5 misconceptions of organizing

What comes to mind when you hear the word organize? 

Whether it comes to your home OR business, these are five common misconceptions I hear – along with my biased (but I stand by it!) reality take on each:

MYTH: I don’t have time. 

REALITY:  The amount of time that organizing your home and life frees up far outweighs the time spent organizing it.  According to National Association of Professional Organizers, we spend on average one year of our lives looking for lost or misplaced items. Time is our most valuable resource and investing time now in clearing out clutter and setting up smart systems gives back so much more of it. ADDED BENEFIT:  Clearing clutter and organizing your environment makes everything look so much better! 

MYTH:  I don’t like structure. 

REALITY:  This one deeply resonates with me because the thought of anything rigid or confining makes me want to run the other way but I’ve found it’s actually the opposite.  When we bring order into our home and life in a way that works with our natural preferences, it actually creates space in both our calendar AND mind which lowers stress while enhancing focus, creativity and in the moment living.

MYTH:  I can’t afford it. 

REALITY:  Organizing is an investment that can have such an incredible ROI.  In addition to the invaluable benefits above, organizing can actually save you money.  It cuts down on duplicate purchases, higher shipping costs, late fees and last minute purchases where we tend to spend more and love it less. 

Money saving even comes into play with our pantry and fridge. When we see what we have and plan meals accordingly we spend – and throw out – less.  As expensive as food is these days, that can save you quite a bit!  

According to Forbes ASAP, in the workplace a typical executive today wastes 150 hours a year, almost one month, searching for lost information. For someone earning $50,000 a year, that translates to a loss of $3,842. If you run a business, organization and systems can also enhance overall customer and employee experiences and enable you to spend more time on high value opportunities. Or to simply enjoy more time off – without stressing about what you’ll be coming back to when returning! 

MYTH:  I’m just not an organized person. 

REALITY:  While some are more naturally inclined to organization, many of us aren’t.  For me, I always loved making things look better but couldn’t get it to stick until I had to out of necessity. With my first business I knew I had to make changes and that’s when I made getting organized a priority. What I learned made such a difference in my life that I shifted my business to helping others do the same. 

We aren’t taught these skills (although I think it most definitely should be taught in school!) but it most definitely can be learned with the right methods and consistency.  BONUS FOR KIDS:  If you have kids, these (priceless!) skills can be shared with them regardless of age.

MYTH:  I don’t need organizing help. 

REALITY:  This one could actually be true for some people.  A good way to determine if it’s a myth or legit for you is to ask yourself: 

  • Can I find what I need when I need it?  
  • Do I like the way my spaces look – including what’s behind closed doors, drawers + cabinets?

If the answer is YES then it sounds like you are good!  (Although I’ve organized for people before who did’t realize they needed but after experiencing the results they wish they would’ve done it years ago…. so never say never!)

If NO, make getting organized a priority.  Hiring a good professional organizer can help you with the process or completely do it for you. (I do in-person organizing in North Florida and South Carolina and know great organizers in other areas I can refer you to if you need help.)

If you want to DIY but need guidance, I have a new membership that could be a perfect fit (under $20/month – no commitment requirements). We are elevating everything home + life! Message me on Instagram @YourLifeOrganizer or fill out contact form here and I’ll let you know when doors open again.

 

Whatever path you take, keep all of these amazing benefits of organizing top of mind as you go. Those “why’s” carry us through the process and before you know it, you’ll experience the beautiful shift that happens when you clear clutter and create space in your home + life!

 

For more organizing tips: 

  • Follow me on Instagram at @YourLifeOrganizer
  • Check out this post from Grid + Glam for some of their favorite tips – it’s a great read and perfect way to celebrate April 26’s National Get Organized Day!