Opposites Attract . . . Just Not Organizationally

The phrase "opposites attract" may be true for some romantic relationships, but once that honeymoon period is over, being opposites in organizational styles can be an everyday challenge.  One person may feel frustrated at the piles that accumulate on counters and tables while the other becomes frustrated that the piles keep getting cleaned up.  So, how do individuals that share a space, but not the same organizational styles, live together peacefully?

Just as in any relationship--communicating expectations, recognizing each other's preferences / priorities and learning to compromise can go a long way to promoting organizational harmony at home.  Taking the time to have a frank discussion can help eliminate future disagreements.

Beginning with communicating expectations, having each person describe what they hope for in home organization and maintaining that order is key to understanding organizational differences.  As Russian novelist, Fyodor Dostoyevsky once said, “Much unhappiness has come into the world because of bewilderment and things left unsaid.”  A significant other may have no idea that the person they are living with does not care whether the mail is sorted every day or that the house is picked up each evening.  He or she will be silently sulking if they fail to communicate this expectation to their less organized significant other.

  

Recognizing each individual’s preferences for cleanliness and order can also help define where each person devotes their time and energy in the home.  One individual may find it easy to keep the counters clutter free.  At the same time, the person who stacks piles upon the counters may be very dedicated to keeping an orderly lawn and a well-organized garden.  Most couples can identify what is important to them and then take on that responsibility.

When it becomes difficult to agree on the level of organization in common spaces, compromise can be a powerful tool.  Going back to the example where one person prefers sorting the mail daily and the other person can care less if the mail accumulates on the counter for two weeks, proposing a workable compromise can help meet both individual’s preferences.  The person who prefers sorting the mail daily could propose to sort his or her mail only.  That person could then offer to set up an inbox that is not located on the counter for the other person, who can then sort their mail at their leisure.  This type of compromise can work for larger spaces too.  The person who is not as tidy and organized may propose having a room that is “theirs” only.  This room does not have to meet the organizational expectations of the other.  However, in exchange for this space, the less organized individual may agree to help keep the remainder of the home up to the organizational standards of their partner. 

Whether your relationship is new—or you and your partner have been battling this issue for years, taking the time to talk about something as simple as how each of you prefer to organized your spaces is a fantastic way to avoid unnecessary arguments.

Organizing in Small Spaces

Organizing itself can be a challenge, but organizing a small space can be even more difficult.  It is the equivalent of taking a three week family vacation in the wood-paneled station wagon packed with everyone's bags versus taking that same vacation in a deluxe RV.  It is difficult to live in a space when your necessary items take over your living space!  

Let's start with the idea of "necessary" items in a home.  Most people could easily live without many of the items they "need" in their home.  

Yes, the first step to organizing a small space is to evaluate what is stored in that space.  If evaluating items seems like a unnecessary step, consider that clutter is expensive.  It costs an average of $10 per square foot to store items in your house.  Put in monetary terms, a person can really calculate the cost of hanging onto that fondue pot they might use someday.

Evaluating items begins with sorting items into the following piles - keep, donate, sell, toss, relocate.  If it is difficult to evaluate whether an item should stay in your space, using the following questions can help:

• When was the last time I used this?  (if it’s been more than a year, let it go)
• How often do I use it? 
• Could I borrow, rent, or improvise with something the few times I might need it? 
• Is it a duplicate?
• Is it out of date?
•  If I didn’t have this anymore, what impact would it have on my life? 
• Do I value this item? 
• Is this item in need of repair or damaged? 
• Am I keeping it because I feel guilty if I tossed it or gave it away?
• How easily could I get another one if I needed it?

Storage for pantry items that do not fit in the pantry
(photo credit:  marthastewart,com)

After surveying the "keep" pile and the space available for the items, an individual can decide if the items will fit or not.  If items do not fit, consider a "second sort" or come up with some creative storage ideas.  Use the guideline of "Frequency of Use," to determine where items will be stored.  Items used daily are placed within close reach.  Items used less frequently can be stored in a more distant, but still accessible location.

For example, if the keep pile for the pantry is larger than the pantry space itself, a person can install shelving along a basement stairwell for items used less frequently.

