Latest Blog Posts
Reading time – 10 minutes
Many of the things you do each day to reach your goals can be achieved by creating small routines or daily habits that you perform primarily without thinking about it each day. By making your actions routine and, more importantly, a habit, you’ll get more done and not feel like you’re always working.
- Get Hydrated – Start each day with a couple of cups of water. Some people prefer lemon water. You can enjoy it cold or warm depending on the time of the year. Starting off your day hydrated will boost your energy and make it more likely you get to your to-do list.
- Review Your Schedule – As you go through life, you should use a to-do list each day. Before you start your day, glance at your to-do list to get an overview of what you need to do during your day. I plan my schedule the day before. Then, prioritize the items according to my needs in the morning. Sometimes overnight things change.
- Create a Morning Routine – Set up a morning routine for your self-care, which may include taking a shower, making your bed, getting dressed, eating breakfast, etc. You may also want to add meditation, do some yoga, or journal in the morning routine. My morning routine starts with a walk, then shower and dressing for the day depending on the type of work I will be doing. Next is breakfast and making my lunch. I am off to my office to look at emails and do some social media marketing. Then my day starts and the To-Do list is important.
- Invest in Your Nutrition – One way to become more productive is to eat right. Your diet is as important as exercising. Eat according to your dietary needs. By prepping your food in advance makes it easier to stick to a plan each day. This is why I pack my lunch at breakfast. If I take my lunch to work with me I am less likely to grab fast food. Some people like to pack their lunch after supper. I also plan 1 week of suppers before I go grocery shopping. I enjoy not having to think about what to make for supper each night.
- Develop a Positive Mindset – Find ways to look at the positive aspects of your life. When you have a positive mindset or outlook, it tends to strengthen your motivation. The motivation usually comes after you take action and focus on the feelings you experience after you take a specific action. That successful experience encourages you to be more positive because you feel more productive and helpful.
- Celebrate Your Victories – When you are successful and accomplish something, find a way to celebrate, no matter how small. You can draw on the experience to motivate you to take more action. Treat yourself to a walk, a trip to the gym, tea or coffee, a warm bath, a hot relaxing shower, a movie or a dance party.
- Segment Your Workday – Don’t work all the time. This is especially important if you work for yourself. The work never ends. Set boundaries. Set specific hours for your workday. Stick to these hours at least 80 percent of the time. Keep in mind that remaining flexible is important. Sometimes working hard is going to be required, but it’s not required every single day.
Each time you add a routine to your day that can be repeated regularly and easily, you are beginning to create a habit. Habits are difficult to stop. This is because they incorporate a trigger and have a rewarding response. This is called conditioning. Set up your triggers to be rewarding so you can trigger yourself to succeed in all areas of life. If you need help developing routines contact julie@mindoverclutter.ca
What routines help you to be productive?
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Weekly Agenda Page
I like to develop a weekly agenda page for each child in the family. When they are young, they have their own page posted on the refrigerator or bulletin board. Once they have phones they can keep their schedule on their phone and give you access.
Record all Weekly Activities – School, Home and Extra Curricular
At the beginning of each week, I record all their activities, music lessons, group activities, sports, etc. I also record their special activities at school so they remember to bring library looks, physical education clothing, and musical instruments. It also includes any chores that they have to do around the house. If you prepare it on the computer, many things don’t change from week to week, you can print up the agendas weekly.
Record Additional Activities for the Week – Test, Projects, Parties
The children will add to the page, tests and projects that have been assigned at school. Start this habit for them when they are young, it teaches them how to organize their time. You will be helping to instill in them a habit that will last them a lifetime. They can play, watch TV or have screen time when they have completed everything on their list.
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
Library books | Physical education | Class trip | violin | |
Practice piano | Girl Guides | Collect garbage | Skating | Birthday Party at Susie’s |
Set table | Empty dishwasher |
Paper or an AppI like paper because I can see everyone’s week at a glance without switching between screens and accounts. If you enjoy technology because you can access information from anywhere at any time try Choice Works for scheduling your children’s activities. It allows you to select activities and list them by picture for non-reading children or in words.
