3 Simple Habits to Increase Long-Term Organization at Home
Home organization can be a difficult task if it is not approached from a long-term perspective. Without a proper plan and strategy, it can result in a temporary fix rather than a sustainable solution. In this post I’m sharing 3 tips for making organization at home a habit.
Tip #1: Transform Your Thinking
It’s time to change your thinking. If you are really trying to make big transformations, to keep things manageable, you need to start with setting, and celebrating, small goals.
Here are some ideas:
Declutter one small area at a time. For example, start with your desk or a single drawer in your kitchen.
Create a designated spot for items you use frequently, such as your keys or phone charger.
Donate or sell items you no longer need or use.
Store seasonal items out of sight when not in use.
Keep your surfaces clear by putting items away when you're done using them.
Is it okay to just be doing 10% better than before? Absolutely! Go for the small wins and keep yourself motivated.
Tip #2: Arrange for it in Advance
As you start your organizing journey, it’s important to plan in advance. Home organization won't happen in the moment unless being organized is made easy and available.
Here are some organizing solutions to help with this:
The mail will always pile up if you don’t have a plan. Try setting up two trays for your mail - one for to do and one for to file.
Frustrated that you can never find a scissor? Empty and clean out your desk drawer. Add small trays to sort the pens, paper clips, scissors, etc. Now that you have an assigned place, you will put it back where it belongs.
Declutter regularly: Go through your belongings on a regular basis and get rid of anything you no longer need. This will make it easier to stay organized over time.
Label everything: Labeling your storage containers, files, and other items will make it easier to keep track of what goes where.
Get help: Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or a professional organizer if you need it.
When you make progress in your organization efforts, take time to celebrate your successes and reward yourself for a job well done. This will help motivate you to keep going!
Tip #3: Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t forget to practice a new habit! Have you heard of "habit stacking" (compliments of James Clear, Atomic Habits), which involves inserting a new habit within an already established routine to solidify it? By stacking new habits onto existing ones, you can make them easier to remember and more likely to stick. The key is to choose habits that are small, achievable, and aligned with your goals. With time and consistency, habit stacking can help you build a healthier, more productive life.
Here are five examples of how you can use habit stacking to organize your home:
After you finish your morning coffee, spend 10 minutes tidying up your living room.
When you take off your shoes at the end of the day, put them away in the closet and spend a few minutes decluttering the entryway.
After you finish cooking dinner, take a few minutes to clean up the kitchen and wipe down the counters.
When you finish your nightly shower, spend 5 minutes organizing your bathroom cabinets and drawers.
Before you go to bed, spend 5 minutes picking up any clutter in your bedroom and putting things away where they belong.
By habit stacking, you can make small changes to your routine that add up to a more organized and tidy home.
If you're ready to hand off your initial organizing to an expert (before you take over the maintenance), I've got your back! Contact me today.
Cheers,
Leslie