Summary

The article provides practical advice for getting organized in various aspects of life, emphasizing the importance of starting small, staying consistent, and creating a supportive environment.

Abstract

"12 Tips To Get Organized" is an article that aims to simplify the process of organization by breaking it down into manageable steps. It suggests beginning with a list to visualize goals, tidying up living spaces to encourage further organization, and tackling tasks in small increments to avoid feeling overwhelmed. The article emphasizes the value of making time for oneself, involving others for support, and taking breaks to maintain the right mindset. It also advocates for removing distractions, having fun during tasks, decluttering unnecessary items, assigning a specific place for belongings, organizing finances, and starting tasks immediately rather than procrastinating. The overarching message is that organization is achievable with the right approach and mindset.

Opinions

The author believes that making a visible list serves as a constant reminder and motivator for accomplishing tasks.
Cleaning up and maintaining an organized environment is seen as a self-perpetuating cycle that encourages further organization.
Starting with small, achievable goals is considered more effective than viewing organization as a large, daunting project.
Dedicating personal time, especially in the morning, is deemed essential for focusing on personal goals and self-care.
Involving family and friends can provide both assistance and accountability, increasing the likelihood of success.
Regular breaks and fun activities like listening to music are recommended to prevent burnout and keep the mind fresh.
Decluttering is presented as a crucial step in maintaining organization and simplifying future tasks.
The concept of "A place for everything and everything in its place" is promoted as a fundamental principle for staying organized.
When it comes to finances, the article suggests a strict approach to spending and seeking professional advice for debt management.
The article concludes with a strong stance against procrastination, advocating for immediate action to build momentum and ensure completion of tasks.

12 Tips To Get Organized

It’s easier than you think

Just about everyone wants to organize something. Whether it’s their kitchen, their office, their garage, their finances, their job search, or even their outfits. Much like New Year’s resolutions, these plans are made with the best of intentions, but seldom is success achieved. If you need help to get started and seeing something through, these tips will help.

1. Make a list

It may sound silly, but making a list is the first step to success. It is a visual reminder of what you set out to do. Don’t write this list in a book or on the computer though, but use a sheet of paper that you can stick to the fridge or place on a table. Keep the list where it’s a daily reminder. If you’ve accomplished one task, cross it off the list, this simple action will encourage you to continue.

2. Clean up

Whatever it is you set out to organize, one of the things you may want to start with is tidy up your living space. Make your bed, fold your underwear and socks, put your clothes on hangers, wash your dishes. Once you see the order, you will want to carry on and do more. Organization breeds organization.

3. Start small

Whatever it is you want to organize, don’t look at it as a whole. When considering it as a project, it might be too daunting. Better to take baby steps. If you want to organize your kitchen, start with one cabinet. If you want to pay off your credit card, start with one small payment. If you want to lose weight, start with ten minutes of exercise. As you go along, you can increase time and effort at your own pace.

4. Make time

If you find you don’t have time to get to what you want to do, get up an hour before you usually get up. Devote that time to yourself. Fire up your computer and write for an hour, exercise, meditate, read, spend time alone and do something for yourself. All-day you do things for others, don’t you think you deserve to do something just for you?

5. Involve others

Whatever your goal is, share it with family and friends, and don’t be shy to ask for help. If you want to organize part of your home, an extra pair of hands will make the task easier. If nobody can help you, share with others what you set out to do. Not only will they keep you on your toes, but they will also encourage you not to give up.

6. The right mind

If it all gets a little too much for you, take a break. Have a much-deserved cup of coffee, do some yoga, go for a walk, or read a few pages of your book. Taking regular breaks will not only benefit you physically, but will give your mind a chance to rest. When you feel rested, get back to work.

7. Remove distractions

If you know that you’re easily distracted, remove anything that might interfere with your work. If your phone is the main obstacle, silence any sounds that alert you to incoming email messages, text messages, or other alerts. Concentrate on the task at hand.

8. Allow for fun

There’s no rule that says that while you work, you can’t have some fun. Put on your favorite music and sway or even dance to the beat. If music is not your thing, listen to an audiobook.

9. Declutter

To save yourself work in the future, get rid of anything you don’t need. You might have fallen in love with those black stilettos with a four-inch heel, but if you haven’t worn them for two years, get rid of them. That goes for any other items too. Whether it’s a dress, a skirt, or a shirt, if you haven’t worn them for two years, chances are you won’t wear them in the future.

10. A place

You no doubt heard the saying ‘A place for everything and everything in its place.’ Start by doing just that. When you come home, don’t leave your keys on a cabinet, your jacket on an armchair, and your shoes on the carpet, but put them in their place. If your keys don’t have a home yet, install a hook near the front door, put your jacket on a hanger, and place your shoes on a shelf. Do the same with other items. Don’t let cups and plates stay in the sink or on the draining board, place them in the cabinet. Don’t let sweaters take up space on a chair or worse, the floor. Fold them and put them away. Once you get used to putting stuff in its place, not only will you find what you’re looking for, but you’ll automatically get more organized.

11. Organize your finances

Depending on your budget, organizing your finances might be a bit more difficult but not impossible. If you’re short on funds, or worse in debt, stop spending on items you don’t need. If you’re tempted, ask yourself — do I want this or do I need this?

To help you organize your spending, keep a record of everything you buy. This will help you cut down on items you don’t need. If you’re trying and failing to get out of debt, talk to your bank. Together you can set up a payment plan that you can manage.

12. Do it today

Whatever you want to do, organize your kitchen, your outfits, your job search, or your finances, stop thinking I’ll do it tomorrow, next week, or when the time is right. Do it today. Make a start. You don’t have to finish this or that today, you just have to make a start. Once you get going and see results, you’ll be motivated to see the job through.