Timeboxed Schedule Maker
Thanks to Whisper Wels for sending me this link for their schedule maker to create your own timeboxed schedule.
Time management is about finding a system that works for you and your children to make life easier. Please leave a comment about agendas, systems and apps that you use.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
So you want to get organized?
Achieving order in your life doesn’t mean being perfect. That’s not realistic. Getting organized is not an event; it’s a process that happens over time. Like changing your eating or exercise habits, it sometimes involves behavioural changes and routines.
Perfectionism
Is being unrealistic by spending so much time on a task that it deprives other important tasks of sufficient time.
Excellence
Is doing the best job you can with the time and resources at your disposal.
What is organization?
Being organized has less to do with the way an environment looks than how effectively it functions. If a person can find what they need when they need it, feels unencumbered in achieving his or her goals, and is happy in his or her space, then that person is well organized.
Myth #1 Organization is a born talent.
- Organization is a skill. If the right resources or support are available it is easy to learn.
Myth #2: It’s impossible to stay organized.
- Organizing is sustainable, if systems are built around the way the person thinks and designed to grow and adapt to new information.
The 7 Habits of Very Organized People
1. They have a place for everything
- 25% of business documents are misplaced and will never be located so those documents must be recreated.
2. They put things back
- Executives waste six weeks per year searching for items.
3. They write things down
- Make a master list of things to do to determine the priorities for the next day. This may include planning the most effective routine to use to accomplish the tasks, the route driven to see a client or considering high and low energy cycles in the day and planning tasks accordingly.
4. They don’t allow papers/e-mails to pile up.
- The average worker sends and receives over 190 messages each day. Approximately 60 e-mails can be processed each hour. Learn how to use e-mail effectively in order to limit the number of e-mails received and sent each day.
5. They don’t procrastinate
- Procrastinating causes people to spend more time and energy on avoiding the task than completing it. Once it is accomplished it is out of sight and out of mind.
6. They set goals and assign deadlines
- Schedule a time for each task in the project to be completed, so deadlines can be met easily.
7. They only keep what they use and enjoy.
- Clutter is usually the “extra” that is kept on hand just in case it is needed. About 20% of items are used 80% of the time, so 80% of items are hardly used at all. Find the important 20% and let go of the unimportant 80%.
- They have a place for everything
- They put things back
- They write things down
- They don’t allow papers/e-mails to pile up.
- They don’t procrastinate
- They set goals and assign deadlines
- They only keep what they use and enjoy.
If you need help getting organized contact me for a virtual consultation
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter –Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 10 minutes
In the fast-paced world we live in today, productivity is often seen as the ultimate goal. We find ourselves constantly adding more tasks, more goals, and more responsibilities to our lives. The never-ending to-do lists seem to grow longer with each passing day, leaving us overwhelmed and burnt out. In response to this, a new concept, the “Stop Doing” list is written about in books and blogs. This blog post will explore the concept of “Stop Doing” lists, why they’re essential, and how they can revolutionize the way you approach productivity.
What is a “Stop Doing” List?
A “Stop Doing” list is precisely what it sounds like – a list of tasks, habits/behaviours, or activities that you commit to stop doing. A “Stop Doing” list shifts the focus to what you should be eliminating from your life. It’s a deliberate and mindful approach to declutter your schedule, mind, and life from non-essential or unproductive activities. It might contain things you are currently doing that you thought would help you achieve a goal but are not having any effect.
Why a “Stop Doing” List Matters
1. Reclaim Your Time:
One of the most significant advantages of creating a “Stop Doing” list is the ability to reclaim precious time. By identifying and eliminating tasks that don’t contribute to your goals or well-being, you free up time to invest in activities that truly matter.
2. Reduce Decision Fatigue:
Every decision we make, no matter how small, consumes mental energy. A “Stop Doing” list helps streamline your choices by removing unnecessary options, making it easier to focus on what truly matters.
