HOW TO BE ORGANISED
WHAT DOES BEING ORGANISED LOOK LIKE TO YOU?
Today, life for many of us is so busy and chaotic.
We all dream of living an organised life and having a clutter free home, but many of us are unsure how to achieve it.
The definition of ORGANISED……
arrange systematically; order.
put in order, order, arrange, sort, sort out, assemble, marshal, put straight, group, dispose, classify, collocate, categorise, catalogue, codify, tabulate, compile, systematise, systemise, regulate, regiment, standardise, structure, shape, mould, lick/knock into shape, pigeonhole.
In this article we look at ‘what does being organised look like to you’, sharing some tips to help you make lasting changes in your world.
What is being organised?
Being organised for some, is when you make it through the day without pulling your hair out, or place where you don’t feel constantly overwhelmed by life.
The other extreme is someone who is so ultra organised their life is very regimented and allows little time for relaxation or spontaneity.
There is room for balance between these two extremes.
Find your organised balance
The important thing to recognise, is we all have our OWN balance and a place of contentment within this organised space. It’s finding that place and being comfortable in it.
Do you care if unexpected visitors pop in unannounced or are you mortified when you hear a knock at the door? Do you contemplate hiding and pretending you are not home because you feel your home is in chaos? If so, you are NOT organised and you are NOT comfortable with it.
Your life may look chaotic to others, but if you are happy, truly happy in it, then that’s OK. Whatever works for you. Just make sure it also works for your loved ones and those in your immediate family.
Feeling overwhelmed?
Are feeling constantly overwhelmed by your ‘stuff’ and life in general?
You can make some small changes, that can really can make a big difference to your life everyday so you don’t feel so overwhelmed.
Taking just 5 to 10 minutes a day to do a tidy up can give you back a sense of order, creating a sense of peace. This allows you let go of the guilt and to relax and enjoy the time you are not tidying or cleaning.
Let’s face it, we really want to spend more time with the ones we love and enjoy life to the fullest.
A small change can be as simple as putting a system in place that the whole family can use.
- A designated spot at your entrance for coats, bags, keys and other accessories is a quick fix.This will allow you to triage your stuff and also make things easier to find and save time every day!
- Create a washing basket system so each member of the family is in charge of their own washing.
- Have a drawer or shelf in the kitchen dedicated to lunches and snacks, this will enable the (older) kids can pack their own lunches.
Little changes can add up to make things a little simpler, quicker and easier everyday.
Howards STOP, SORT, SOLVE
If simplifying an area in your home is important to your organised journey, use the Howards organisation philosophy.
Work out what areas you would like to improve and get organised in 3 simple steps. STOP, SORT, SOLVE. If you use this methodology when you tackle each space or project, you will find it will help break it down into easy-to-manage stages.
STOP – To truly solve an organisational issue, it takes a considered approach and that’s why this first phase of the process is an important one. Here is where you determine exactly what you would like to achieve. Do you want to save time and effort, it it time to make things easier to find? STOP and ask yourself ‘where’s my opportunity to be better organised?’
SORT – With your project objectives clear in your mind, it’s time to sort and prioritise. Pull everything out from the space and sort your items into three piles; rubbish, donation and items to keep. Organise this last group into sub groups of like items to be stored. Next prioritise the space your items deserve. items you use the most deserve the most accessible space and items rarely used should be archived.
SOLVE – This is the fun stage. By choosing appropriate organisers, you can create a system that champions accessiblity and visibility. Remember if you can see it, you will use it. so with that in mind, if you need help to solve a problem, we are always happy to help. All of our products have been selected to make your life easier, and our in-store staff love a challenge!
REDUCE STRESS
Clutter depletes you of energy It’s a fact, as soon as people start to control their clutter they begin to take better care of themselves. If you are organised at home, you usually find that you are able to cope easier with all the other things that come your way.
You will find a sense of calm is often felt in the areas that are organised rather than those that are cluttered. You feel more in control and less stressed.
The Answer?
The answer to living a more organised life is different for everyone.
Simply being organised, is when you are aware of where things are, what you need to do and are able to overcome the barriers to do them.
Decluttering tips for the home from the experts
Linda Eagleton from creativesurrounds.com.au has the following tips for a room-by-room DECLUTTER
“You need to know what you’re aiming for and what the purpose of the space is meant to be. Is it for a specific task or somewhere to relax? Focus on one space at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed – it might be a room,or just a drawer or cupboard to start with,” she says. Follow the mono-task rather than multi-task principle.”
