Culprits of Organizing

The three main culprits preventing people from organizing are TIME, MONEY, and SPACE.

Here are a few tips on overcoming each challenge:

TIME

• Start small. One of my previous blog posts asks the question, "How do you eat an elephant?" The answer is "One bite at a time!" The same applies to beginning any organizing project. Start small and set attainable goals for yourself. Take one small stack of papers to shred or file. Completing small projects gives you a huge sense of accomplishment.
• Use a timer. You've got your sights set on a project to tackle. Now decide on a realistic amount of time to work on it and SET THAT TIMER! Try not to go longer than 45 minutes. The longer the amount of time the more chances you'll be interrupted. You're going to be surprised at how much you can accomplish in increments as little as 15 minutes!
• Make quick decisions. Do not get focused on details at first. When in doubt make a temporary home for the item and move on.
• Finish what you start. Try and avoid having several projects going on at one time. You'll feel more productive when you begin one before starting another.

Space

• Pare down. If space is an issue it's time to make decisions and get rid of clutter. I know how difficult this process can be especially as I work with my clients. The fact is that if you want a clean and organized space it is essential that every item has a place where it belongs.
• Utilize every space. You probably have more space then you realize. Look under beds and inside cabinets. Consider installing shelves, using baskets/bins to maximize the space you do have.
• Purchase items that have multi purposes. Look for coffee tables, dining room tables, benches that have storage compartments.

Money

• Use what you already have in your home. Look around your house for items you are not using or re purpose them for storage solutions.
• DO NOT buy products before you begin organizing. I see this all the time. My clients purchase products that they believe will get them organized. This item usually ends up as part of the clutter. Beginning any organizing project begins with a plan...which costs nothing.
• Test drive. You wouldn't purchase a car without doing your research or test driving it first. Well the same can apply to purchasing organizing products. Before laying out the cash make sure you will use the product. For instance, before purchasing expensive baskets for your closet use shoe boxes for a week or so to see if it is something that will organize your space. If you use them then you know that the baskets will be worth the money. 

As always contact One Organized Mama for questions, tips, or help organizing!

-Janel
One Organized Mama
oneorganizedmama
702-498-1636
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com