Do you worry that you won’t be able to keep a space organized once you go through the effort of getting it organized? If so, replace your doubt-filled thoughts with this empowering message:
If I can get it organized, I can keep it organized!
The process of organizing a space is different from the process of keeping a space organized. But if you can do the first, you can certainly do the second. Organizing involves many steps such as setting up systems, allocating space to specific functions, deciding what to keep and what to let go of, selecting storage, and adding labels—to name just a few. Staying organized, on the other hand, involves creating new habits—the habits of using your new systems as you intended when you organized the space to begin with.
It’s a much simpler process to keep a space organized. At the core, keeping a space organized is as uncomplicated as putting things back where they belong when you’re finished using them. It’s really that simple. And here’s the good news: If you’re capable of maintaining any habits, such as regularly brushing your teeth, you can learn to adopt the habits required to keep your spaces organized, too!
So tonight, as you brush your teeth, remind yourself that staying organized is a new habit you can learn, just as you successfully enjoy the habit (and the consequences!) of brushing your teeth. You might even try repeating this new saying in your head a couple of times (just so it really sinks in).
If I can get it organized, I can keep it organized…
I know you can do it!
There really is no secret to staying organized, simply put things back where they belong. Organizing never ends, one new item in, one old one out. In an effort to continue to be organized, only bring in items that you absolutely love, this will prevent clutter, and we do not want to go there.
For me the system has to be user friendly, meaning if I have to move a lot stuff to put something back where it came from the item will likely become clutter. Finding a place for everything in a small living space challenges the creativity. And yes, I have gotten rid of loads of stuff with more stuff following.