As a Professional Organizer providing home organizing services and coaching, there are several quotes that I like to refer to when working alongside my clients. They serve as helpful guideposts through our organizing journey….
I’ve discussed the importance of defining your personal MOTIVATION to get your organizing motor running…
“MOTIVATION is what gets you started, HABIT keeps you going.”
However, the biggest key to success in achieving and maintaining organization in your home and lifestyle comes down to …
D I S C I P L I N E
To have self – discipline is to TRAIN oneself to do something in a controlled and habitiual way.
Achieving any goal in life is not always an easy or inspiring process.
It’s choice, after choice, after choice…..after choice, of DO-ing what you want MOST over what you want now…
It’s deciding to DO what NEEDS to be done over what you might FEEL like doing…
It’s realizing that even the smallest steps forward are what’s most important. And, understanding that progress a little at a time is more likely to add up to LASTING change rather than big dramatic steps ever will.
Repeated ACTS of disciplined CHOICES lead to HABITS that will produce the fruits of an organized and peaceful life that you’ve been craving.
Look for more thoughts on Developing Discipline here on the Operation Organization by Heidi Blog Soon!!
One of my all time favorite quotes to reference when coaching organizing clients is by Jim Rohn –
“Motivation is what gets you started, habit keeps you going.”
If you have the goal of getting or staying organized in your home, office or life – take some time to consider the ‘why’ behind that desire. What is the motivating factor that will spur you on when the going gets tough?
Here are a few possibilities:
* Being organized SAVES TIME
Think of all the time you’ll save (or get back) not having to look for lost or missing items.
* Being organized SAVES MONEY
Consider all the money you could save by reducing late fees and eliminating the need to replace things you could not find or did not realize you already had. With new organizing skills, you might eventually be able to save money by planning ahead to take advantage of special offers and sales.
* Being organized REDUCES STRESS & ANXIETY
Being organized produces a sense of peace and calm by having a certain amount of control over your environment as well as being prepared for what is to come.
* Being organized IMPROVES RELATIONSHIPS
Disorganization can be very isolating and can cause a great amount of guilt and shame.
Removing clutter will not only reduce stress or strain for others in your life that share your home, it will also allow you to be more open to socializing and welcoming outsiders in your home. You’ll also likely feel more willing to socialize outside the home whithout feeling guilty of what you’re avoiding at home.
* Being organized SPEEDS CLEANING / COOKING (and any other routine task)
Having all your tools and utencils organized and easy to find will help you be much more efficient and get the job done in no time!
* Being organized IMPROVES PRODUCTIVITY
The more you are able to get done means that there will be plenty more time for FUN!
* Being organized IMPROVES CONFIDENCE & SELF ESTEEM
The success you feel of meeting your organizing goals will empower you to strive to other higher heights in life.
* Being organized IMPROVES FOCUS
A cluttered environment eventually leads to a cluttered, scattered and distracted mindset.
* Being organized IMPROVES ABILITY TO RELAX
Clutter represents multitudes of tasks yet to be accomplished and decisions yet to be made. It’s hard to relax when your surroundings are constantly reminding you all you have left to do.
* Being organized PROMOTES A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
When you’re organized, you are much more likely to plan meals ahead of time, resulting in healthy eating choices. You’ll also have more time to dedicate, plan for, and carry out exercise and fitness routines.
* Being organized CAUSES YOU TO BE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON OTHERS
When you are not distracted by clutter, you’ll find it easier to focus on the needs and interests of others (and maybe they just might be inspired / motivated by your success and learn from your example toward getting organized too!)
* Being organized HELPS YOU TO LOVE YOUR HOME
There is usually a large investment that goes toward living in your home. Honor that investment with creating a lovely environment in which to live, work, and play. If we’re really honest, we probably all want our homes to be an outward reflection of what we value and a space to live out what we enjoy. The bottom line is, clutter isn’t pretty. The simple act of removing excess clutter will help you to feel much happier and peaceful in your home.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Perhaps you’re currently feeling completely overwhelmed by clutter & mounting personal organizing goals?? Or, maybe there is a space or two in your home that simply needs a fresh set of objective eyes to bring it to it’s fullest organized potential?
