Clutter and chaos rule your world. You do not know how you will ever get everything together and you suffer because of it. Disorganization poses a problem for many people. It is a condition that robs you of time, wastes your energy, causes you shame and prevents you from being as productive and happy as you should be. Learn techniques and tips to install order into your home and work.
Step 1
Write down your objectives and strategies on paper. Buy a notebook with folders to hold color coded check lists in which you will record tasks. Keep a printed calendar with this information on which you can record important reminders.
Step 2
Set up a time-line for each task you schedule. For example, create a deadline for cleaning your garage, washing the car and having the oil changed. Give yourself an adequate amount of time for accomplishing each task.
Step 3
Create a list of everything you want to accomplish on a particular day. Write it down in the morning. Prioritize your list by importance. Check off each item when it is completed.
Step 4
Remove all the clutter from your home and office. Be ruthless by only keeping things you really need. Give away useful items and throw away trash. This is a big project so tackle one small area at a time. For instance, you may want to start with your kitchen cabinets, move on to your refrigerator and then tackle the pantry as you organize your kitchen.
Step 5
Organize by putting like items together in the same area. For example, group all your cleaning supplies into caddies that can be carried from room to room and not spread all over the house in cabinets and bathrooms.
Step 6
Designate a home for each item in your house and office. Everything should have a spot of its own. For instance, your keys may be kept on a hook in your foyer and your umbrellas in a stand by the door. Having a set place for all your stuff will help organize your home and office considerably.
Step 7
Use containers to hold materials that scatter easily. Place your paper clips and other small office materials in an office tray, for instance.
Step 8
Store seasonal items out of the way of things you use daily. Put away holiday decorations and clothing for particular seasons in bins in a garage or storage unit. This will help keep your living spaces clean and accessible.
Step 9
Keep checklists of actions that you want to perform daily. For instance, your day chart may include vacuuming, sorting the mail, washing dishes and dusting. Put a check mark by each item following completion.
Step 10
Develop a rotating task chart for cleaning. Keep a chart for tasks that are not daily such as grocery shopping carpet cleaning, ironing and mending clothes and bathing the pets. Schedule only one of these tasks per day so you will not be overwhelmed.
Tips and Warnings
- Place waste bins in every room for easy access. Use under the bed bins to store extra sheets and pillowcases. Keep office supplies in a cabinet rather than your desk drawers.
Things You'll Need
- Notebook with folders
- Storage Bins
