Here are some tips for taking your first steps towards having a more organized life...
Some people were born to organize. You know who they are. Their closets are filled with holiday gifts (bought in April), they know exactly how many cans of tuna are in their pantry, and they can find what they need in their home in less than a minute.
Does this describe you? If not, that's OK. Being organized is a skill that can be learned and mastered over time. Here are some tips for 'surviving' the first few steps on your path to becoming organized:
Talk to your spouse/family (anyone you live with) and tell them you will be taking steps towards creating an organized home. Inform them that it is important to have their cooperation and physical/emotional support as you pursue this endeavor.
Take your project one step at a time. Select one small area of your home that needs organizing (desk drawer, kitchen cabinet). Visualize what you would like it to look like when you're finished organizing. Break down that organizing project into small and manageable tasks by listing all of the steps necessary to take in order to reach your organizing goal.
Keep smilin' and don't get discouraged. It's easy to throw in the towel when you don't see immediate progress being made. If you start with a small area you will see quick results which will inspire you to move forward on the path to organization.
Decide upon a set amount of time that you will use for organizing. For instance, set a kitchen timer for 15 minutes and go through your pile of mail or your medicine cabinet. When the timer goes off, you can decide to complete the task or save it for another 15-minute block of time. As you become more comfortable with organizing and making decisions about your clutter, increase the time to 30 min or longer. Use your favorite CD as your timer and organize to the music. When the CD is done, so are you...
Take breaks often. Trying to organize for hours on end will leave you frustrated, exhausted, and unable to appreciate the fruits of your labor. Organizing is a very physically taxing activity. Step away from the task for a few minutes--watch TV, read the mail or call a friend. You'll come back to it refreshed and ready to accomplish your organizing goals.
About the Author
Stacey Agin Murray, professional organizer and owner of Organized Artistry, LLC, transforms mess into masterpiece with patience, organizing know-how, and a sense of humor. For a free e-list of Top Ten Tips for Organized Living, or to order your copy of 7 Steps to an Organized Wedding Thank You Note please visit her web site at http://www.organizedartistry.com.