Maybe having an organizing buddy, cheerleader and coach that could encourage you with one-on-one hands on support would help to achieve the success you need and deserve – to allow you to live a more peaceful life you LOVE with more time and energy to fully and freely participate in activities and interests you enjoy!
Contact me to learn more about how to get organized with my Professional Organizing and Family Management Coaching services.Operation Organization by Heidi provides customized organizing solutions to ‘cure’ your unique clutter challenge / condition. Based near Atlanta, Georgia, this Professional Organizer serves clients one-on-one in the surrounding area of Fayette, Coweta, and Cobb Counties :(Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Newnan, Brooks, Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth and expanding!)
Begin your sorting / organizing project in ONE space at a time.
Use what you have:
Get creative and use things you already have around the house to separate & contain like items.
Do what you can:
Commit to a certain amount of time per day or per week to work toward achieving your goal.
* * * * * * * *
Perhaps you’re currently feeling completely overwhelmed by clutter & mounting personal organizing goals?? Or, maybe there is a space or two in your home that simply needs a fresh set of objective eyes to bring it to it’s fullest organized potential?
Maybe having an organizing buddy, cheerleader and coach that could encourage you with one-on-one hands on support would help to achieve the success you need and deserve – to allow you to live a more peaceful life you LOVE with more time and energy to fully and freely participate in activities and interests you enjoy!
Contact me to learn more about how to get organized with my Professional Organizing and Family Management Coaching services.Operation Organization by Heidi provides customized organizing solutions to ‘cure’ your unique clutter challenge / condition. Based near Atlanta, Georgia, this Professional Organizer serves clients one-on-one in the surrounding area of Fayette, Coweta, and Cobb Counties :(Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Newnan, Brooks, Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth and expanding!)
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Is paper piling up on multiple surfaces in your home or office? Are you constantly searching through piles for that ‘very important’ application, or frantically digging for a statement or bill that you forgot to pay?
Have I got a functional, practical and space saving solution for you!!
I was contacted by a Clever Container consultant inviting me to try out any product from their wide array of products (that are all intended for organization!!)
It was a hard decision with so many fantastic options to choose from, but I knew that everyone deals with paper in some regard and could appreciate this great system as a possible solution.
I LOVE that the Project Boardis a space saving system that provides vertical storage which also helps to get clutter producing paper OFF of flat surfaces. It is made of a sturdy canvas material and the hardware to hang over any door in your space in included.
Here is how I put it to work to help keep paper in order in our own home:
There are seven pockets or pouches that are large enough to hold a standard vertical pocket or tabbed file folder. I assigned a specific folder that will house certain types of papers that are dealt with on a regular basis (this is not intended for long term filing).
Pocket 1
Holds my Day Planner.
Pocket 2
Current schedules our family might need to reference regularly (like sports game schedules or school spirit nights & lunch menus etc).
Pocket 3
Papers that require some ‘Action’ on my behalf. It’s like a collection of ‘to-do’s in paper form. For example: If I get an invitation that requires an RSVP I slip it in there and once I’ve contacted the host and written it in my calendar I can remove it. Or, maybe I get an application in the mail or a form from a teacher/coach that needs to be filled out, or a reminder to make a doctor appointment. A running ‘to-do’ list could also be kept in here. The IMPORTANT thing to remember is to get into a habit/routine of checking this folder on a regular basis (like daily or at the very least, once a week).
Pocket 4
Client Forms – I work as a Professional Organizer, so I like to keep several copies of new client intake and assessment forms ready and available for when I get a call or inquiry from a new client.
Pocket 5
Papers that will eventually be filled in my long-term filing system. Maybe I get a bank statement in the mail, or a business receipt that I want to keep for future tax purposes. Or, maybe a doctor’s test result comes in the mail that I want to keep in our medical records, or a report card comes home in the mail for one of my children. Those papers start out in the ‘to file’ folder. Once a month I can set aside a specific block of time to place them in the long-term filing cabinet. This folder is just the starting point/holding zone for these types of papers.