If the space is still storage challenged (i.e. little or no closets, cabinets, floor space for an armoire, shelving), then it is time to think outside the box . . . or rather, along the walls of the "box."  

Using vertical space from the floor to the ceiling is one way to solve storage problems.  Some of the more clever ideas include:  


    (photo credits:  marthastewart.com)

• Installing a peg board on the closet wall
• Use magnetic paint or galvanized panels to magnetically hang items (this is especially handy with small bath or kitchen items).
• Stack two or three towel bars behind a closed bathroom door
• Install a toiletry shelf in bathroom above the door

And one the better ideas to conquer the little to no closet dilemma--the "Walk-By Closet."  This solution is both smart and beautiful.  Use an older ladder to bridge between two basic shelving units, and a person has designed a unique and practical clothing storage solution.  Place a bench underneath and you create a place to put on shoes as well as store them underneath.

(photo credit:  marthastewart.com)

And speaking of underneath, don't forget that little used space underneath beds .  Evict the dust bunnies and replace them with underneath storage such as a couple of old dresser drawers placed on casters.  

(photo credit:  bhg.com)

With these and other “outside the box” ideas, a small space (that wood paneled station wagon) can start to feel a lot roomier.  With a little effort and imagination, who wouldn’t want to create a more enjoyable space for everyone?

The Emotional Connection to Disorganization and Letting Clutter Go

Imagine walking into your bedroom at the end of the day, exhausted and ready for sleep, only to discover the bed unmade and five loads of laundry on top of that.  Take a second to think about how you feel when you survey the mountain of clothing and sheets that are keeping you from a peaceful and much needed rest? 

photo credit:  www.kayladanelle.com

Now imagine how you would feel walking into your bedroom and seeing the bed nicely made, maybe even the sheets turned down (chocolate on the pillow?), ready for you to climb into and get a good night’s sleep. 

Expanding on this example, the clutter that people collect in their surroundings is equivalent to that mountain of clothing and sheets.  That mountain is the “stuff” in a person’s space—and until it is removed, a person is kept from a peaceful and restful existence. 

Having “stuff” everywhere is over stimulating for the human brain.  People have a stress reaction to clutter, just as you might have when you imagined the “mountain” on the bed.  Clearing out the “stuff” allows a person to be able to handle more. 

Decluttering is more than removing unnecessary items from your space—it encompasses psychological and emotional components that people often overlook, downplay or don’t even acknowledge exist.  Clutter takes up both physical and mental space.  It gets in the way of individuals moving forward--being free to explore the opportunities that open up when they allow the space for them.  Being open to that opportunity and uncertainty can be scary, yet it can also be exciting, thrilling and life changing.

There are lists of reasons why people accumulate stuff—they inherit it and can’t bear to let it go, they keep things “just in case” they need it one day, they buy to impress others or buy as a form of “retail therapy”—the list goes on.  And just as there is an emotional component to why people accumulate, there are emotional reasons to why people can’t unclutter. 

Photo credit:  www.sunshinehospitality.blogspot.com

The things people have in their lives remind them of loved ones who have passed away, of happier times, of children when they were young.  Yet, saying goodbye to those items does not mean a person is saying goodbye to those loved ones or happier days.  It is not permanently closing a door—the memories will remain with a person, even if the stuff does not.  

Stuff is also part of a person’s identity—the clothes they wear, the car they drive, the way their home is furnished.  As people’s lives change, so do their identities.  It may be difficult coming to terms with these changes and accept who they are today.  Letting go of old stuff may be equivalent to letting go of who they used to be.   

By exploring these emotional barriers, individuals may find it easier to simplify and let go of the things that encumber their surroundings.  And when a person lets go of something they don’t need or have space for anymore, they make room for something new and wonderful in their life (like a chocolate on their pillow at night).

Starting Small - The Junk Drawer in the Kitchen

We all have them--the kitchen junk drawer.  And as much as we despise storing all those odds and ends, they serve a necessary function.  Where else can you find twist ties, batteries, chapstick, grocery coupons, rubber bands, calculators, pens, tools, and notepads all in the same place?  But if all those functional items are all jumbled together, the drawer and its contents lose its usefulness.  

