Being organised
It sounds dreadfully worthy, but being organised is undoubtedly an asset, particularly if it happens painlessly and seemingly without undue effort. It may even stand next to cleanliness and rub Godliness’ other shoulder in ensuring you are on time, maximise productivity, minimise waste and frustration and contribute generally to feeling on top of things.
- Clear out the Augean stables so you can begin organising knowing what space you have and what is left to put in it. Take a hard look at what is being stuffed into those corners – half of it can most likely be removed permanently.
- Organize your space. From your personal cupboard to an entire home you need to see what is in there. Recycle or discard what you do not use often, or put it into storage. Give everything else a clearly designated and, where possible, convenient space.
- Aim for efficient use of space: if it is inconvenient to get at things - or to put them away - your system is more likely to fail. Make it easy to get to and put away the things you need most often.
- De-clutter regularly, from growing mounds of paper to objects whose existence you essentially have stopped noticing. Ask if you need it and will you need it a year from now. Is there someone else who could use it more? Do I have more than I could reasonably use in the foreseeable future? Will I miss this if I don't have it?
- Like being fit and healthy, once you know what "organised" looks and feels like, it is hard to forget and worth aiming for: organised spaces are simple to use, they have enough room for what is there – such spaces feel calm, open and welcoming.
- Try using a timer: set one for how long you think a cleaning task should take, then work to get it done (properly) in the allotted time. If it takes longer, but you are working well, then you will have learned something for next time.
- Have a place for all bills; open the post immediately and dispose of the outer envelope with the “junk mail” and recycled paper (or shredder); keep only the bill, but in a prominent location.
- Put it back - right now! This may seem somewhat pedantic, but once you establish where everything belongs, it makes sense to put things back as soon as they are finished with. Do not put it on the kitchen table, on the sofa or in a corner by the door for some late “clear up” and move on to something else.
- Keep and put your keys in the same place – but not on a table by the front door!
- Put your mobile phone in the same place; have your phone charging station already set up, though not yet switched on at the mains.
At first sight, it may seem the antithesis of cool, but being organised in your day-to-day affairs pays dividends in time and blood pressure.
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