Pockets 6 & 7
There are two school aged children in our home. Each child has an assigned pocket and ‘at home’ folder to keep (mostly school related) papers relating only to them (like site word or spelling lists to review for an early reader, or passwords/user names to log into school related websites or portals).
Our school also sends home a traveling folder to transport homework, completed school assignments, notes/announcements from teachers, plus the occasional club/sport/community fliers. I’ve taught my boys to put their ‘school’ folders in their assigned pocket when returning home from school for me to review at my convenience (any paper in there can either be removed and disposed of after review or placed in the ‘action’ or ‘to file’ folders. What’s great about this system is that they know exactly where to find the travelling folder the next morning in order to get it into their backpacks before leaving for school!
The small pocket at the bottom is perfect for holding a few small supplies like pens, pencils, scissors, or even a phone or set of keys!
Here’s just a few more options for utilizing The Project Board:
A Family or Personal ‘Command Center’ – Assign pockets for:
1- In-Box for mail or other ‘incoming’ paper
2- Bills ‘To Pay’
3- Action/To-Do
4 – Papers ‘To File’ long term
5- Outgoing mail
6 – Contact / Address List
7 – Calendar
Assign specific pockets to store paper relating to any individual school or work related project or assignment.
Assign a pocket for each day of the week, or for each individual family member…SO many options!
Do you have any ‘clever’ ideas for more ways to utilize this Clever Container? Comment below and be sure to check out more awesome products by Clever Container!
If you or someone you know could use some help getting paper organized in your home or office, I’m here to help!Contact me today!
Perhaps you’re currently feeling completely overwhelmed by clutter & mounting personal organizing goals?? Or, maybe there is a space or two in your home that simply needs a fresh set of objective eyes to bring it to it’s fullest organized potential?
Maybe having an organizing buddy, cheerleader and coach that could encourage you with one-on-one hands on support would help to achieve the success you need and deserve – to allow you to live a more peaceful life you LOVE with more time and energy to fully and freely participate in activities and interests you enjoy!
Contact me to learn more about how to get organized with my Professional Organizing and Family Management Coaching services.Operation Organization by Heidi provides customized organizing solutions to ‘cure’ your unique clutter challenge / condition. Based near Atlanta, Georgia, this Professional Organizer serves clients one-on-one in the surrounding area of Fayette, Coweta, and Cobb Counties :(Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Newnan, Brooks, Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth and expanding!)
“Clever Container offers products to help you organize your house, car and life. Earn money while getting control of the chaos in your life! It is the only direct sales company that is solely dedicated to organizing products. Clever Container is a ground floor company with less than 2,000 consultants nationwide, no area is saturated and consultants are needed in all regions. To get more info, go to www.mycleverbiz.com/sharon“ *Disclaimer* I was contacted by a Clever Container consultant to choose & receive a product (free of charge) from the Clever Container Website for the purpose of an honest product review. All opinions are my own.
Perhaps you’re currently feeling completely overwhelmed by clutter & mounting personal organizing goals?? Or, maybe there is a space or two in your home that simply needs a fresh set of objective eyes to bring it to it’s fullest organized potential?
Maybe having an organizing buddy, cheerleader and coach that could encourage you with one-on-one hands on support would help to achieve the success you need and deserve – to allow you to live a more peaceful life you LOVE with more time and energy to fully and freely participate in activities and interests you enjoy!
Contact me to learn more about how to get organized with my Professional Organizing and Family Management Coaching services.Operation Organization by Heidi provides customized organizing solutions to ‘cure’ your unique clutter challenge / condition. Based near Atlanta, Georgia, this Professional Organizer serves clients one-on-one in the surrounding area of Fayette, Coweta, and Cobb Counties :(Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Newnan, Brooks, Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth and expanding!)
This is the 2nd installment in a series of articles chronicling the multiple ways one can keep organized with routine home maintenance needs.
In the quest to get routine home management tasks organized, it can be quite tempting to try to adhere to a system or routine that seems to work well for someone else. However, you must take care to intentionally select a path that is right for you in the season of life you are currently in. Additionally, be willing to try a new path of maintaining order if you sense your family lifestyle is shifting or possibly taking on a brand new shape.