Using a simple example like the kitchen junk drawer, I thought I would outline the organization process so others can apply it to projects both big and small.  And, to be fair, the first thing I did is walk over to my junk drawer.

My first thought was that it wasn't bad at all.  I had items grouped together in tidy Bamboo Drawer Organizer Boxes--and my grocery list was right there so I could add things easily.  Yes, that crazy spreadsheet is actually a grocery list--and I plan to explain it in another post very soon.

Opening up another junk drawer in my kitchen, I found something I could work with.  This is the drawer that holds all those essential kitchen items, most of which are awkward and odd shaped.  As you can see from the picture, finding a wine bottle opener wasn't a problem.  The problem was that I had 4 and each were in a different location in the drawer.  

Before

Let’s walk through the organization process:

1.  Set a Goal - An organized kitchen “junk” drawer

2.    Prioritize and Pick – Looking at two different drawers, it was obvious one needed more attention than the other.

3.    Set Up – Locate a small trash bag and a sponge for wiping the drawer organizer clean

4.    Start with a Clean Slate – Empty out the entire drawer and clean it

5.    Sort – Everything goes into one of the following piles:

• Relocate – move items that do not belong in the drawer (that meant those orange pumpkin carving knives needed a new home)
• Keep – items to be placed back in the drawer (things used most like the pizza cutter, can opener, kitchen shears)
• Fix – any broken items
• Toss – throw away anything that is unsalvageable (an old knife sharpener that no longer sharpened)
• Donate – give away items that someone else can use (I had 5 bottle openers and 3 wine openers that I could pass on to a needy bar and grill)
• Sell – items in order to recoup some of the original cost

After

6.    Group Like Items – From the keep pile, I grouped together the ice cream scoops, the scissors with the scissors, etc. until all items were placed with similar items.

7.    Organize – This is the step where you place your "keep" items back into the space.  What is important here is that everything you keep is something you like and use on a regular basis; and it has a “home.”  In this example, the “home” is a Bamboo Expandable Utility Drawer Organizer with separate compartments.  Without this insert, this drawer would quickly become a mess again.

This is where your project can get creative.  Sure, you can go out and get a fancy organizer, but you can also use whatever you have around the house or items you find at local thrift or consignment shops.  Consider using one of the following:

• Tupperware containers
• Glass or plastic baby food jars]
• Check boxes or cereal boxes covered in heavy paper or cloth
• Thrift or consignment store finds (mixed patterns of china or glass bowls or mismatched containers)

8.  Evaluate – Step back and look at your finished project—did you meet your goal?  In this example, yes, my kitchen utensil junk drawer is much less crowded and only contains the items I really use regularly (no I don’t carve pumpkins every week).

You can use these steps whether your project is one kitchen drawer or the whole kitchen.  Best of luck with your projects, whether big or small and may all your junk drawers be organized!

The Costs of Disorganization (or the Benefits of Organization)

How many times have you heard yourself or someone else say, “I don’t have time to get organized, I can’t even find my calendar—let alone find the time to schedule that!”  Do you see the circular reasoning in this statement?

The problem of being “disorganized” is also the barrier to better organization.  In other words, if you take the time to get organized, you’ll have more time to be organized.  Confused yet?  Well, I hope I can clear up any confusion with some startling facts about the costs of disorganization (the bad news) and the benefits of organization (the good news).

First, the bad news . . . disorganization is not something to take lightly.  It is way of living that can have huge financial, emotional, mental and physical costs.

Just how much can disorganization influence your life?  Starting with the financial impact, considerable amounts of money can almost seem to disappear when you:

-Pay bills late and incur fees (23% of adults do this). Survey results from Ikea and the National Association of Professional Organizers.

-Rebuy “lost” items (you just know you have a cordless drill, but where is it?)

-Buy “emergency” items (like a pack of diapers from the corner store at 10pm)

-Don’t track spending (It’s the end of the month and you have no idea where your grocery cash has gone)

-Overbuy because you don’t know what you have (You may have 4 extra large containers of mayonnaise in your pantry, but you purchase another one because you’re just not sure.  On a positive note . . . lots of mayo!)

