No matter how organised you are, unexpected events will always present challenges. This rings particularly true of late, given all that’s happened since COVID-19. And while being organised can’t prevent the unexpected from occurring, it can certainly help you control your reaction, reducing your stress and overwhelm to help you better cope and move forward more effectively.

In this article, Arwen Dropmann from Calm Space Professional Organising is going to look at some simple steps you can start taking right now to help you organise your home and life for when unexpected events come knocking.

“Life is what happens when you’re making other plans”

 – John Lennon

But first, how to begin?

Where to start?

Make a list of “WHAT IFs” and talk them over with your partner/family. This can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to all be scary stuff, consider exciting possibilities, too!

Consider the examples below:

What if:

• you couldn’t get to school to pick up the kids on time?
• you are offered a job overseas?
• an interstate relative becomes quite ill?
• your child wins a scholarship?
• there’s a natural disaster in your area?

The following steps can help you deal with your “WHAT IFs”.

5 steps you can take now

1.

Get your paperwork organised

3.

Household systems & routines:

Set up a command centre or go-zone that will help with day-to-day home and life management.

This could include:

• Daily paper work, bills, receipts
• Device charging station
• Calendar and weekly schedule
• Keys, wallets, handbags
• Kid’s school bags and accessories
• Equipment for hobbies like sports, dancing etc.

Keep the space flexible so it can adapt as your needs change.

• The easy-build system is great for this and is quick and easy to put together!
• Or the always popular and super flexible cube storage option
• Check out the Howards Office Range to customise your space

4.

Be prepared to travel

These simple steps can help ensure you have easy access to what you need for travel – without the fuss and clutter.

Try these tips:

Try these tips:

• Cull clothes from your wardrobe that you no longer need
• If you tend to go up and down in sizes, keep out only the size you’re wearing now. Put other sizes away in labelled storage.
• Use Packing Cubes to help keep the contents of your luggage organised when you’re travelling.
• Prepack an emergency travel toiletries bag just in case. A GoToob with your favourite hair or skin products in a leak proof pouch like the ecopocket can help.
• Check your local government information about how to prepare for natural disaster or evacuation.

5.

Help your helpers

Part of preparing for the unexpected is having trusted people you can call on, should you need extra support.

Try these tips:

Final thoughts

It’s not always fun to consider life’s “WHAT IFs”. The process can be overwhelming, and very easy to put off… but it’s a lot better than the alternative. And your future self will thank you!

Start small to avoid overwhelm. You don’t need to have it sorted straight away. Work through the tips at a comfortable pace, breaking them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Tick them off as you do. Aim for progress, not perfection. Every little bit helps when you’re organising for the unexpected.

Arwen Dropmann is a Professional Organiser and founder of Calm Space Professional Organising. Arwen provides onsite decluttering and organising services based in South East Queensland and online consultations no matter where you are located. She is a mother, wife, and qualified social worker with additional training in grief and loss, disability, chronic illness, hoarding disorder and compassion-focused therapy. Yes, decluttering can be hard – physically and emotionally. With her extensive experience, knowledge and compassion, Arwen ensures you reach your goals without compromising your wellbeing.  Arwen is a Professional Member of the Institute of Professional Organisers (IOPO).