There are often MANY options that will lead you to a desired result.
Consider the recurring need your home has for routine cleaning and clutter control. It’s an irritating fact that your home will continually need to be cleaned and tidied up. However, depending on the season of life you are in and the additional responsibilities you have, choosing an intentional approach that works best for YOU and your family could help you not feel so overwhelmed and/or exhausted by all that needs to be done.
Just to clarify, I’ll be talking about cleaning tasks that are ideal to be addressed on a weekly basis. It’s my recommendation to attempt to tend to a few routine household chores {like the dishes and wiping counter tops as well as sweeping floors etc.} at a regular time each and every day.
1) Assign a ‘Cleaning Day’:
Just like the first option of the Laundry article, focus on completing all household cleaning tasks only once a week on one assigned day of the week.
If you work full-time, assigning all your house-hold cleaning to one day will free you up to enjoy your evenings or other time off of work with your family or just kick back and relax.
This is the particular method I grew up with. My mother is the founder/director and lead teacher of her own successful preschool. I just knew that Saturday mornings would be dedicated to cleaning house. As a youngster this meant I got to enjoy a few extra cartoons, but as I grew in maturity and need for spending money, I took on more cleaning responsibilities alongside my mom and was minimally rewarded for my contributions. I appreciated how she was available to attend my extra curricular activities throughout the week as well as just being present if I needed some special attention from her at home after school.
If you are home during the day, and also like the idea of batching your laundry on one day, it’s easy to combine cleaning tasks in-between loads. Then, all your heavy home needs are covered all at once and you can focus on other things throughout the week! If you are home mothering small children and would like to attempt this option but feel limited due to time requirements, find another like-minded mama to trade up child care with. While you take care of your home needs on one morning she can watch all the kiddos, then you can return the favor on another day! 2) Assign Individual Cleaning Tasks to Specific Days of the Week:
If you have a fairly predictable schedule during the week this is an ideal approach for many a home manager especially if there are a lot of other responsibilities to juggle in your world. Being able to compartmentalize when home needs are taken care of helps free your mind and your days to keep the whole house in tip top shape even if it’s just one day at a time. Here’s a few examples: http://pinterest.com/HeidiLeonard/family-manager~cleaning/ 3) Plot out a cleaning plan on a week-by-week basis depending on your schedule:
If you have an irregular and/or unpredictable schedule this is the best approach to help you feel as though you are putting your best foot forward to ‘do what you can, when you can’
This is my current approach. While I would realistically prefer to assign one task per day, it’s just not realistic in our particular season of life. I attempted the assigned days for a while but usually wound up feeling like a failure when it didn’t get done and then prone to ‘punish’ myself by forcing myself to get ‘caught up’ all in one day, nor, did I want to spend large amounts of ‘free’ time cleaning. So every week I spend a few minutes planning out when I can squeeze in the home maintenance cleaning in the following week around my business and our family personal commitments.
Consider what’s best for you. Take care not to adopt a particular method out of reflex. Intentionally choose a path that works best for the season of life you are in, and be willing and ready to make necessary adjustments as dynamics or demands in your life ebb and flow. It doesn’t matter HOW you make it happen, just that you have a PLAN for it to occur, and you’ll be on your way to an organized cleaning routine!
Perhaps you’re currently feeling completely overwhelmed by clutter & mounting personal organizing and family management goals?? Or, maybe there is a space or two in your home that simply needs a fresh set of objective eyes to bring it to it’s fullest organized potential?
Maybe having an organizing buddy, cheerleader and coach that could encourage you with one-on-one hands on support would help to achieve the success you need and deserve – to allow you to live a more peaceful life you LOVE with more time and energy to fully and freely participate in activities and interests you enjoy!
Contact me to learn more about how to get organized with my Professional Organizing and Family Management Coaching services.Operation Organization by Heidi provides customized organizing solutions to ‘cure’ your unique clutter challenge / condition. Based near Atlanta, Georgia, this Professional Organizer serves clients one-on-one in the surrounding area of Fayette, Coweta, and Cobb Counties :(Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Newnan, Brooks, Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth and expanding!)
