Here are five simple ways to approach organizing that can save you time, money and aggravation.
1. Invest time to save time
How it works is that either we take the time to get organized or we end up wasting time looking for things. And we waste both time and money buying things we already own when we can’t find them. Organizing supports a busy and efficient lifestyle. If things have gotten a bit out of control in your environment, you’ll initially need to build some time into your schedule to get things organized into systems.
2. Be proactive rather than reactive
Once organized, take a small amount of time, ideally daily, to use the systems you’ve created. Put things back where they belong. You do this by building organizing into the “nooks and crannies” of your life. However, it’s normal to let things build up a little (see Tuesday’s post) just don’t let things go to a point that they get out of control – or it’s ultimately a lot more challenging to sort it all out.
3. Deal with it now
If you can do things in a short amount of time, do them right in the moment – rather than putting them off. This is one of the keys to staying organized.
4. Schedule your tasks
If you are busy and need to let things go – then schedule time on your calendar to get back to them. Then make sure and follow through.
5. Work with your energy – instead of against it
When you schedule time on your calendar to organize, check your focus and energy and make sure they’re right for organizing. Don’t try to push against your energy and force it. There’s some balance to applying gentle self-discipline versus doing things when you just don’t have the energy for it. If you never, or rarely, have the energy for organizing – and find it confusing and painful – hire a professional organizer to help you through the process.