This week I found myself reading an article written by Erin Rooney Doland, an expert on organizing and being uncluttered. For over 10 years she wrote online articles covering everything organizing and found these 9 things to be tried and true, no matter what your current ‘organized’ state is.
I completely agree with each and every one of them. Take a read and apply what you can to your life. You’ll be glad you did.
- Buy what you actually need and use; don’t buy a lot of other stuff. Practice makes perfect here but worth the effort.
- Except for mortgage, education and car loans, try your best not to use credit unless it’s a real emergency. You will save a ton of money.
- Before you buy anything, know exactly where you’re going to store it. Otherwise, that object will always be out of place. Everything needs a home.
- Finish what you start: Laundry isn’t done until it’s put away. Dinner isn’t over until the dishwasher is loaded. And be sure to make sure those who live with you take part.
- Write tasks down. Or make a list in your phone, however it works for you.
- Do the tasks you’ve written down. (Of everything on this list, this is the hardest item for most people.) You can do it!
- You can’t win at organizing, so keep organizing systems as simple as possible. The simpler the better.
- Establish routines for all the chores in your life; the less you have to think about them, the more likely they are to get done. Maintenance is the key.
- Being uncluttered isn’t a destination; it’s merely clearing a path so you can do something more worthwhile with your time and energy. #liveyourbestlife
So thank you to Erin for this article and countless others related to being uncluttered. It is an ongoing process, a lifestyle and a commitment. The hardest part can often be getting started. Once you do, the rest will come in time and you will be so happy that you made the effort.
Wendy.
