Everyone is so excited with the dawning of a new year! People are making plans and “resolving” to make improvements in their home, their work, their lives.
I always look forward to the new year, too. Most of us who tend toward clutter and disorganization do. It’s a clean slate — we KNOW we can conquer our clutter this year. And it all starts TODAY!
Well, actually tomorrow, because today is technically a holiday, right?
If decluttering and being organized is one of your goals, resolutions or intentions for the coming year, it has to start today. And it is actually quite simple. There is one guiding principle that can make all the difference:
Act as though your systems are already in place.
“But I don’t have systems!” you wail. I get that. I get that you are looking for the perfect book, the perfect checklist, the perfect planner calendar, the perfect tool for YOU to get organized and you haven’t found it yet. I’m just suggesting — just for today — that you pretend that you are organized.
Starting right now, right where you are, ask yourself, “If I were an organized person, the next thing I would do is _______________________________.”
When you are working in the kitchen, say to yourself, “As an organized person, I do ________________________ in this area.”
Before you leave your desk or the dining room table, say “Since I’m organized, I need to do _________________________________ before my work here is done.”
I understand that you can’t put things where they ultimately belong because the drawer/closet/cupboard is too full of clutter. Just start putting things as close to where you would like to be able to find them. If you keep up with today, start changing how you approach clutter and disorganization, you will be amazed how much better you feel than waiting for that nonexistent three days to “finally get decluttered and organized.”
You don’t have to wait. Start today.
As our New Year gift to you, we are offering a no cost 30 minute virtual session throughout January. If you are interested in getting a jump on clutter, email brenda@thedeclutterlady.com.
Brenda Spandrio, The Declutter Lady
I love the feeling that de-cluttering gives me. I held a swishing party last year and it went really well. Invite friends over to swop clothes, jewellery, belts etc. It’s great fun, no money changes hands and you get a whole load of new to you clothes!
What a great idea! I just may have to have a chat with you about that for one of my articles. Thanks for stopping by!
January is my favorite month for organizing and purging! I tackled my office this week! Next, my bedroom closet, the pantry and basement!
Way to go, Stephanie! January IS “Get Organized Month,” so you are not alone. Let us know if you have any questions or tips on decluttering and organizing. Thanks for stopping by!
I started decluttering about a year ago and it has completely transformed the person that I am today. I find that I need less stuff and want to keep things clean.
I agree! My tolerance for clutter has dropped dramatically over the years. I love having space…
Brenda, I love this advice! It’s pretty much what I tell my body-transformation clients: start living now like the person you intend to become.
I think it has to do with self-efficacy—the belief that we can accomplish a specific task. If we believe we can do it, the odds increase that we will.
Thanks, Mary! I appreciated your blog post, too: http://primefitnessforwomen.com/the-virtue-of-tiny-unglamorous-goals/!
Great advice! Not overwhelming information, but just enough to make us feel successful right away. Thanks!
Thanks, Eula! Immediate results are what we all want…it’s so hard to be patient, isn’t it?
OMG! I love the intuitive strength impeded in the simplicity of those three fill-in-the-blank sentences. Just made myself a copy of them for easy reference…and filling out!
Thanks, Kathy! I think being in a hurry is one of the biggest issues for those of us who tend toward disorganization. By taking the time (and it’s usually just a few seconds) to do the next thing, we end up with much less clutter and stress!
It’s sooo true: the system is the solution!
Thanks, Kathy! Even as The Declutter Lady, I often get “stuck” because it’s not my nature to be organized. I frequently use this technique to keep myself on target!