Small efforts pay off big in the world of organizing!

I love this quote because it reminds us of the power of small gestures.  They are certainly powerful in the world of getting organized. Take a look around your home and if you are dismayed to find pockets of chaos everywhere don't give into recriminations and self destructive mental chatter.  Rather devote your time and attention selecting seemingly small yet specific steps you can take toward change. 

Many years ago I was the resident organizing expert at an on line site that addresses women's interests.  When I was asked to lead a 6 week 'challenge' to get the community organized I began the first week with a request to make small changes. I remember a near revolt!  I asked the ladies to trust me.  I wanted them to concentrate on small actions that would have big results in the way the home ran and touch the lives of everyone sharing the space. Let's just say the changes were near miraculous.  Many of the participants told me that husbands were helping out for the first time .. without being asked!  In addition small consistent steps in an arena that has stymied you will increase your self esteem and build your confidence as an organizer.

When the 'energy' shifts in the home everyone feels it and it's a great way to get the entire family on board for change.  Why does it work?  Because everyone is being invited to something that works rather than being brow beaten or belittled into participating.  Those tactics never yield lasting results. All of the books in my One Year to ... series are filled with positive habits for you to cultivate that will influence your family members, room mates or pets! (Dogs and cats don't like clutter any more than humans do).  

Here are my all time favorites:

1. Put your keys in the same spot every single time you enter your home.
2. Don't allow dirty dishes to languish in the sink.
3. Put clean dishes away whether they have dried in a dishwasher or on the counter.
4. Check trash cans every day and empty when full.
5. Put your mail in the same spot when you enter your home and then deal with it at the same time each day.  
6. Get rid of junk mail instantly.  A small cross cut shredder is a great first line of defense in the war on identity theft so pop your junk mail in and be done with it. If you work from home you might be able to deduct the price of the shredder.
7. Put magazines and catalogues in containers designed to hold these items.  When a new catalogue arrives toss the old issue and don't keep magazines longer than 2 months. If you haven't made time to enjoy it by then chances are slim to non it's going to be enjoyed.  It will just become out dated clutter over time. Desperate to read a particular article?  Clip it and file it in a To Read folder.

You can pick and choose the habits you'd like to cultivate from the above and check out my books for more ideas.  It doesn't matter where you begin.  Just (as the Nike slogan suggests) do it! Soon you'll see the power of small gestures in the world of getting organized.