Tips For Making Organizing Choices Easy
If it takes more than one step to put something away, that’s a clue that it needs a new home. It takes so much more energy to put something away when doing so is inconvenient. Take control of your space by employing the wisdom of “Choice Architecture.” James Clear, in his book, Atomic Habits inspired us to share these tips.
When you find yourself doing that work-around, STOP and assess. Is there a better location for this? Swap the positions and live easier.
Common Areas to Address:
Kitchen counters
Are your counters piled up with things that should go in the cupboard, but there’s no room? In one example, the cupboard was filled with a boatload of liquor, which the family doesn’t drink because they have 2 young children and don’t entertain like that anymore.
The Solution: Move it to a place less accessible — downstairs? in an upper cupboard?
Medications / Supplements
Are you not taking your medications or supplements regularly?
The Solution: Make it easier by storing a glass in bathroom where the medications live…or move your medications to a convenient space in the kitchen. Put it by the coffee mug, if it’s not yet part of your morning routine.
Paper Clutter
Does miscellaneous mail end up all over your home?
The Solution: Try sorting your mail over the recycling bin. It’s even better if the junk mail doesn’t even make it into the house.
Laundry
Do you have clothes piling up on the floor?
The Solution: Arrange your space so you can store your laundry basket where you usually get undressed.
Donations
Open a drawer or cabinet and see something you know you don’t need anymore?
The Solution: Don’t wait for a cleanout day; have a donation bag or box (or multiples) handy to catch those decisions as they happen.
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning a hassle?
The Solution: Make regular sprucing up more possible by storing smaller sets of cleaning supplies in each bathroom or on each level of your home.
Bonus – ever look out your car front window and think you need to get around to cleaning it? Keep a small bottle of cleaner and paper towel right in the car!
Paper Clutter
Does miscellaneous mail end up all over your home?
The Solution: Try sorting your mail over the recycling bin. It’s even better if the junk mail doesn’t even make it into the house.
Backyard Shed
If you can’t get access to the most often used things in your shed, that’s because it’s arranged by what went in last. For example, we had a rocking chair stored in the shed. It is something we don’t use, it’s more like memorabilia. But it was stored in front of the coolers which we use all the time.
The Solution: Take time to rearrange the shed based on what you need access to most often. Those items go in the front.
If you find your home is always cluttered, considering bringing in outside help. It could be in the form of a book, podcast or a Professional Organizer. It’s easier to see the obvious things that we’ve acclimated to when we step back and get a new perspective.
