Simple Organizing 101: I'm Organized...Now What? (Part 4 of 4)

As you get your clutter under control, you may wake up one night in a cold sweat. "How am I going to stay organized? I can't do it!" Fear not! Staying organized isn't mysterious or especially difficult. It's as easy as a plan and a good attitude.

Dealing with changes.
Adding to the family, enduring a lengthy illness or moving can create turmoil in your routine. How you deal with change can help or hurt your organizing progress. Make sure that through any changes your main objective is in sight. You want to stay as organized as you can. That may mean letting up on some things in order to make everything work. You may have to delegate more or hire someone. You may have to swap time with a friend or neighbor. The schedule you worked so hard on may need updating. Make changes you need to and then get back on track as it becomes possible. Use your new skills from this four-part series to adapt to these changes and make the most of your situation.

Dealing with challenges.
As you have incorporated ORDER into your life you may notice some problem areas. I call them "hot spots," those places that never seem to stay free of clutter. It may be near the front door, on the bathroom counter or next to your bed. No matter how hard you try it seems to plague you like a toothache. I recommend a few ideas to try.

• Move things. If the clothes end up in a pile next to the bed, move the hamper. Move the trash can next to the sink for those messes. Re-evaluate and see where things fit best to make the space work.
• Enlist help. Ask friends and family for their input.
• Ask a pro. Find a local professional organizer and ask for their input. The cost is small compared to your peace of mind. They are the ones with the answers you need.

Keeping on track.
Many factors contribute to life changing success. Here are a few for you to think about.

• Keep a positive attitude. Fill your home with Scriptures or positive sayings. Don't talk negative to yourself or about yourself. Never label yourself as messy again.
• Reward yourself. You are doing a wonderful thing and every life change deserves a reward.
• Give yourself as many chances as it takes to get it right. Don't throw out your whole system if you fall off the wagon. Get right back on.
  The copyright of the article Simple Organizing 101: I'm Organized...Now What? (Part 4 of 4) in Organizing Time & Space is owned by Anna-Marie Hawthorne. Permission to republish Simple Organizing 101: I'm Organized...Now What? (Part 4 of 4) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

  Go To Page: 1 2

  Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic