Everyone knows that it’s a good idea to get organized. Logically, we know that it’s easier to find what we’re looking for when we are organized. We also know that everything runs more smoothly when the systems are organized and when there are good strategies in place. If we know all these things (and we do) why is it so hard to get motivated to organize? I’m going to tell you how to figure out the very best motivator for getting organized.
One of the first things to do is to define the purpose of each space in your home (and there can be more than one). If you don’t like the way the room or area is being used decide how you want to use this space in the future.
Identify your roadblocks
Everyone has things that will take them away from the task at hand. We can be distracted by social media, electronics: the computer, the television, the phone or tablet, and then there are the people with whom we live – friends or family.
So many things are much more fun than spending time organizing your space.
For me, the biggest roadblock to getting things done is spending time talking to family. I love when they call me. Sometimes it’s easy to get back to work, sometimes it’s not.
When you identify your roadblocks to getting organized you can also think about how to avoid them.
Can you give yourself time on social media as a reward for working on the organization in your home?
Perhaps binge-watching a television show is a good reward for you.
Use your roadblocks to your advantage.
The best motivator is your reason why
Take some time to drill down in your mind your reason to have more organization in your home. Resist the urge to pin it on someone else. The organizing will not stick if you are doing it because someone in your family wants you to.
Think a little deeper.
If someone else is urging you to invest time, energy, and (possibly) money into organizing your home what is their reason?
Are they concerned for your safety? Perhaps it’s difficult to fully open your front and/or back door. Maybe there are stacks of things around and they will worry you might trip over something and get injured.
Do you want to reorganize some of your cupboards because you are getting older and it’s hard for you to reach up high or to bend down low?
Was there a life event which created a sudden influx of stuff and now you are overwhelmed?
Do you want to have friends over?
Are you wasting money buying things you already own but that are somewhere – not where you can put your hands on them? Your reason to get organized is to save money.
Is it time for a change? Maybe your reason for organizing now is that you want to move. It’s time to clear the clutter and only move the furniture and furnishings that you want to have with you in your new home.
Make a plan
Once you’ve identified your best motivator to get organized the next step is to make a plan.
You now know your reason why you are getting organized.
Decide when and where you want to start. It may be that all you want to do is reorganize your kitchen cupboards to provide better ease of access.
On the other hand, it might be that you want to reorganize and simplify many of the organizational systems in your home.
Create a poster
Having a poster with your best motivator in large, bold print helps you to remember exactly why you are doing this work.
Enlist a non-judgmental friend for assistance or as an accountability partner. If that is not an option, consider joining the Clear Space for You virtual clutter support group I run with Jonda Beattie.
We will provide you with step-by-step guidance, accountability, and we will be your cheerleaders. We have new groups starting at the beginning of every month.
Diane N. Quintana is a Certified Professional Organizer® ,a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization®, Master Trainer and owner of DNQ Solutions, LLC and co-owner of Release●Repurpose●Reorganize, LLC based in Atlanta, Georgia.