Make it habitual

Habits by definition are memory enhancement tools, because when something is habitual it requires less of our memory. A habit is something we do almost without thought. Work towards making daily organizing tasks habitual. Here are a few that I practice:Chart of Organizng Flow

Feel happy while Organizing

I read about a study from Gretchen Rubin’s book Happier at Home that indicated, “interrupting a pleasant experience with something less pleasant can intensify a person’s overall pleasure.” Let’s use this while organizing. While doing something you enjoy, pause that activity to perform an organizing task.

Here are 3 examples:

  1. While watching a favorite tv show, podcast, or YouTuber, pause and organize the surface of your desk.
  2. While baking cookies, pause and organize your pantry.
  3. While chatting with your BBF, pause and organize your dresser.

lady talking on phone

Motivation to buy less

Would any of these concerns motivate you to buy less?globe

    • Waste of time, money, energy
    • Depletion of natural and global resources
    • Pollution
    • Work conditions around the world
    • Human hardship
    • Negative impact on environment
    •  Eventual impact of disposal
    • Less to organize, maintain, and manage.

Please consider buying less.

I can’t get rid of that!

Organizing tipone dollar billsHave you ever declared, “I can’t get rid of that, it cost too much!” If you don’t use it or wear it, why does it matter how much it cost? It won’t cost any less if you hold onto it for another year or two. Let it go now! This way someone, other than you, can get some use out of it before it depreciates in value.

File cabinet space savers

Organizing tipHere are three easy ways to clear up space in your file cabinet.

  1. Recycle or shred paid utility bills. Get rid of all paid gas, electric, public work, telephone, cable, trash, and water bills that are older than 2 months.
  2. Go paperless with all bank, credit card, and financial statements. You’ll be saving trees.
  3. Don’t keep medical or dental explanation of benefits beyond 6 months.