3. Prioritize What Matters Most:
With a “Stop Doing” list, you can gain clarity on your priorities. It forces you to evaluate your commitments and align them with your goals and values, allowing you to focus on the activities that bring the most significant impact.
4. Combat Overwhelm and Burnout:
Overcommitting to tasks and responsibilities can lead to burnout and stress. A “Stop Doing” list helps you establish boundaries, ensuring you have the time and energy to recharge and stay motivated.
Creating Your “Stop Doing” List
Now that you understand why a “Stop Doing” list is essential, let’s discuss how to create one. There are many types of Stop Doing lists. Decide on the focus of your list: productivity, happiness, wellness etc.
1. Self-Assessment:
Begin by taking a critical look at your current commitments, habits, and activities. Ask yourself what truly adds value to your life, aligns with your goals, and brings you joy.
2. Identify Time-Wasters:
Pinpoint tasks or habits that are time-wasters or offer diminishing returns. These could be excessive social media use, attending unproductive meetings, or engaging in activities that no longer serve your goals.
3. Set Clear Boundaries:
Establish boundaries to protect your time and energy. Say “no” to new commitments or activities that don’t align with your priorities.
4. Consistent Review:
Most importantly your “Stop Doing” list isn’t set in stone. Regularly review and update it as your goals and priorities evolve. Make it a habit to assess what can be eliminated or delegated.
5. Example of a Happiness Stop Doing List
- STOP talking to toxic people.
- STOP regretting things. …
- STOP procrastinating. …
- STOP putting everyone else first. …
- STOP expecting people to change. …
- STOP spending so much money. …
- STOP settling.
6. What’s one thing we should never Stop Doing?
Never stop being willing to make mistakes. Try new ideas, activities and habits. Mistakes help you to learn.
In a world where busyness is valued, a “Stop Doing” list is a powerful tool to regain control of your time, reduce stress, and boost your overall productivity. It allows you to focus on what truly matters, eliminate distractions, and create space for personal and professional growth. Take time today to create your “Stop Doing” list and experience the transformative impact it can have on your life. Remember, sometimes the path to greater productivity lies not in doing more but in doing less of what doesn’t serve you.
What would be on your Stop Doing list?
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 10 minutes
Transitioning from a relaxed summer mindset to a productive routine can be challenging. There are several strategies you can use to regain motivation and boost your productivity. Here are some tips to help you get back on track.
1. Set Clear Goals
Define specific, measurable goals for what you want to achieve after the summer. Having a clear sense of purpose will give you a reason to stay motivated and work towards your objectives. Making a realistic list of tasks to complete helps to structure your workday.
2. Start Small
Begin with small tasks or projects to ease yourself into a productive work routine after the summer. Accomplishing these smaller tasks can provide a sense of accomplishment and build momentum for larger tasks.
3. Create a Routine
Establish a daily routine that includes dedicated work hours, breaks, exercise, and relaxation. Having a structured routine can help you transition smoothly from the more relaxed summer schedule.
4. Prioritize Tasks
Make a to-do list and prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines. Tackling high-priority tasks first can help you make steady progress and feel a sense of accomplishment.
5. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
Large projects can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination. Break them into smaller, manageable steps to make them feel more achievable.
6. Eliminate Distractions
Identify and minimize distractions in your workspace. This could mean turning off notifications, creating a clutter-free environment, or using website blockers during work hours.
7. Use Time Management Techniques
Employ techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for a focused period (e.g., 25 minutes) and then take a short break. This can enhance your concentration and productivity.
8. Reward Yourself
Set up rewards for completing tasks or reaching milestones. Treat yourself to something enjoyable after accomplishing your work, which can reinforce positive behaviour.
9. Visualize Success
Imagine the satisfaction and benefits of achieving your goals. Visualizing success can help you maintain focus and motivation.
10. Stay Accountable
Share your goals with a friend, family member, or colleague who can hold you accountable. Knowing that someone else is aware of your goals can help you stay motivated.
