In the previous posts, we have uncovered 10 of the eleven common hindrances to getting organized. I had mentioned that there are eleven common roadblocks we face when it comes to organization. Let’s get past these roadblocks and learn how to start organizing.

You may relate to one or to several. Take heart, though, because you CAN overcome these obstacles and get organized.

Hindrance # 11: Distraction. You get easily side-tracked.

If this is your hindrance, you have probably attempted to get organized in the past, but you never made much progress. It’s okay if this is you. Don’t feel bad or blame yourself. That would be counterintuitive.

Instead, we’re going to attempt to retrain ourselves to bring a task to completion. If you have found yourself in this situation, you may have said one or more things like…

-Oh my gosh, I’ve been looking for this thing forever! I’m so glad I found it. Let me see if I can remember how it works.

-I’ve had this since I graduated high school. I cannot get rid of this. I remember wearing this to my graduation. I think I have a photo of me wearing this somewhere.

-This electronic still works. This dress still fits. These shoes still look new.

On and on your list may go. You are likely very sentimental about your belongings which makes decluttering especially difficult. You may have things piled high and deep because you simply can’t part with anything.

You can think of 100 reasons to keep everything and zero reasons why you should get rid of it. With all of this in mind, it becomes very difficult to stay the task and finish or organize anything. You have to overcome this obstacle before you can learn how to start organizing.

So, how do you overcome this obstacle? This may be a great time to recruit a family member or friend who can keep you focused and minimize the distraction. First, you are going to grab a timer and pick one space to start.

Set the timer for 30 minutes.Hearing that ticking timer will prompt you to stay the course. How to Start Organizing: Start sorting items by category. Do not start with sentimental items. Start with something easier like shoes, pajamas, or books. Sort each item into a category.

I recommend using large boxes. Next, analyze how much space you actually have to work with. And, finally, be honest with yourself and decide what truly belongs in your home. If you do not find it beautiful or useful, consider who you could pass it along to.

Give yourself permission to keep as much as you want ONLY if your space permits. By working like this in thirty minute slots, you will find it less overwhelming. It gives you a time limit for how to start organizing at a pace you can manage.

Some no-brainer items to toss might be electronics that no longer work, any item that is missing parts, clothing that is worn or stained, shoes that no longer fit, and books you never intend to read again.

Slowly and steadily, you will gain order from the disorder. You will gain peace again in the midst of the chaos. 

How can you get organized if you are easily distracted?

Getting organized when you’re easily distracted can be challenging, but it’s definitely achievable with some strategies and discipline. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Identify Your Distractions: Understanding what distracts you is the first step. Is it your phone, social media, noise, or something else? Identify the primary sources of distraction in your environment.
2. Create a Distraction-Free Workspace: Designate a specific area for work or study that is free from distractions. This might involve finding a quiet corner of your home, using noise-canceling headphones, or installing website blockers to limit access to distracting websites.
3. Establish a Routine: Establishing a daily routine can help create structure and minimize distractions. Set specific times for work, breaks, and leisure activities. Stick to your schedule as much as possible to build consistency.
4. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. This can make them feel less overwhelming and easier to focus on. Set achievable goals for each session and track your progress.
5. Use Time Management Techniques: Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for a set amount of time (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by a short break, can help improve focus and productivity. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you.
6. Minimize Multitasking: While it may seem like you’re getting more done, multitasking can actually decrease productivity and increase distractions. Focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention.
7. Limit Access to Distractions: If possible, remove or minimize access to distractions during focused work periods. Put your phone on silent, log out of social media accounts, or use website-blocking apps to prevent temptation.
8. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as praying or deep breathing exercises, can help improve focus and concentration. Take regular breaks to relax your mind and reset your focus.
9. Set Clear Goals: Define clear, achievable goals for each day or week. Knowing what you need to accomplish can help you stay on track and avoid getting sidetracked by distractions.
10. Reward Yourself: Set up a system of rewards for completing tasks or staying focused for a certain amount of time. This could be as simple as taking a short break, enjoying a favorite snack, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy.

Remember, getting organized and overcoming distractions is a process that takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.

Happy Organizing!

I hope you have enjoyed this series on overcoming obstacles to organization and how to start organizing. If you find this information useful, please subscribe to continue getting more information to help you get better organized. When you subscribe, I’ll send you a few printables  to start your journey to organization.

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.

How to Start Organizing & Decluttering

Also, to keep up the general housework, you may need to create a daily housekeeping schedule that suits your specific needs. A schedule will help you maintain your home after you learn how to start organizing. To 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 sign up 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.

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. 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 find that 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 Do A 1 Day Declutter

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.

I hope you have benefitted from my tips on how to start organizing and my Deep Clean and Declutter checklists. Leave a comment below to subscribe to my daily declutter task email series.