I have long thought that the key to a simple and joyful life is an organized life. The problem is, organization looks different for each person. And, once you have determined what organization means in your world, getting from a disorganized state to one of order isn’t always so easy.
So, what’s the big deal anyway? So what if you have a few things stacked up? Or, you can’t find your keys when it’s time to leave? Or, you end up buying duplicates of things you didn’t realize you already had?
Christina Scalise, organization guru and author of several organization books, points out some benefits of living an organized life. “Organization isn’t about perfection; it’s about efficiency, reducing stress and clutter, saving time and money and improving your overall quality of life.”
From her web-site,OrganizeYourLifeAndMore.com, Christina shares tips for organization: (Psst. She also offers helpful weekly organization tips!)
- Toss all unneeded and unwanted items immediately. Create a small area in your home strictly for storing these items until you have time to get rid of them. When the pile has reached its storage space limit: sell the items (hold a garage sale, sell online, etc.), recycle and reuse or donate to your favorite charity.
- A place for everything and everything in its place. If you notice items are not being put away on a regular basis, take time to designate a permanent place for each one and put them away immediately when they are not being used.
- Use clear or labeled storage containers. If you can see it, you will find it. Store your items in clear or labeled containers to quickly find what you are looking for.
- Avoid creating miscellaneous storage areas. Miscellaneous papers stacked one on top of the other, cluttered junk drawers and “Miscellaneous” files are a good way to lose those important items. Label, sort and separate your things as much as possible.
- Perfection should never be the goal. Organization isn’t about perfection; it’s about efficiency, reducing stress and clutter, saving time and money and improving your overall quality of life.
- Communication is important. Create a family communication area to help your family stay in touch. Use this area to leave notes, return items, share information, set schedules, place incoming mail and more.
Most of all, remember to take it one day at a time. It is easy to get overwhelmed when looking at the big picture.