Previously we’ve covered one hindrance to getting organized. In my first post in this series I mentioned that we will uncover 11 common roadblocks that most of us are familiar with, on some level, that prevent us from taking steps toward a more organized life. Let’s look at what’s preventing you from getting organized, part 2.
In part 1, we learned that some people find it hard to organize because they have no definite system in place- no specific “home” assigned to their belongings. Today, let’s talk about the steps for how to get organized and uncover another common obstacle to organization.
If you are new to the blog, welcome! I blog about cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. You can find my free printables to help you get organized in the drop down menu under the Printables category.
You can get your printable Daily Housekeeping Routine and Cleaning Checklists here. This 15 page printable kit is delivered digitally to your email for you to print and personalize.
It includes a daily schedule, calendar pages, and deep cleaning checklists for every room and area of your home.Now, let’s look at part 2 in the series: 11 Reasons You Fail to Get Organized.
What’s Preventing You From Getting Organized? Part 2: Hindrance # 2: Your Space Isn’t Functional
In this situation, you have already assigned a “home” to your belongings, but it isn’t functioning well enough to create successful order to your space. Either it is too inconvenient, too high to reach, too cluttered, too hard to get to…you get the point.
It isn’t working well, so it isn’t being used regularly. I have found that we are often creatures of habit even when those habits aren’t ideal. Such is the situation here. Common complaints you may have are as follows…
-I can’t reach the space to put it away every time I need to.
-The space where this belongs is already too full and cluttered.
-The space is inconvenient, in another room, out of reach.
The truth is that no one will continue to put things in their place properly after every use if it’s too hard. You have to make the process convenient and simple. The solution is fairly easy. You only store things in areas where you would ordinarily use them.
For example, we used to store the ironing board in the laundry room. Why? Because, when I grew up, my mom stored hers in the laundry room. However, we need it where there are wrinkled clothes. So, I moved it to the closet. Now, it is conveniently located for use every time I need it. Putting it away is easy now.
So, if this particular obstacle is an issue in your organization, your homework is to think through your space and resolve it. This is one of the most important steps for how to get organized, but many people overlook it.
Ask yourself: What isn’t working well for you? What items are frequently left out and not stored away? How can you change that? What habits have you created simply because you saw your parents store items in particular ways?
Make a list, if you need to. Then, create a plan of action to fix those issues. If your list of issues to fix is overwhelming, set specific dates to address each one. Schedule it on your calendar.
Putting items away should be convenient and easy. You will gain order and peace in your home by taking the time to simply put everything away daily. Plus, you’ll gain the personal satisfaction of actually getting things done that you want.
If you are looking to get organized and your space isn’t functional, what can you do to remedy this?
Getting organized and creating a functional space is essential for productivity and overall well-being. Here are some steps you can take to remedy a non-functional space:
- Declutter:
- Start by removing unnecessary items from your space. Decluttering can create a clean slate and make it easier to organize.
- Assess Your Needs:
- Identify the primary activities you’ll be doing in the space. Whether it’s working, studying, or hobbies, understanding your needs will help you organize accordingly.
- Create Zones:
- Divide your space into zones based on the identified activities. For example, have a designated area for work, another for relaxation, and so on.
- Invest in Storage Solutions:
- Use storage solutions such as shelves, bins, baskets, and cabinets to keep items organized and easily accessible. Consider both aesthetic and functional aspects when choosing storage solutions.
- Labeling:
- Labeling containers and shelves can help you quickly locate items and maintain order. This is especially useful for items stored in boxes or bins.
- Furniture Arrangement:
- Arrange furniture to create a logical flow and maximize the functionality of the space. Ensure that furniture doesn’t obstruct pathways and that it serves the intended purpose.
- Use Vertical Space:
- Make use of vertical space by installing shelves or wall-mounted storage units. This can free up floor space and provide additional storage.
- Prioritize Accessibility:
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach. Items used less frequently can be stored in less accessible areas.
- Establish a Routine:
- Develop a daily or weekly routine for tidying up your space. This can help prevent clutter from accumulating and maintain an organized environment.
