Getting organized is not about rushing to buy a bunch of pretty boxes and baskets. It’s about getting a handle on your belongings and schedule to know where things are and what needs to happen. Being organized means you have a system that works for you, and you can maintain it easily.
Balancing a career, family, social life, and peaceful home is a challenge every woman faces. And now, fall is here, which for many women means school schedules to juggle on top of everything else. However, fall can also be a fresh start, prompting you to take back the reins and get organized in your home and life.
Why Being Organized Makes You Feel Like A Boss
When you are organized, you feel like you can handle anything life throws your way. It boosts your confidence, and you feel more in control.
1. You Are More Productive When You’re Organized
Knowing where your things are, whether your favorite pair of earrings or an insurance policy, means you accomplish tasks more efficiently. You can get more done in less time, improving all aspects of your life.
There’s an added benefit: projects are less overwhelming when you don’t waste time searching for needed items, opening doors you may not have realized were there. You can accept more projects at work or say yes to that unexpected dinner invitation.
2. An Organized Space Reduces Stress
When you are organized, you do not have to start every day frazzled. You do not waste time searching for your keys or where you tucked your budget proposal for the morning meeting. A calm start to your day means extra time to prepare for your day.
Putting a system in place that works for everyone in your household is critical. When everyone is on board, you also will not have to worry about wrangling up homework, lost shoes, and missing backpacks.
Your stress load will ebb, and you can breathe easier. You can handle hiccups and bumps in the road with ease when you are not constantly on edge.
3. Being Organized Saves You Money
Getting to the end of the month before the money is a given when it comes to spending habits. Even if you have money to burn, why would you waste it? Instead of spending money on things you already have (but cannot find), you could invest it or save it for that dream vacation to Venice.
If your paperwork, insurance, and finances are organized you are in control of your money. No more late fees, missed payments, or questionable charges. You know exactly where your money is going, so you can ensure your hard-earned dollars work for you.
5 Tips For Getting Organized (And Keeping Things That Way)
Here are five simple tips to help you create an organized home and life that makes you feel powerful, confident, and ready for anything.
1. Take Everything Out
Organization 101: remove everything to get a clear picture of what you have. It’s also an excellent opportunity to give the area a thorough cleaning.
2. Sort and Purge (And Be Honest)
Sort items into piles and decide what can go. This might be hard, but be honest with yourself, recruit a friend that can offer an unbiased opinion. If you do not use it or love it, or if it is damaged, it needs to go. If you come across things that belong elsewhere, do not get sidetracked. Place them to the side in a designated bin to return to their proper homes later.
3. Pace Yourself (A Timer Is Your Friend)
Don’t try to do everything at once. Set a timer and work in manageable chunks to avoid becoming overwhelmed and frustrated.
4. Set Mini-Goals for Big Wins
Set yourself up for success with small goals. For example, you can organize your junk drawer or clear unwanted emails. Celebrate one of these mini-goals every time you accomplish it, then set your next task.
5. Make a Habit of Adjusting and Tidying Your Space
Once your organization system is in place, make sure it works for you. Don’t be surprised if you need to make minor adjustments over the first few weeks. Practice a 10-minute-tidy each evening to help keep the system in check.