-Can never find the coupon or gift card that you intended to use on your shopping trip

-Miss large tax deductions because your paperwork is scattered

-Miss errors on bank or credit card statements (potentially missing identity theft)

Unfortunately, there is more bad news.  Besides the financial impact, the stress of disorganization can adversely affect your mental, emotional and physical health.   Consider this statistic from WebMD:  “Seventy-five percent to 90% of all doctor's office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints.”  Add in the missed opportunities for personal or professional growth and the strain that stress can have on your relationships and it becomes clear that dealing with your disorganization is more than something that you “should get to someday.”

Before

After

Ready for the good news?  If having a less stressful, more relaxing life with considerably less health issues sounds appealing, the answer may be as simple as getting organized--it's not as overwhelming or difficult as you may think.  And not many people would complain about being more productive, having more time and money, and living a more simplified, streamlined life.

If you’re not convinced yet, check out these survey results from Ikea and the National Association of Professional Organizers:

-Getting rid of clutter eliminates 40% of housework in an average home

-Since we wear 20% of the clothes we own about 80% of the time, you can open up a large amount of space in your crowded closet by removing those unworn items

-Considering that 80% of what we keep, we never use--you can gain space in your home, if you eliminate that 80%.  You can also earn money if you decide to sell those items or take a tax deduction for donating them.

-With 80% of the clutter in homes being a result of disorganization, you may find more room in your home by simply organizing what you already have.

As with learning any new skill, start small and tackle one area at a time.  If the thought of getting organized is still paralyzing, there are numerous books and websites with helpful tips.  And if you still can’t get started, contact a professional organizer who can help you develop a plan (like pare down the mayo) and stick with it!  

How's That New Year's "Get Organized" Resolution Going?

New Years Day has come and gone and Spring is on the way according to Punxsutawney Phil. So how is that New Year's resolution to "Get Organized" going?  If you have found yourself struggling to meet some of your goals, then February is the perfect time to re-evaluate and get ready for a spring clean-up.  

(Photo credit:  CNN)

Often times, a well-intentioned resolution becomes too big and overwhelming--which is why "only 8% of people achieve their New Year's goals" (University of Scranton research as reported by forbes.com).  

This may sound familiar to anyone who has learned about goal setting -- Here it is from an organizational slant.  

1.  Set a Small Attainable Goal

Instead of, "I'm going to clean and organize my whole house!"  You might choose, "I'm going to clean and organize the pantry."  

It's difficult not to get overwhelmed by large projects.  If you are able to break a large job down into smaller, more manageable parts, you will be able to tackle those small projects more easily.  

For example, try setting aside a half hour to take on just one pantry shelf.  Take everything off that shelf, throw out expired items, donate items that you won't use, group like times together, then place them back on the shelf and call it done.  Mark another half hour block on your calendar and repeat!


2.  Make Your Goal Specific

If you've promised yourself, "I'm going to stay on top of all the incoming paperwork in the house," -- what does that actually look like?  To some, it may mean stacking the paperwork all in one spot (like the recycle bin).  And to others, it may mean putting the paperwork away in a desk drawer to deal with later.  Either way, important correspondence like bills and notices are not dealt with in a timely manner.  

A more specific and measurable goal would be, "I will sort the mail everyday, recycle unwanted papers and file the rest immediately.  With this goal, paperwork is dealt with in less than 5 minutes, bills are paid on time, and your counter stays clean!


3.  Hold Yourself Accountable

This is my personal favorite because it is where you can take a somewhat tedious organizational task and turn it into a fun social event.  It is the equivalent of taking a run with a friend.  Getting up and out the door is easier when you know you are meeting someone--and often the run goes by more quickly with the company.

So, find yourself an "Organizational Buddy."  Ideally, this person is non-judgmental (we all have our messes, even the professional organizers).  You and your buddy can either check in on each other's individual projects or help each other to work and complete both projects.  

Having the moral support of an "Organizational Buddy" may be just enough to get the ball rolling on those tasks you keep putting off.   Partnering up can also be very energizing, inspiring both of you to tackle more projects in the future.  But, most importantly, you can keep each other honest and accountable.  And there are no rules against celebrating together too!

Happy New Year, Happy Groundhog Day, and (to keep you accountable) I hope you look forward to a happy and organized Spring!