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When you already have a busy lifestyle with career, kids and spouse, or even if you’re single, finding the time to get organized around the house can be challenging. With just a little effort, the finished result can help bring order and make life easier so you have time for more important things.
If you’ve made (and failed) at a resolution to get more organized before, let’s make 2016 the year it happens! Check out our list of ways to carve out time in your schedule to achieve your organization goals.
Make It Short and Sweet
Trying to find several free hours for your organization projects can be frustrating. Instead, you’d be amazed what you can get done in only 15 minutes and how good you feel when you’re finished. These short bursts of activity can mean big results, especially if you make these mini-sessions into a daily habit.
Pencil Organizing into Your Calendar
If you can see a free weekend or even just an afternoon in the near future, slate it for organizing. It’s probably better to be specific about your project, such as organizing the pantry or going through your closet for charity. If you have extra vacation days, you can take a day off, especially for bigger projects like the garage or basement. You can even make it fun by involving the family and ordering in pizza.
Boost Your Energy and Enthusiasm
Sometimes the hardest part is getting started. You may simply lack the motivation or energy. Try these tricks to get your blood pumping for a renewed resolve to get organized:
- Take a brisk walk on your lunch hour instead of eating a heavy meal.
- Listen to some upbeat music or a motivational tape on the way home from work.
- See if you can eliminate a task from your schedule that zaps your energy. For example, hire a maid or landscaper for the month to take care of the more physical aspects of your home care,so you’ll have the energy to take on your organization project.
Once you declutter your home, it may actually add to the energy level of the whole household.
Re-Prioritize Time-Wasting Activities
It’s time to take a hard look at how you actually spend your off hours. Maybe there are pastimes you can do less of during the pursuit of organization, such as:
- Perusing social media sites or surfing the web
- Playing computer games
- Binge watching TV
- Chatting on the phone
That’s not to say you have to give up these activities. They can be terrific stress relievers, affording you essential relaxation. Just cut down on the time you spend for a while until your house is in order.
Stop Bringing Clutter Home
Slow the flow of “stuff” coming into your house by being intentional about what you bring in. Before you buy it, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” If the answer is, “Yes!” picture where you will store the item, even before it becomes yours. Then picture the same item a year from now. If you see it in the bottom of your closet, on a shelf gathering dust or in the Goodwill bin, rethink your purchase.
Stay Decluttered for the Rest of the Year
Once you find a place for everything, the rest is easy. Just remember what your mother probably said to you many times, “Put that back where you found it!” Staying ahead of the clutter means you won’t ever need to devote tons of time to getting organized again.
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