Sensible Organizing Solutions

Do it this month!

…Creating new habits is one of the most important keys to staying organized. And who hasn’t yet heard the saying: “It takes 21 consecutive days to make or break a habit.”?

Organized people have ingrained habits that make it easier for them to stay organized. Here are some of those every-day habits you may need to create for yourself:

1. Put all things away immediately after you use them or, at the very least, before you walk away from that space.
2. Create homes for any items you currently don’t have a set place for.
3. When undressing, always put your clothes and shoes in closets or dresser drawers, or hang them on hooks. Keep them off, floors, beds, furniture or exercise equipment.
4. Stick to the one-in/one-out rule — As your bring in a new item, release at least one similar item (e.g., incoming new blouse equals an outgoing blouse). Do this every time and your closets or cabinets will not overflow.
5. Purge outdated household papers and office files quarterly, semi-yearly or at least by end of each year.
6. Purge your children’s school papers and art projects by the end of each semester. Keep the best-of-the-best in a container large enough to hold the biggest item.
7. Rinse food off dishes, immediately after a meal; wash & dry dishes or load dishwasher before bedtime.
8. Limit the amount of times each day you check & respond to emails and social media. A good rule might be: once in the morning, once before lunch, once after lunch, once again at the end of a work day. If possible, stay off email and social media at night.
9. Shut down all electronics at least an hour before bedtime. This will help you sleep better.

These are just some important habits to develop if they are not already a part of your established routine.

You will know you’ve been successful, when your body has memorized the motions of the habit and you won’t even have to think twice about it. This will typically happen within 21 consecutive days of practice.

It’s November 1st. What new habit will you have created by November 21st?

Jana Hartwell, CPO®
Sensible Organizing Solutions, Inc. 
(858) 300-5757 

This month… 
Make or Break a New Habit