Making Small Changes Can Have a Profound Impact-Part I

When people find out that I am a professional organizer, they often say how envious they are of organized lifestyles, implying that it is impossible for them to have one as well. So how does one change to a simpler, more organized lifestyle? I think that it is best to suggest ways to attain this lifestyle is in a nonlinear series of steps that one takes and eventually embraces. I noticed over the years that when I made one small change and stuck with it, the process seemed to beg for another positive change. Wow.
Here are a few suggestions that I find have helped me immeasurably.
• Make your bed and put away your clothes first thing in the morning. You could do this while your coffee is brewing. It just makes the room look so much better. Consider choosing bed linens that are less fussy. Putting your clothes and accessories away before bed is also a great idea.
• Wash dishes or put them in the dishwasher. If you have time, do a quick clean of the counters and sink. I have found that using Mrs. Meyers dish soap and counter top spray (I love the lemon verbena ones) makes these tasks more appealing. Dirty dishes in the sink–it just stinks–and not just literally.
• At some point in the day, spend 15-30 minutes going through your home, and putting stuff away or in its right place. You can use a kitchen timer to time yourself. Put coats in the closet. Mail in the mail container (see www.harmoniouslifedesigns.com/tips for a suggestion on how to manage your mail if your mail always winds up on your dining room table in piles.) Cereal boxes, coffee, crackers etc. back in the cupboards. Newspapers in the recycling bin. Toys in their containers. If you don’t have “homes” for certain things, schedule some time to come up with a system to find these “homes” so everything can be put away.
These simple and quick routines can easily become your daily habits and lead to a more clutter-free home. And who wouldn’t want that?

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