11. Seek Inspiration
Surround yourself with motivational content, books, podcasts, or videos that inspire you to stay productive and motivated. Post inspirational sayings in your work area.
12. Stay Healthy
Prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep can significantly impact your energy levels and motivation.
13. Reflect on Your Summer
Take some time to reflect on what you enjoyed during the summer and how you can integrate those positive aspects into your daily routine. This can make the transition smoother.
14. Adapt and Adjust
Be flexible with your approach. If you find that certain strategies are not working, be open to trying different methods until you find what works best for you.
Remember that motivation can fluctuate, so it’s essential to be patient with yourself. The key is to take consistent steps toward your goals and establish habits that support your productivity over the long term.
Do you feel burnt out after the summer? What do you do to re-energize?
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
My guest blogger this month is Sarah Thompson a renowned productivity enthusiast and organizational expert. With over a decade of experience managing home offices, she has helped countless individuals transform their workspaces into efficient and inspiring environments.
Working from home has become increasingly common and having an organized home office has never been more crucial. Whether you’re a remote worker, a freelancer, or someone who needs a productive space to tackle personal projects, a well-organized workspace can significantly impact your efficiency and overall well-being. In this digital age where distractions lurk around every corner, taking the time to declutter, streamline, and optimize your home office is a wise investment. In this article, we will explore eight essential tips to help you transform your home office into a sanctuary of productivity and inspiration. From designating a dedicated workspace to implementing effective storage solutions, we will cover practical strategies to keep your office tidy, efficient, and conducive to focused work. So, if you’re ready to banish the chaos and create a harmonious work environment, let’s dive into these valuable tips for organizing your home office.
Designate a Dedicated Workspace
Designating a dedicated workspace is the first step toward organizing your home office. While working from the comfort of your bed or the couch may be tempting, having a separate and distraction-free area is essential for maintaining focus and productivity. Choose a location in your home that can be dedicated solely to work, whether it’s a spare room, a corner in the living room, or even a well-designed nook in the hallway. Consider factors like natural light, noise levels, and ergonomic setup when selecting your workspace. Creating a physical boundary between work and leisure areas signals to your brain that it’s time to concentrate and be productive. Additionally, having a designated workspace helps you mentally switch off from work when you’re done for the day, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Declutter and Prioritize
Once you have designated a dedicated workspace, it’s time to declutter and prioritize. Skipping decluttering would be a big mistake. Clutter can be a major source of distraction and stress, hindering your ability to focus and work efficiently. Start by sorting and categorizing items in your home office, determining what is essential and what can be removed. Consider donating or disposing of items that no longer serve a purpose. Create a system for organizing papers, documents, and supplies, whether it’s using folders, binders, or storage containers. Prioritize frequently used items within easy reach while keeping less frequently used items neatly stored away. By decluttering and organizing your office space, you create a clean, streamlined environment that promotes productivity and a clear mind.
Establish Effective Storage Solutions
Establishing effective storage solutions is another crucial aspect of organizing your home office. Utilizing shelves, cabinets, and drawers can help keep your workspace tidy and minimize visual clutter. Storage containers and organizers are great tools for storing smaller items such as stationery, cables, and accessories. Labelling your storage containers and shelves ensures easy access and saves time when you need to find something specific. When it comes to organizing your home office, the experts at Phillips Moving and Storage recommend taking advantage of vertical space. Install floating shelves or wall-mounted organizers to maximize storage capacity without sacrificing valuable floor space. They also suggest utilizing stackable storage bins or drawers for efficient use of space. By incorporating smart storage solutions, you can create an organized and functional home office that supports your productivity and enhances your work environment.
Streamline Your Digital Workspace
Streamlining your digital workspace is equally important when organizing your home office. Digital clutter can be just as distracting as physical clutter, so take the time to organize your computer files and folders. Create a logical folder structure and label files appropriately for easy retrieval. Utilize cloud storage and backup options to free up space on your computer and ensure your files are securely backed up. Manage your email effectively by setting up folders and filters to categorize and prioritize incoming messages. Unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters and regularly delete or archive old emails. By organizing your digital workspace, you’ll experience improved workflow, faster access to information, and reduced stress when navigating your virtual office environment.
