For many people, the thought of getting organized can be overwhelming, especially if they consider themselves chronically unorganized. But the good news is that anyone can learn to adopt an organizing mindset with the right tools and strategies. Mindset is key in helping yourself get and stay organized. Today, we will explore seven ways you can develop an organizing mindset.
You can easily implement each of these strategies into your daily or weekly routines as they build on one another. This method is called “habit stacking” and it is well-known in the productivity industry. And since organizing and productivity often go hand-in-hand, these tips are great to use for starting just about any new activity in your life.
Let’s take a closer look at 7 strategies you can use to adopt an organizing mindset
Tip #1: Start small
One of the biggest obstacles to getting organized is feeling like the task is too big to tackle. That is why starting small is so important. Even something as simple as organizing a desk or a drawer can make a big difference in how you feel and function in your space. And once you see how much better you feel, it will motivate you to tackle bigger projects.
For example, you want to organize your closet, but the thought of tackling the whole thing is overwhelming. Instead, start with one section, like your shoes or your shirts. Take everything out of that section, sort it into piles (keep, donate, toss), and then put everything back in an organized way. Once you have finished that section, move on to the next one. Before you know it, your entire closet is organized.
You can use this method in every area of your home. Rather than organizing your kitchen, organize your pantry first, then your dish cabinets, your junk drawer, and so on. Breaking large organizing projects down into smaller tasks will have you moving forward with speed and efficiency.
Tip #2: Create a routine
Another way to develop an organizing mindset is to create a routine. When you have a consistent routine, you are more likely to stay on top of tasks and avoid feeling overwhelmed. You can create a routine for anything, from checking your email to doing laundry to cleaning your house. The key is to stick to it as much as possible.
If you want to create a routine for cleaning your house, you might decide to clean one room per day. Or you might choose one day per week to do all your cleaning. To do this effectively, take time to sit down and plan. Consider making a blueprint of your home and the rooms you need to clean. How often does it usually take you to do a certain room or area? Knowing all this will help you set a schedule that makes sense and is easy to follow.
Whatever routine you choose, make sure it is something you can realistically stick to. And do not forget to build in some flexibility for unexpected events or changes to your schedule.
Tip #3: Make lists
Lists are a powerful tool for developing an organizing mindset. When you write down all the tasks and responsibilities you need to manage, you can reduce the risk of forgetting important things and feeling overwhelmed. Crossing items off your list can also be an incredibly satisfying experience.
You can create various lists based on your specific needs and preferences, such as daily to-do lists, weekly meal plans, and long-term goals. The key is to find a list-making system that works for you and consistently stick to it.
As we mentioned before, lists can be helpful in breaking down enormous tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. For instance, if you have a large project to complete, such as organizing your entire home, you can break it down into smaller tasks, such as organizing one room at a time, creating a donation pile, and decluttering your belongings. By breaking it down, the task will feel more achievable, and you will be more likely to stay motivated to complete it.
Tip #4: Declutter regularly
One of the biggest barriers to getting organized is having too much stuff. That is why decluttering regularly is so important. When you eliminate things you no longer need or use, you create more space and reduce the visual clutter in your home.
The key to decluttering is to be ruthless. Do not hold on to things just because you might need them someday. If you have not used something in the last six months, chances are you do not need it.
Always donate or dispose of decluttered items responsibly. You can donate clothes to a local charity or thrift store. You can recycle electronics at a designated drop-off site and dispose of hazardous materials through your local waste management program. Decluttering regularly and disposing of them properly will not only give you more freedom in your space, but you will also do your part to keep the planet clean and sustainable.
Tip #5: Invest in organizational tools
Another way to adopt an organizing mindset is to invest in good-quality organizational tools. There are many different types of organizing supplies available, from storage bins to file folders to labels. The key is to find tools that work for you and your space.
If you have a lot of papers and documents to keep track of, you might invest in a file cabinet or file folders. If you have a lot of small items, like craft or office supplies, you might invest in storage bins or containers. You can find a ton of our favorite products in our Shop to give you some inspiration.
The most important thing when buying organizational tools is to know what you need before you shop. Buying items ahead of time is a one-way ticket to clutter. The best course of action to take is to first declutter the area you are organizing and write down what you need in terms of supplies. Then, go out and purchase when you need. This will save you time, money, and frustration from having to make unnecessary returns.
Tip #6: Find inspiration on getting and staying organized
Finding inspiration from others who are organized can be a great way to develop an organizing mindset. There are many resources available, from YouTube videos to blogs to books. You can also seek advice from a professional organizer, who can provide customized tips and guidance based on your specific needs.
One thing to keep in mind when seeking inspiration is not to compare yourself to others. Everyone’s organizing journey is unique; what works for one person may not work for another. Instead, focus on finding tips and strategies that resonate with you and your lifestyle. Implement what you feel might work and if it does not, try something new. The wonderful thing about organizing is that there are a ton of strategies you can learn.
Tip #7: Being patient with yourself
Developing an organizing mindset takes time and practice, and it is important to be patient with yourself throughout the process. Remember that organizing is a skill, and like any skill, it takes time to master.
One way to practice patience is to set realistic expectations for yourself. If you are not used to being organized, it is unlikely that you will become a master organizer overnight. Instead, focus on making small, sustainable changes over time.
Another way to practice patience is to celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Maybe you spent 15 minutes decluttering a drawer, or you finally got around to organizing your bookshelf. These small victories may not seem like much, but they are important milestones on your organizing journey.
Finally, it's important to be kind to yourself throughout the process. Do not beat yourself up if you fall back into old habits or if you do not make progress as quickly as you would like. Remember that developing an organizing mindset is a journey, not a destination.
Adopting an organizing mindset can be a transformative experience that will also help reduce stress and improve productivity. By consistently implementing these seven tips and strategies, you can develop an organizing mindset that will serve you well for years to come.
Which one of these tips can you start doing today?