CREATING A NEW ENVIRONMENT FOR A NEW YEAR
Organizing Tips for 2011 and Beyond
Have you ever telephoned someone and in the middle of the conversation been interrupted by the distracted plea, “Wait a minute, I need to find something to write on,” followed by the sound of rustling papers? Ah, the din of disorganization. How often does it come from you? Now is the time for change.
Get organized in January
It is fitting that the National Association of Professional Organizers, of which I am a member, celebrates Get Organized (GO) month every January.
Getting organized is among the top 10 New Year’s resolutions made by Americans every year, according to the group, which reported findings of its most recent survey:
• 96% of respondents felt they could save at least some time each day if they were more organized at home.
• 91% felt they could be more efficient at work if they were better organized.
• 71% indicated their quality of life would improve with more organization.
What are three tips to begin the transformation?
First, and most important, is to schedule time on your calendar to get organized. Otherwise it will continue to be on a wish list and never become a reality. Make an appointment with yourself.
Second, set a deadline for completion of a project (whether it be cleaning out your desk or closet) and work back from there in small, manageable time segments. Be realistic about the amount of time it will take to complete each segment of the project. Schedule on your calendar.
Third, do not zigzag organize. This means stay in one room while on one project. Do not be tempted to take something into another room and begin to work on another project……it happens. Stay focused on your goal during your scheduled time.
What pitfalls should folks watch out for when attempting to get organized?
It takes approximately 21 days to form a new habit. Don't get discouraged after a few attempts to form new organizing habits in order to maintain your new environment. It took years to get you to where you were. It may take a long time to get you where you want to be. Focus on one or two habits to improve on.
Consider making one of your habits green. More and more I am finding that my clients are thrilled that the stuff they no longer need will be used by someone else or recycled into other products. A win-win situation for everyone!
We still struggle with the dilemma of how, or if, something should be recycled. Not all recycling centers accept everything. To find out what yours takes, call 800-cleanup or www.recyclingcenters.org
How does clutter cause stress?
A cluttered environment makes for a cluttered mind, which in turn causes stress. There is something very peaceful about a simple environment that has the feeling of calm and free space. Clutter can make you feel out of control and paralyzed by your environment. Too much to see…..too much to do!
Peter Walsh, decluttering aficionado of TV’s “Enough Already!” says, there are two kinds of clutter: “memory clutter”, which recalls the past, and “I might need it” clutter, which anxiously anticipates the future…. and both rob you of the now.
What are the benefits to being organized other than the fact that you can find your car keys, bank statements, wire whisk, etc. easily?
Being organized will free up more time for yourself and your family. You can then form better eating habits (not eating on the run), you can have more "down time" to read, hike, spend time with the family, or do nothing at all. (What a concept.) Less clutter/disorganization leads to less stress, leads to fewer trips to the doctor's office, which results in a healthier, happier life style. Don't go for a complete makeover. Remember…..one step at a time to get organized.
Now go and enjoy your new year.
For further assistance Sarah can be contacted at sg@apfe.co or 303.526.5357.
