For the last 20 years or so the topic of organization has been blasted in books, videos, magazines, blogs and everyday conversion. Yet it remains a puzzle among those who struggle with disorganization in all aspects of their lives. But what does “being organized” mean?
The answer is very simple. When you are organized, you know where the things you need are and you’re not wasting time looking for them. It’s estimated by professional organizers that we waste one hour a day looking for items we need. Another hour or more is wasted by procrastinating and not being able or not knowing where to start.
Another issue disorganized people face daily is replacing lost items with new ones. If they can’t find what they need, they simply buy a new item, contributing to an already cluttered home and wasting money.
Having a cluttered home is an expensive way to live. It can easily drain 20 per cent of your budget, and it is believed that we only use 20 per cent of our belongings. Keep that in mind when you start your organizing journey.
Having a desire to be organized is not enough to succeed. To achieve your goal to get organized, you need a plan, commitment, focus and perseverance. The biggest challenge is changing your behaviour and habits.
Getting started is often the most difficult part of getting organized. You may not know where and how to start, but with a simple plan, you’ll learn the concept of organization. It helps if you are ready to commit, change your habits and get control over your clutter and life.
Getting organized is not about getting rid of your possessions, it’s about recognizing what is important to you and your family and letting go of the rest.
Here are some of the questions I asked myself only 20 years ago.
1. What do I want? - Write down your goals
2. What’s the first step? – Assess your home/life
3. What do I have to give up? - Texting, Facebook, entertainment, et cetera
4. What’s holding me back? - Your beliefs, unhealthy habits
5. Who else will benefit from my change? - My family, community
6. Where can I get help? - Your doctor, trusted friend or professional
For us to achieve a more rewarding life, we have to be completely honest with ourselves. We must take responsibility and control over our home, health, relationships and finances. Many of us blame others for our circumstances, not realizing negativity contributes to our life of overwhelm and frustration.
Complete honesty is required, not blaming others for your life. I love this quote by the late Dr. Wayne Dyer: “Our lives are a total of the choices we have made.”
By organizing and maintaining your home you will find more time and joy in your life and with your family. With a clutter free-home, you will have a clearer mind and be more motivated to create a life you desire and deserve.
Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company based in Powell River and has written several books on reducing clutter and becoming more organized. For information, go to solutionsorganizing.com.