Organizing your home office includes optimizing your desk setup
Optimizing your desk setup is essential for creating a productive and comfortable home office environment. Start by choosing the right desk and chair that provides adequate support and ergonomic features. Ensure that your desk is spacious enough to accommodate your work essentials and allow for the proper placement of your computer, keyboard, and other devices. Managing cables and cords is also important to maintain a tidy workspace and prevent tripping hazards. Use cable management solutions such as cable clips or cable sleeves to keep cords organized and out of the way. Remember, a well-optimized desk setup enhances your physical comfort and also contributes to your overall efficiency and focus when working from home.
Implement Time and Task Management Systems
Implementing time and task management systems is key to staying organized and productive in your home office. Utilize calendars and planners to schedule and prioritize your tasks effectively. Set realistic deadlines and break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Consider using productivity apps or software to help you track your progress and stay focused. Establishing a routine can also be beneficial in creating a sense of structure and discipline. Determine your most productive hours and allocate specific time slots for focused work, breaks, and other activities. By implementing time and task management systems, you can enhance your productivity, meet deadlines, and maintain a sense of control over your workload in your home office.
Maintain a Clean and Inspiring Environment
Maintaining a clean and inspiring environment is crucial for the long-term success of your home office organization. Establish regular cleaning and decluttering routines to prevent the buildup of unnecessary items and dust. Incorporate plants and natural elements into your workspace to enhance air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Personalize your space with meaningful decor, inspiring artwork, or motivational quotes to boost creativity and motivation. Remember, a clean and inspiring environment not only uplifts your mood but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership in your home office, making it a place where you can thrive and achieve your professional goals.
Establish boundaries
Another important tip for organizing your home office is establishing clear boundaries between your work and personal life. When working from home, it’s easy for the lines to blur, leading to potential distractions and a lack of work-life balance. Set specific work hours and stick to them, allowing yourself designated time for breaks and personal activities. Create a physical separation, if possible, by closing the door to your home office or using a room divider. Communicate your work schedule to family members or roommates so they understand when you need uninterrupted focus. By establishing clear boundaries, you can maintain a sense of structure and ensure that your home office remains a dedicated space for work, ultimately increasing productivity and reducing stress.
In conclusion
Organizing your home office is vital to creating a productive, efficient, and inspiring workspace. By designating a dedicated area, decluttering and prioritizing your belongings, implementing effective storage solutions, streamlining your digital workspace, optimizing your desk setup, and establishing time and task management systems, you can transform your home office into a well-organized oasis of productivity. Maintaining a clean and inspiring environment and setting clear boundaries between work and personal life will also contribute to your overall success and well-being. Embrace the benefits of an organized workspace, and watch as your productivity, focus, and enjoyment soar to new heights. Get started today and create a home office that sets the stage for your best work yet!
I think she covered all the information well. Please add a comment about organizing your home office that makes you more productive.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
With many people working from home, it is important to have time when you’re not interrupted. Make sure to have a sign or signal that indicates you are unavailable.
Many people realize that multitasking is not the best way to get work completed. However, they experience many small interruptions in their day, e-mail, texting and phone calls that take away from concentrating on a project.
“Drive by” conversations, when colleagues stop by your desk, stop you in the hall or a family member bursts into your office and gives you information also take time away from completing important tasks. As well the information may be forgotten or lost.
Some offices have designated a specific time of the day for working on projects. It is an interruption-free time to concentrate on work during which employees can’t send or answer emails, texts, phone calls, attend meetings, etc. Each office is different so the designated time may be office-wide or scheduled into each person’s work day, week, or month individually. It is important that this time and format are respected by your colleagues, family and supported by management. You may be surprised how much you can get done in one hour without interruptions and your full concentration on one task at a time.
