Organize+Energize: Getting Organized is a Lifestyle Change. Are you ready?

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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Kristin MacRae, GoLocalWorcester Organizing Expert

 

I want you to approach getting organized like you would approach starting a new weight loss or exercise program. Most of you reading this have probably attempted and followed through with some type of lifestyle change. If you have, you know it takes dedication, will power, motivation, and some type of support system.

You’ve made the decision to get organized, but it’s not just about tearing apart a room, straightening it, cleaning it and making it look pretty. It takes more than that. It’s going to take commitment and motivation to see this through. This is going to be a life changing event for you and everybody that lives in your home.

Here are 5 things you need to do before you make this lifestyle change:

    1.    Make a commitment. You’ve committed to lifestyle changes in the past. Make a commitment to follow through with the projects and make a commitment to maintain your organization once you get organized. Commit to putting things away when you take them out. Commit to opening your mail on a daily basis, etc.
    2.    Set goals. Walk around your home and jot down areas that you want to organize. Jot down how you want to feel in your home. What makes you uncomfortable in your home? How do you want to function going forward? Keep your goals in sight to remind you to keep pushing through to get to your final goal.
    3.    Have a plan. When getting organized, you have to have a plan of when and where you are going to begin. Map it out and schedule time on your calendar. You can’t decide you are going to get organized and not have a plan. You are probably overwhelmed and stressed and not having a plan will only add to these feelings.
    4.    Take small steps. Break down this process. Tackle one room at a time. Limit your distractions and stay focused. Staying on task is key. Too much at once will overwhelm and stress you out and nothing will get done.
    5.    Don’t set yourself up for failure. Arm yourself with some great tools that will help you maintain your organization. There are so many great organizing products out there. Choose products that fit what you need and ones that will help you become more efficient and productive.

It’s easy for some to get organized, but the work is in the maintenance of keeping that space organized. The systems have to work for you. Create your systems and check in on them after a few months to see how they are working. Many people continue to work with broken systems or work with products that don’t fit their needs. Re-evaluate your systems and make them work for you.
Check in with yourself on a weekly basis to see how you are following the systems that you created. Just like any lifestyle change, it takes hard work and determination to get you to the top!  Are you ready to make this change and reap the benefits of being organized?

Kristin Carcieri-MacRae, the founder and owner of Organizing in RI, has always enjoyed finding creative ways to streamline the environment around her. She has appeared on air on Patricia Raskin's Positive Business Radio and her articles have been published in the Rhode Island Small Business Journal and New England Home Life. Kristin's CD, Organizing Basics, is a 1-hour guide for the person who wants to get organized but doesn't know where to start. She is also available for organizing workshops. Tune into her weekly radio show, Organize, Energize! ontalkstreamradio.com.

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