- Digital Organization:
- If your organization needs extend to digital spaces, organize your computer files, emails, and digital documents. Use folders and labels to keep everything in order.
- Personalize Your Space:
- Add personal touches to your space with decorations and elements that inspire you. However, be mindful not to overcrowd the space with too many items.
- Regular Maintenance:
- Once you’ve organized your space, make a habit of regularly maintaining it. Spend a few minutes each day or a dedicated time each week to keep things in order.
Remember that organization is a continuous process, and adapting your space to your evolving needs is crucial. Regularly reassess and make adjustments as necessary to ensure your space remains functional and conducive to your activities.
Happy Organizing!
Stay tuned for the next post in this series where we’ll continue to tackle the obstacles that prevent you from being more organized and the steps for how to get organized. Read part 3 here.
Need to deep clean? I have lists for you to guide you along.
My How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen list can be found here.
My How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom list can be found here.
My How to Deep Clean Your Kids’ Rooms list can be found here.
My How to Deep Clean Your Living Room list can be found here.
My How to Deep Clean Your Bedroom list can be found here.
Also, to keep up the general housework, you may need to create a daily housekeeping schedule that suits your specific needs. To do so, I have created a helpful series you can read here.
Need to Declutter Every room? Decluttering is one of the first steps for how to get organized. I have declutter checklists for every room and every space in your home to guide you along below.
Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and checklists to help you declutter every room in your home. You can find that here.
Struggling with the daily housekeeping chores? Check out my ebook on this topic, entitled Make Over Your Homemaking. Use this link to get it at a discounted price.
How to Declutter the Guest Room or Your Kid’s Room checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Laundry Room and Patio checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Coat Closet/Hall Closet/Linen Closet checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Home Office checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Attic checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Garage checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Living Room checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Kitchen Checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Entry/Foyer/Mudroom checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Clothing checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Bedroom checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Bathroom checklist can be found here.
New to deemiddleton.com and don’t know where to start? I recommend going in this order:
Step 1: Check out this post on the 1st step you should take to get organized. Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and checklists to help you declutter every room in your home. You can sign up here.
Step 2: Create a daily Housekeeping Schedule. You can use this series to start to set up your own schedule. You can also use this simplified weekly schedule.If you often ask: What is the fastest way to clean a dirty house? Or, if you struggle to get organized and have tried and failed time and again, you can likely find out which of these 11 reasons cause you to fail to get organized.
Step 3: How do you remove clutter?.…Sign up for the Declutter Series and get your entire home decluttered in just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.”Declutter Your Home” checklists are provided in each email.
Step 4: What is the fastest way to clean a dirty house? Use a timer and use the Deep Cleaning Checklists above. They will help you get your home sparkling after you’ve decluttered.
Interested in becoming a full-time blogger like me? Check out my blogging series. At the top of every page on my blog, you’ll find a drop down menu. Just select the BLOGGING category.
Check out the most popular posts on deemiddleton.com:
14 Things That Make Your Home Look Cluttered
How to Create a Daily Housekeeping Schedule
How to Clean House When You Are Completely Overwhelmed By Clutter
What is Preventing You From Getting Organized?
Also, check out a great post on decluttering over here from becomingminimalist.com. Joshua Becker has some great tips on decluttering and minimalism.
For further reading, check out the fly lady here. She has some great cleaning and decluttering ideas plus excellent organization tips to get you started.
Need some Inspiration to Declutter? Join us for the Year Long Through Declutter Series by subscribing by email below.
Happy Decluttering!
To Subscribe to my Year Long Thorough Declutter Series, drop me a comment below. Your email will be sent to me but will not be posted publicly. You’ll receive a daily declutter task via email for the daily task we are working on. You can unsubscribe at any time.
We declutter 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. The Year Long Thorough Declutter Series is designed to help you declutter every room and every closet in your home. When you subscribe you’ll receive a daily task in the room or area we are currently working on decluttering. To Subscribe, leave a comment below.
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