There was a time when I felt like an organizational icon. I could easily juggle work, school, family, friends, volunteer commitments and more all while keeping my house neat and tidy. Heck, I even knew where my car keys were. (Okay, that’s not true, but I do know they weren’t in the fridge, trash or dishwasher, which is where I frequently find them now.) Yep, that was my life prior to kids. But as soon as I cradled my babe in arms, chaos consumed my life.
Knowing that my post-baby organization repertoire held only one really useful tip (always buy white socks, so you don’t waste time chasing orphaned red socks), I needed some ideas for streamlining my life. After months of hounding moms who seemed to have it together, I found a few basics to help me live comfortably in the chaos while recapturing a little organization and orderliness in my life.
Commit to a Lifestyle Change: Wanting to be organized is not the same as committing to be organized. There is no quick fix or special miracle drug. Organization is a lifelong resolution. Think of organization as an integral piece of your family’s identity. It can allows you the freedom to spend more time together enjoying simple pleasures rather than worrying about where you left your child’s left shoe.
Slow Down. Your desire to cleanse your house in just one afternoon is admirable – unrealistic – but admirable. Set a timer for a short period to work on just one small, undaunting project. Once the timer rings, stop organizing until the next day. You’ll be amazed at the sense of immediate accomplishment you feel by tackling projects in short bursts.
Clear Out the Clutter. Be merciless in your sorting out of stuff. If you haven’t used something in six months (one year if seasonal), then donate, sell, or trash it.
Find a Place for Everything. Finished purging? Now find a home for everything else. Think logically. Don’t place your bills in a pile next to the front door. Put them with the checkbook. Put coffee next to the coffee maker and toilet paper under the bathroom sink. Store special occasion items – holiday and keepsakes – in an out-of-the-way area to avoid clutter.
Practice the Rule of One-Touch Daily. If you touch something – whether it be bills or laundry – either act, file, or toss it. Finish small tasks in full before moving on to another.
Recruit the Troops and Enlist Your Child’s Help. Make a picture to-do list for your toddler or preschooler. For older children, post schedules and lists on their bathroom mirror to be sure they are seen. Incorporate organization into your evening routine. Have your child put away toys, toss clothes in the hamper, and prepare for the next morning. After a few weeks, you’ll have the unimaginable. A child who automatically tidies up!
Do an Extreme Make-Over on a Room. Sneak up on disorder by painting a room. When you decide to paint, you are forced to clear out the room’s contents. This is a great time to start purging. Chances are when you are finished; the rest of your house will pale in comparison. You’ll be motivated to make-over all your rooms!
Let Go and Relish the Chaos. When all else fails in your quest for order, learn to let go, relish the chaos, and enjoy the time with your children. And, don’t forget to buy white socks!
