Everyone seems to be talking about organizing this time of year. Your resolutions might already be wavering. Your confidence may be waning. And you think, perhaps, I just don't have the "O" gene.
Well that is just one of the fictoids (fiction posing as fact) about organizing, that there is a gene for it.
This issue of Organizine refutes some of the big myths about organizing.
1. Some people are born with an organizing gene.
It's not a gene, but rather a skill. And some people develop it earlier based on their need to have a neat and orderly environment. Children who prefer order will spend time lining up their crayons. Kids who are OK with a little mess, will not unless taught. Some people don't have a desire for an orderly environment until they become adults (or never). Whenever the desire kicks in, the skill CAN be learned. Start with simple habits like sorting socks and build up to the big stuff.
2. Organized people are also neat and clean.
Not necessarily. It is very possible to have messy piles on a desk and know exactly what is in each of them. That is organized and messy. The opposite is having very neatly stacked piles of paper but you don't have any idea what is in the pile. That is disorganized and neat.
3. Organized people are boring.
Some of the brightest and most creative minds in our world are also organized. Many people fear that organizing will take away creative thinking, it actually can provide clarity so your creative thought is not disturbed. One of my favorite creative author/artists is SARK , who says she doesn't tell people she is extremely organized -- almost obsessive about it -- because being organized doesn't match her artsy image.
SARK is the author of Succulent Wild Woman and her newest book is Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper.
4. Organizing is boring.
Ok, I admit, the way most books about organizing are written it does seem to be an endless series of ho-hum tasks. But it doesn't have to be. Some of the most tedious tasks such as filing can be turned into a game (How many papers can I file in 1 minute). Some tasks can be a dance (Declutter booty shake). You can decorate with fun and funky containers to give the organized space some color and sparkle. Or even decorate the containers. It's only boring if you let it be boring.
5. Getting organized takes a lot of time and energy.
Whenever we don't want to do something, we awfulize it. We come up with all the reasons NOT to do it. Excuses come so easily, don't they. It is possible organizing will take a long time. But it doesn't all have to be done at once. It's not all-or-nothing. I personally love the marathon approach (organize with someone for 3-5 hours and get a big chunk done). But it is also possible to do the chunk method: just organize bits-and-pieces in 5-minute to 1-hour chunks. A junk drawer can be weeded out in 5 minutes. It can be completely re-organized and wiped out in an hour. One shelf can be straightened up in 5 minutes. The pantry can be re-organized in an hour. You don't have to put your life on hold to get a little done at a time. It's like that old saying about how to eat an elephant -- one bite at a time.
6. Organizing costs a lot of money.
Organizing doesn't have to cost a penny. In fact, you can make money by taking things that you don't need and selling them or donating to charity. Either way you can reap a financial gain in cash or a tax refund. In addition, most organizers will attest to the fact that they have found money and gift certificates when organizing homes. And that is just monetary gain. Clutter can be the root of stress, and stress causes you to spend money on pain relievers, doctors, chiropractors, and special gadgets and services to help you de-stress. So spending valuable time organizing can actually save you money in the long run.
If you need to purchase containers, there are low cost alternatives for just about everything if you take the time to search.
You can also hire a professional organizer to speed up the process so it takes up less of your time, to keep you focused, and to make it a little more fun!
Comments
I was not born w/ the organizing gene. Luckily, I have a very good memory, so I know what all is in the stuffed-full closet. My husband is an ADD man who has to have it all organized, so I think your column will be helpful to us. Looking forward to reading more. Mic C
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