In my previous posts, we’ve covered 7 common roadblocks you may be hitting when it comes to organization. I mentioned that there are 11 common hindrances I have discovered that may be preventing you from getting organized. Today, let’s unveil hindrance number eight. Then, we’ll look at a few easy decluttering and organizing tips.
Hindrance #8: The task of organizing your space does not excite you.
When something is painful or isn’t fun, it is in our human nature to just NOT want to do it. So, we either delay getting it done (procrastinate) or we do it when we “feel like it,” which is very inconsistent and not enough to make a lasting effect.
For example, most of us KNOW we need to exercise more, but the task isn’t exciting enough to motivate change on it’s own. If this is your hindrance to organization you may have said the following…
-I like to keep things fun and exciting. Organizing is not really a priority for me.
-My system isn’t THAT bad. I know where most things are.
-Putting things back every time I use them seems so repetitious. It bores me.
To overcome these obstacles, we need to change our mindset. Focus on the finished product. Also, focus on how the end result makes you feel. It is very gratifying when you complete a task and can look back over your hard work with pride and joy.
The satisfying effect that organization brings can be a powerful motivator. You may even like to reward yourself for a job well done by promising yourself a nice coffee drink or a lunch-date with a friend- anything you can look forward to enjoying.
Then, set yourself a timer, take a half hour or so to work toward your organization goal, and then reward yourself for your effort. If it helps, you can even enlist a friend or family member to help you get organized.
This may provide the “fun” or excitement you need to stay on task and get it done. Tell yourself, “It’s only a half hour.” Then, bear down and get to work until your timer sounds. If you do this daily, you’ll accomplish more than you ever thought possible, and it won’t seem as painful or dreadful as you’ve previously thought.
One final note that helps me in my organization: Get the hardest task of your day completed first.I can’t tell you how effective this is, but I promise it reaps big results! I personally use this strategy to be more productive, and I can confirm the fact that it works.
Get it out of the way early in your day, and then you won’t continue to procrastinate and dread it all day. It won’t be constantly nagging at your mind.
Easy Decluttering and Organizing homework: Decide which area of your home needs the most attention. If you start with an area that is visual to everyone, that will bring instant gratification.
Think “countertop” instead of closet or drawer. Choose something with visual clutter. Next, set a timer for 30 minutes and get to work. Reward yourself afterward.
How can I make organizing more fun?
Making organizing more fun can turn a potentially mundane task into an enjoyable and rewarding activity. Here are some creative ideas to make organizing more enjoyable:
- Set a Timer:
- Challenge yourself by setting a timer for a short period, like 15 or 30 minutes. See how much you can accomplish in that time and try to beat your own record.
- Create a Playlist:
- Curate a playlist of your favorite upbeat and energizing songs. Play it while organizing to add a fun and motivating element to the task. Tell yourself that after 3 songs, you can take a short break.
- Use Color Coding:
- Assign different colors to categories or items. This not only makes things visually appealing but also helps you quickly identify and locate items. You can try organizing your books on your shelf by color or try organizing your clothes in your closet by color.
- Turn it into a Game:
- Create a game out of organizing. For example, challenge yourself to find a certain number of items to donate or throw away. Give yourself rewards for completing tasks within a set time.
- Get Creative with Containers:
- Use colorful and unique containers or storage solutions. Decorate them or repurpose items to add a touch of creativity to the organizational process.
- Involve Friends or Family:
- Turn organizing into a social activity by involving friends or family. Make it a team effort, and it can be both productive and enjoyable.
- Take Before and After Pictures:
- Document your progress with before and after pictures. Seeing the transformation can be incredibly satisfying and serve as motivation.
- Reward Yourself:
- Set up a system of rewards for reaching organizing milestones. Treat yourself to something enjoyable once you’ve completed a specific task or project.
- Mindful Organizing:
- Practice mindfulness and thankfulness while organizing. Focus on the task at hand, the textures of the items you’re handling, and the progress you’re making. It may sound silly but, thank God you have a mess to clean! Some people would love to have the abundance you have. Thank God for all you have. This can turn the activity into a more enjoyable and meaningful experience.
- Utilize Apps and Tools:
- Use organizing apps or tools that make the process more interactive and visually appealing. There are apps designed to gamify tasks and make them more enjoyable.
- Make it a DIY Project:
- Get creative with DIY organizing solutions. Whether it’s making your own labels or repurposing furniture, injecting a bit of creativity can make the process more enjoyable.
- Start Small:
- Break down larger organizing tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. Tackling one small task at a time can be less overwhelming and more enjoyable.
Remember, the key is to find what works for you and makes the process enjoyable. Experiment with different approaches until you discover the one that turns organizing into a fun and satisfying experience.
Happy Organizing!
I hope you are enjoying this series on the 11 common obstacles we face when organizing. Stay tuned for the next post and we’ll tackle hindrance number nine. Read part 9 in this series 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. A schedule is one of the best Easy Decluttering and Organizing tools to keep you consistent. To help you create your own schedule, I have created a helpful series you can read here.
Need to Declutter Every room? 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. It is full of Easy Decluttering and Organizing tips. Use this link to get it at a discounted price.
Easy Decluttering and Organizing Checklists:
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.
Need some Inspiration to Declutter? You can sign up here. 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 plus some Easy Decluttering and Organizing tips to get your home in order. 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.
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.
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