How do I stay organized?

​I recently had a client ask me – how do I stay organized?    I offer lots of tips, tricks and inspiration to get organized but I can understand that that next logical question is how do I stay that way? 
 
The first tip…and to has to be said …. Is declutter.  Come on, you knew it was coming.   
 
By significantly decluttering you reduce the amount you have to manage.   Fewer clothes means less laundry.  Fewer dishes means less in the sink.   Minimal amount of gadgets on the kitchen counter means you can clean the kitchen easier.  
 
You must declutter and get to a manageable amount of things.   If you find a place for everything then it’s easier to put things away.   If your drawers aren’t busting at the seams, you might just become that magical unicorn that washes, folds and puts away their clothes all in one day.   
 
Once you declutter, though, you still have work to do.  I call them daily tasks.  
 

1. Do the dishes every day.  Don’t let them pile up.   I do dishes after dinner then another batch of the inevitable dishes that have piled up before bed.  I like to wake up to a clean kitchen.  So, I usually run the dishwasher each night and, while my coffee is brewing in the morning, I empty it.   I may be a little “special” in this regard but I never let dishes get out of hand.   If you read my earlier post on “the kitchen capsule” you’ll know I advocate just a few plates and cups per family member.   Actually, I recommend 2.   I’m a family of four with 8 dishes.   I have to do the wash every night or we won’t have enough for the next day.  It works.  Less to clean, less to put away.  
2. Do a 5-10 minute pick up at least once a day.  This a simple reset.   You have already done the hard work – you have decluttered and organized.  Now all you need is a reset.   Set a timer, put on some music or an audio book and just get it done.   Take the mail off the counter, put the pillows back on the couch, pick up the toys on the floor.  Then kick your heels up and enjoy the clean space.  
3. Make a to do list – but here’s the trick.   Just make it three items long.  You can do three things!   Don’t make a to do list as long as your arm that will just make you frustrated and have you giving up as soon as you start.   A three item to do list is accomplishable and that’s what we’re looking for – quick successes and manageable achievement.  
4. Stay away from bargains – didn’t all those trips to HomeGood get you into trouble in the first place?   It doesn’t matter if it’s a good deal…what price would you pay to have a clean, tidy and organized home?   Think about that when faced with a good deal.  Didn’t you just declutter your kitchen, closet, craft room?  Think about all you’ve taken out before you bring more in. 

 
And finally – create a daily routine that has plenty of time to work on your home.   Coffee in the morning?  Empty the dishwasher.   Set a reminder on your Alexa to do a 5 minute pick up after lunch.   Do the dishes after dinner.  If you create good habits, then you will see results.  
 
I hope you have found this helpful – if so please leave a comment!    Also, if you are interested in working with me, reach out via email.   I offer virtual coaching to declutter and organize from anywhere in the world!  And if you’re in Connecticut, I can do in person services.  I’d love to work with you.  
 
 
Xoxoxo, Maria