Being organized is ultimately about our behavior and our choices. We are not necessarily born messy or organized. These characteristics are developed over time and can be changed.
All of us have used the excuse at some point in time, “That’s just the way I am.”
When we resist change or are afraid of failure, this statement is often an attempt to be let off the hook.
However, this fixed mental state is extremely limiting and prevents healthy growth.
In the realm of home organization, this point really hits home as you are likely to label yourself as organized or messy. You have probably learned to live with your disposition towards being tidy or disheveled, even if it causes stress or holds you back in life.
Our environment plays a HUGE part in our mindset as well as our successes or failures.
If our environment is scattered, we often feel stressed and scattered. If our environment is clean and structured, we often feel free to take steps to achieve other goals.
The truth is it’s about choice and behavior, not being born organized or messy.
I will admit it is hard to change mindset, so I am going to share some valuable choices that you can begin implementing now so you can shift to an organized home.
Ten Ways You Can Focus on Choosing an Organized Home:
- Choose simple over complex.
Most people don’t need ten bath towels or twenty-five coffee mugs. Buying more storage totes does not remedy a home that is overcomplicated and full. Instead, simplify your home by owning less. You will appreciate the newfound space and find that it is much easier to maintain.
- Tidy up every day.
When you get up in the morning, make your bed. At night, empty the sink before going to bed. This will create an environment of order, and will spill over into other areas as well. You will then begin to pick up the clothes off the floor and put the toothpaste back in the drawer.
Taking five or ten minutes each day to tidy up the rooms in your home makes general organization and cleaning much easier.
- Use what you already have.
It’s often tempting to go out and buy something new. Resist that temptation.
You get a dopamine hit that lasts for a very short time.
After the fact, you realize your bank account is smaller and your home is more cluttered.
Next time you get the urge to go spend money, find something around the house that needs to be done. Not only will you create new positive brain connections by pushing through the uncomfortable feelings, but you will have a finished product that will bring true satisfaction.
- Stop trying to keep up with the Joneses.
In the article, “The Psychology With Keeping Up With the Joneses,” Craig Guillot shares,
“Everyone overspends a little and splurges on occasion. But for many, “keeping up with the Joneses” becomes an overwhelming obsession that can lead to financial ruin.”
Sadly, our society has become a bit obsessed with this psychological phenomenon even before the TV shows and social media.
Unfortunately, many people who engage in this kind of behavior are struggling under a mountain of debt.
- Focus on essentials and not excess.
We have been conditioned to believe that we need a huge house and that we need to fill every corner of it with stuff. However, we find is that this does not fulfill the void we have all been born with.
The Scripture comes to mind as I ponder what we need vs. excess.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
We can attempt to fill the spiritual void with physical stuff, but the empty feeling will soon return unless we seek the only One who can truly fill it.
- Ask yourself, “Why own it if you don’t use it?”
If you don’t have a valid answer, it is probably time to let it go. It will bless someone else. As a result, you will get more out of the item by passing it on to someone else than you will from dusting it.
- Simplicity is key.
Japanese minimalism is known for creating soothing and serene homes. Designer Yumiko Sekine shares, “…when you live with less you can find greater enjoyments in what you do have.”
It is so true. It is hard to enjoy our things when they are tightly packed in the closet or cabinets.
Quality over quantity really does make a difference.
- More stuff adds to the inventory of things to manage and keep track of.
No one wants to be a slave to their belongings. More stuff means more time cleaning it or not cleaning it and becoming depressed by your environment.
Let it go. The time you gain is well worth it.
- Spending money to store things is a red flag.
If you have to purchase a storage unit to hold your excess belongings, you may have too much. If you can’t park your car in the garage, it’s time for some things to go.
- Boxing things up to put in storage for “one day” is always a red flag.
Therefore, it’s also a great way for you to see that you really don’t need it.
If you can live without it for months or even years, it needs to go.
They say the easiest way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time, and that is so true with home organization.
Many of you are more than capable of eating the elephant alone, but if you are someone who needs a team to help or someone to give you the elbow grease and confidence you need to do this, Knoxville Home Organizer can get the job done.
Check out our service page here.