How do you plan on scheduling interruption free time? Let me know in the comments.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
My tip for parents running their businesses from home is about time management.
Running a business and organizing a household is a complex task. Time management is the key to success and sanity. Scheduling everything will help:
- tasks to get completed,
- commitments to be honoured
- and make arriving on time possible
However, scheduling everything can be overwhelming initially. Start by using only one calendar, paper or electronic, for all the activities in your schedule. Try a “clearing your mind” task. This involves writing down everything you have to do. Record one task per line on your paper or one task per entry until you have everything recorded. Including, exercise, work appointments, social commitments, bill payments, household tasks, children’s commitments, social media, doctor appointments, marketing, networking, a trip to the park, birthday parties etc. After you have them recorded, go back to the top of your list and write the date and time (schedule) when you will complete the task. Put all of these dates on your calendar remember to include travel time when you schedule tasks. As you look at your calendar you will be able to determine how much time you have each day, month and year available for the activities that are important to your life, family and business. It will help to put time into perspective and help determine why you might be feeling:
- overwhelmed
- overworked
- bored
- tired
- successful
- energized
- excited
- frustrated
Once you start to schedule everything, it will become easier because many of the entries will be recurring each day, week, month or year. They will be in your calendar and only new items will need to be added to your schedule. This will provide a structure that you can rely on to help you with the complex task of running a business and organizing a household.
If you need help with time management book a series of mini organizing sessions with me.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
I asked my colleagues from Professional Organizer in Canada (POC) to share a word or phrase they hear from their clients that causes them to pause. Some phrases will show a mindset of fear, procrastination or indecision making it difficult for you to be successful. My colleagues work in productivity coaching, virtual organizing, downsizing, moving and many other specialized areas to help you get organized. Use the POC directory to find a Professional Organizer who understands you.
Have you said or thought of any of these phrases?
Darlene Tripp owner of Hello Darlene
‘Overwhelmed‘. When they say I am feeling overwhelmed during the session I know it is time for a break or to step away or to even end the session potentially. Sometimes there are triggers or other things that happen and it is so important for them to be in the right frame of mind most importantly!
Laura Kay owner of Toronto Home Organizing
For Now”. As in, “I’ll put this here for now”. This is a stall/indecisive tactic to avoid making a commitment immediately. I’ve always attempted a stop gap when they say that and get them to reconsider.
Kim Diamond owner of Clufferfly Inc.
I hear the word “later” a lot. Clients postpone decisions about their stuff. Maybe they are feeling overwhelmed or it’s a sensitive topic. It needs to be explored or worked through in order to understand the issues about their stuff. As they say, clutter is just postponed discussions.
Adele Lapointe owner of Chaos to Clarity
“I can’t deal with that right now”. As Professional Organizers, we can’t assume we know the reason and we need to find out why. Everyone’s why can be different. For example, it might be a sentimental object that brings back memories good or bad.
Julie Stobbe owner of Mind over Clutter
“Procrastinator” Clients will say I am a procrastinator. When I hear this we pause and talk about how procrastination is affecting their ability to have the home they want to have. Understanding that you are a procrastinator is good. It is not an excuse or reason you can use for putting off doing tasks or telling me why you can’t get things done. It means you need to develop systems to help you stop procrastinating.
Sara Novak owner of Rainbow Home Organizing
“No”. It was a packing/unpacking/organizing job and even though I thought she “should” discard several packs of near-empty expired spices, of which there were duplicates, I respected her wish and didn’t try to convince her otherwise. Getting to know my client’s limits is vital for a good working relationship.
Corrie Goldfinger owner of One Space at a Time Professional Organizing.
“Yes, but…”. I don’t believe this means the client will be unsuccessful, but rather that they may be struggling with change from the way they have always done things. Even when things haven’t been working for them, there can still be something comforting about having sameness in one’s environment. I typically encourage trying an experiment to try something new in these situations, with the option of knowing it can be changed again if it doesn’t work out.
