Finding time to organize can be a challenge for many people. In this busy and noisy world it is easy to feel overwhelmed and too frazzled to organize. Having structure and organization actually has been found to reduce stress and anxiety.
There are a few tips that I wanted to share to help find time to organize.
Finding Time To Organize
Make Organizing a Priority
If you want to get organized, you must make it a goal, otherwise it is not going to happen and you will always find an excuse to deter your efforts. Make a commitment to yourself to be better at organization. Write it down as an actionable task so that you can visually make yourself accountable. Did you know that physical clutter in your surroundings competes for your attention, resulting in decreased productivity?
Time spent looking for things is often a waste of time. So look for ways to add time segments to your day. Many people find it helpful to get up a little earlier, say no to something else (even if it sounds more fun), or hire someone to help you with other things so that you can free up some time on your schedule. Then add it to your schedule or your to do list.
Visualize Your Organized Life
Imagine what your space would look like if everything was nicely organized. Imagine for a moment, finding everything you need because everything has a home. Tasks will be simplified with items readily available. By visualizing an organized system, you are looking at your goal. When we walk into an organized space, we know it. Motivation will come naturally if you envision your objective. Then visualize the action steps required to get there.
Get Started
Start with a smaller area and work on an area or room a little at a time. Try to devote 15 – 30 minutes a day to establishing some order and decluttering a space. Setting a timer can help maintain focus on what you are doing. If you have ever started to clean out something and then started looking at all the things you uncovered, it can take much longer and you will feel overwhelmed because disorganization is actually tiring and draining.
Start with a drawer, a shelf or even your purse or gym bag. Then do another small area the next day and the next. Once you do it enough, decluttering will become a habit and will may not feel like work at all. Once organizing becomes a routine, you will not misplace things as often, and you will be happier knowing that you have conquered some control over your belongings.
We hope you enjoyed these tips on finding time to organize. How do you find time to organize?
Kim says
February 19, 2015 at 9:52 amTime is my problem. I always feel like I need a big block of time to organize.
Raquel says
February 19, 2015 at 11:25 amA big block is great especially for big projects, but small blocks can work too. Once you get started, it can be very motivating!
Akaleistar says
February 19, 2015 at 6:47 pmGreat advice! I find working on one small task at a time helps me get things done 🙂
Raquel says
February 20, 2015 at 1:26 pmThere is also less chances of being distracted when you’re focusing on just one thing.
Tamara says
February 19, 2015 at 7:15 pmOh, so true! When I don’t organize well, it builds up and makes me anxious. I have to attack it piece by piece – one small task after another.
Raquel says
February 20, 2015 at 1:27 pmSame here Tamara. It’s much less overwhelming that way. Hope you’re feeling better!
christine says
February 24, 2015 at 7:19 amI don’t know what I would do without organization! I mean, my life would be complete and total chaos! You are so right, you have to find time to organize. It feels so much better when the job is done. I’m not an expert on it, believe me, but I know that it makes life way more simple with it! Thanks for sharing this post
Stephanie says
February 25, 2015 at 8:21 pmI need to get going on this. Last summer we were trying to sell our house and all the showings got old, but I loved having a reason I HAD to keep my house cleaned and organized. In your opinion do you think it is easier to start in the room that need the least work or the most work? Our bedrooms need the least and would be faster but the bigger deal is kitchen and living room.
Raquel says
February 26, 2015 at 6:23 amYes, when the house is up for sale, it is really a challenge to keep everything perfect. Great question Stephanie! I believe for most people, starting small will foster good habits and allow for motivation to continue. For those that thrive on order (and like to organize), I would say the larger project, because then the other projects are much easier to approach afterwards. When something is new and seems overwhelming, it is typically easier to tackle in small bites.
The Wellness Wife says
February 27, 2015 at 12:16 pmOrganization and decluttering make me happy. Just the thought makes me less stressed. But, the time it takes to get there is stressful. Thanks for the tips.
Raquel says
February 27, 2015 at 1:45 pmIsn’t it amazing what a difference it makes? You were right that the road can be somewhat stressful, but oh the destination!
Zipperhead Creations says
March 1, 2015 at 6:42 pmI always find myself making a list, getting overwhelmed by the list, feeling like I have too little time, and then not really accomplishing anything. I think starting small is the perfect solution. Thanks for the tips!
Raquel says
March 2, 2015 at 6:55 pmI think we all get overwhelmed with a big list. Smaller pieces are so much easier to deal with. Thanks for the comment!
Brenna @ Life After Laundry says
March 2, 2015 at 7:38 amThanks for sharing this with our Tips & Tricks Link Party, girl! This is such good advice! Pinned!
Raquel says
March 2, 2015 at 6:54 pmThanks for your sweet comment and for the pin Brenna!
Barbara Radisavljevic says
June 7, 2018 at 5:47 pmI am way behind because life constantly gets in the way. I’m trying to make myself do at least one thing a day to bring more order to my life.