Super Simple Steps To Being More Organized

The quest to getting organized often feels like a never ending one! There’s some truth to that – organizing is an ongoing process. The good news is that every bit of organizing I do contributes to my life running more smoothly and productively.

The bad news is that life is full, time is limited, and there’s oodles to organize. All too frequently organizing slips to the bottom of the “to do” list or doesn’t make it to the list at all! It’s a domino effect – disorganization ends up wasting a bunch of time. You know how it goes, frantically hunting for that thing – you swear you’ve seen it in half a dozen places yet you can’t find it. Sometimes being disorganized means doing something again or missing deadlines – the list goes on!

I actually enjoy organizing. Creating order is rather therapeutic! And I know I am more efficient when I’m organized.

Maybe you enjoy organizing as much as I do! As a result, you happily organize away, but all the organizing crowds out other important tasks. Organizing has the potential to turn into busy work that keeps you occupied and feeling productive, but it’s ultimately not getting you where you want to be.

Or you may seriously neglect organizing. Like anything, there’s a happy middle when comes to organizing. Which way do you lean? Do you spend too much time organizing and not enough time engaging in undertakings that will help you move closer to where you want to be? Or do you spend too little time organizing and it’s negatively impacting your ability to reach your goals?

What Exactly Is Organizing?

Just to be sure we are all on the same page, here’s what I mean by organizing:

It’s the process of getting things in order so they can be found or used easily or quickly.

That may involve eliminating clutter, grouping items in a way that makes sense or is more aesthetically pleasing, and making sure everything has a place. It might also be arranging items, including files, in a more efficient manner, creating systems or processes (think checklist, procedures, etc.) or structures (like an organizational chart).

Too Salty!

Many years ago, our family had dinner at the home of someone dear to us. She prepared a casserole with love. It’s been so long now I can’t even remember anything else about the meal besides the fact that the casserole was loaded with salt. Somehow, she had misread the recipe and added enough salt for two or three casseroles. Needless to say, by the end of the meal we were all a bit waterlogged!

Organization is a bit like salt. Too much and it’s overpowering, leaving you begging for water. Too little and there’s no flavor. Just the right amount (that happy middle) and it enhances everything!

When it comes to organizing, it’s a key ingredient, just like salt! Yet in a world that moves at a very brisk pace, how do you organize in a way that’s not all consuming but still leads to greater productively?

Here are 7 of my favorite tips:

1. Remember That Every Little Bit Counts

Getting organized often seems like a monumental task! If you are like most people, you have countless areas in your home or office that are in need of some organizing. Mind you, I’m not talking cleaning, simply getting things in order.

Then there are the processes or systems that need to be established that would enable you to operate more efficiently.

The trouble is that when tasks seem too large, time-consuming, or you don’t even know where to begin, they get ignored. Or maybe you’ve convinced yourself organizing that, whatever it might be, is really not that big of a deal. I promise it is!

When you notice something that needs to be organized, do it! Don’t put it off! Make it a habit to organize on the fly! Every little bit of organizing makes a difference! If you really can’t do it right then, that leads me to my next tip.

2. Schedule Blocks of Time for Organizing

Schedule specific organizing projects on the calendar as you notice them. You may also want to schedule chunks of time – 30 minutes, two hours, or go for it and spend a whole day bringing order to your life or work.

The beauty of blocking off time is that it ensures that organizing remains a priority. Consider designating Tuesdays as the day you take an hour of your time to organize. Or you might prefer to spend 30 minutes at the end of each day. Whatever works for you!

3. Break Big Tasks Down

The key to getting big organizing projects done is breaking them down into smaller more manageable tasks. Rather than putting “organize office” on your to do list, instead break it down to “clear desk,” “tidy up files” (15 minutes) and “clean desk drawer.” Each of these tasks are quick and more likely to get done than a broader “organize office” which feels big.

I dare you! Pick an area to organize, break it down and begin chipping away at it! As you begin to experience the joy of being more organized, you’ll be motivated to keep on going.

4. Make Lists!

When your mind is trying to store a host of details, it takes up space in your head that would be better applied to the task at hand. If you want to be sharp, creative, and more organized – make lists and free up your head space.

Your lists might include what needs to be done today, things you want to do, steps in a substantial project, brainstorming ideas, and more.

The perk to a list is that you are able to see it which then makes prioritizing that much simpler. For example, identifying your top three tasks on your to do list is easy.

Another benefit to listing your tasks for the day is that it is a great exercise for those who find themselves perpetually trying to do too much. By listing all you want to do, you are then able to consider what is actually realistic for you to do.

Having a place to write down the random thoughts that come to you during the day that you don’t want to forget allows you keep focused on what’s important to concentrate on right now. List those random thoughts on your phone, in a Moleskine notebook (they come in a variety of sizes), in your tickler file, or on a white board – whatever works best for you. I actually have space on my to do list for things that pop into my head!

Consider creating master lists for tasks you do repeatedly such as a master list for traveling, meetings, info you want to cover with clients, etc.

5. Purge!

Toss random pieces of paper and other items you don’t need. Clutter is the number one enemy of organization. Did you know that clutter is often not about the stuff, but about the mindsets that keep you holding on to things?

6. A GREAT Place or Process for Everything

Don’t just shoot for a place for everything, but shoot for a “great” place for everything. A place that enables you to work efficiently and that serves you well!

That applies to processes as well. Each time you encounter a frustration, pause and consider what would eliminate this frustration from my life? What would work better? Fixing those annoyances will save you time later!

You may even wish to contemplate what is in need of being more organized as you take time to reflect each month and evaluate how life and work are going. If you aren’t regularly reflecting, now is the time to start!

7. Manage Your Communication

The number of emails, phone calls, or texts you receive may overwhelm you and feel more urgent than they actually are. Get in the habit of responding to emails, phone calls, texts and other follow up at the same time every day. Maybe it’s how you begin and end your day or it’s what you do right after lunch.

Attempting to respond throughout the day is distracting and keeps you from focusing on more important matters. While they may feel urgent, they probably aren’t. Of course there are exceptions, but confining your communication to specific blocks of time will enable you use your time more effectively.

When it comes to organization, what’s your biggest hurdle?

This post was originally posted on 12/19/17 and has been updated and revised just for you!