Kerith Paterson owner of Visual Girl Home Therapy
“For now”… as in “I will just put it here for now”. This is an indicator that the item will not be put away where it belongs, and the commitment to do so isn’t there yet. Before the client realizes it, their home will be full of “for now” items (aka clutter). I always (gently) call out my clients on this, and find out when, where and how that item is used in their day-to-day life – and find it a home.
Marie Potter owner of Marie Potter
“What you need in the future” When decluttering clothes a client said due to Covid he doesn’t wear suits much anymore so was difficult to know in the future if they were needed. We did declutter but that unknown made it difficult. Www. Marie potter.ca
Heidi Kachel Professional Organizer at Harmonious Spaces.
“Should” – I ask my clients to stop saying this word. It implies guilt, stress or pressure.
Catherine Barnsley owner of Valley Home Transitions
“I’m a hoarder, and can’t get rid of anything.” That’s more than a word, Julie! Misuse of the word “hoarder” is not helpful if it’s used inappropriately. If someone really can be psychologically diagnosed as a hoarder, that’s another issue and a place for conversation. Are you the right person to be helping them?
Sally Pritchard owner of Organize my Nest
“Sentimental” as in “I can’t let that go it’s sentimental”. I like having discussions with my clients about what that means and how to think differently.
We love listening to and helping our clients to be able to make decisions, declutter and get organized. Share some other phrases or words that stop you from getting organized.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
People have preconceived ideas about what it means to be organized. Being organized means you can find what you are looking for in a reasonable amount of time. The myths about being organized are what stop people from moving forward and organizing their lives. Here is the fallacy in 5 myths.
Myth 1 Organizing is a born talent
Organization is a skill. You can learn techniques to apply to your situation to get you organized. If you have the right resources and support it is easy. Hire a Professional Organizer, read books, watch Youtube and you can learn the steps. Some tasks at home can be simplified so they are not so overwhelming and time-consuming. Here is one small example about meal planning.
- Pick your menu for the week
- From the menu make your shopping list
- Now you don’t need to decide what to make each morning or evening and you can take out of the freezer the items you need for later in the day.
- After you have done this for a number of weeks or months you can start recycling your plan. This makes it even easier as you just pull up an already completed menu plan.
Myth 2 – Organized space is neat, tidy, minimal and boring.
Everything needs to have a space, a home, so you know where to put it back. Some people are visual and will have things displayed other people like things stored behind doors. Organized spaces should reflect your personality and lifestyle. If you can’t enjoy the space then you won’t take care of it.
Myth 3 – Getting organized is an overwhelming, hopeless chore
No matter what you’re organizing, no matter how daunting the task or how huge the backlog is, getting organized boils down to developing a predictable process that you can reproduce. You follow your process and organize the current things you are using and then each time you’re organizing, work for a little time on the backlog. Divide the job into smaller tasks, organize one cupboard, one drawer, one table or one closet. Eventually, the entire room will be organized one small step at a time.
Myth 4 – It’s impossible to stay organized
Organizing is sustainable if your system is built around the way you think and designed to grow and adapt with you. Here are some tips:
- If it only takes 30 seconds, do it right away if not add it to your to-do list
- Most unorganized people don’t notice things are in the “wrong place.” Look and do a mental check to see if everything has been returned to its assigned space.
- Use spare minutes wisely. Have a list of small tasks that can be completed quickly when you are waiting for meetings, appointments, trains, planes, children, and elderly parents.
- Use your lists to record: things to do, to call, to e-mail and errands. Check the list don’t just write it down.
Myth 5 Organizing is a non-productive use of your time
You can’t afford to not be organized. A national survey conducted by Professional Organizers in Canada indicates 91% of disorganized Canadians feel that disorganization negatively impacts their lives – with a large focus on feelings of stress, frustration and even failure. According to a study by a Boston marketing firm, the average American loses 55 minutes a day, roughly 12 weeks a year, looking for things they know they own but can’t find.
Did I miss any organizing myths? Share your favourite myth in the comments.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
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