Organizing Myths
I was talking with a friend recently who said, “I know someone who NEEDS your services but I don’t know how to refer them to you without offending them.” I get that. There can be a lot of shame associated with disorganization and no one wants to put that on a friend, family member, or most anyone else. So, let’s take a second and realize that WE are not alone in feeling disorganized. What I think helps are introducing some facts to help normalize disorganization in our culture, and how organization strategies can help. Here are some common concerns I hear …
1. “I don’t have TIME to organize.”
On average, we spend one year of our lives, or 2.5 days/year, looking for lost items.
Getting rid of clutter would eliminate 40% of housework in the average home.
2. “I don’t have MONEY to organize.”
23% of adults say they pay bills late (and incur fees) because they lose them
1 in 11 American households rent a self-storage space at an average cost of $1000 per year
Every year, over $2.7 billion is spent replacing misplaced possessions.
3. “My disorganization isn’t really a problem.”
1 in 7 Americans have at least one room in their home they cannot use because it is filled with belongings they rarely use
·25% of Americans can’t park a car in their two-car garages because they are using it for storage
44% of Americans say they make unhealthier food choices when their home is messy
Professional organizers are people who like to solve problems, create and implement processes, & truly help people with everyday hang-ups in their life. They are not there to judge you, your calendar, or your space. Mostly, an organizer spends their thought process on how to get a client from where they are to where they want to be. I find that an objective perspective often makes the process quicker and less stressful. In my opinion, you have much more to gain from working with a professional organizer than you do to lose.
WHAT TO SAY
Here is what I say when I hear someone struggling with an organizational issue.
Clutter — whether in your home space, headspace, or digital space — takes time & energy to manage. Simplifying makes room for more of what we actually want to spend our time & energy on.
Organization is a learned skill for many people. Learning organizational concepts (and how to apply them) is not only doable but will benefit you now and in the years to come.
There is no one right way to organize or manage family/home life. Learning what does and does not work for you is empowering and can be applied throughout your life.
All parents hope they are teaching their children certain values. Being intentional about your values and finding fun ways to make them part of your everyday can help provide the guidance you want for your kids.
Moving is stressful, but it is also a unique opportunity to take stock of your belongings, simplify so there is less stuff to manage, and make a fresh start in your new home.
Many people struggle to organize on their own, often not completing the process or maintaining the system. Hiring someone to help you simplify your life is an investment in your well-being. If you have trouble with paying for self-care, ask for it as a gift.
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