then you can hit IKEA or the Container Store with a plan.
You get more done when you’re organized
I’m a visual person so I like to be able to see what I’m working on.
Often times, this has meant files and papers for every project on my desk at the same time. I (mostly) knew where everything was and could (generally) lay my hands on exactly what I needed, when I needed it… But, no one else could. To everyone else, my workspace looked like a filing cabinet had exploded.
Now, I have a visual planner on my wall with each project and its tasks laid out so a glance is all I need to check in with where I’m at, work-wise.
I can’t begin to tell you how this one change to the way I organize my work has changed my life.
Getting (and staying) organized doesn’t have to be a hassle
If you create your organizational systems to work with you and your natural tendencies rather than trying to fit yourself into someone else’s system, you’ll find it a lot easier to stick to.
Like my visual planner, use what you know about yourself to your advantage.
Also, make it easier to keep the clutter out. Don’t let junk mail through the door if it’s just going to pile up. Put a ‘No Junk Mail’ sticker on your mailbox or put junk mail straight into the recycle bin without letting it touch any other surface.
What else can you remove from your daily routine that creates clutter?
Can you swap to digital bills and bank statements?
Always remember, being organized is a process and the less you expect perfect, the easier it will be to create more organization in your life and your home.
Other posts you might like:
- Kick-Ass Ways to Declutter Like a Ninja!
- 10 Wardrobe Items You Should Immediately Get Rid Of
- 4 Reasons to Own Less Stuff
- 10 Things You’ll Be Happy To Ditch From Your Life Immediately
- In Search of Simplicity: How to Start Living a Simple Lifestyle
What gems of wisdom have you discovered in your journey to a more organized existence?
Image: Unsplash
Note: This post may contain affiliate links.