Discover how getting organized makes everyday life easier, in simple but meaningful ways!
I mentioned in my email newsletter yesterday that the best way to learn something is to teach it. I'm so glad I chose to share this challenge, because it has pushed me to face some of my biggest organizing obstacles.
Welcome to Day 22 of the 30 Days to Less of a Hot Mess Challenge! We're decluttering, reorganizing and getting some fresh air to make a home we love. If this is your first time joining, you may want to start here at the beginning. Affiliate links used for your convenience.
The benefits of a decluttered, organized space have been a real blessing in my life. I'd encourage you to set aside time to declutter and organize your home. The results may surprise you!
7 Surprising Ways That Getting Organized Improves Your Life
1. It's easy to spot something when it is out of place. And it doesn't take long to return it where it belongs. When my counters are cleared off every night, it's easy to notice a stray cup or a Lego piece. Putting back one or two things is simple. When there are 50 different things on the counter, I just get overwhelmed and give up before I start.
2. It's Easier to Clean the House. You don't have to pick up before you clean. It takes less time, and you can move through each room faster when nothing is in your way. You just wipe the flat surfaces or sweep, vacuum and mop the floors. Simple as that to keep everything clean! When it takes hours just to tidy up before cleaning, nobody has time for that!
RELATED: Why I Finally Hired a House Cleaner
3. Hosting Isn't Stressful. When your home is tidy and in order, it's no big deal when someone drops by on short notice. I've been embarrassed many times when guests arrived unexpectedly. I've joked that my ministry is making other people feel better about their homes, because mine is such a mess most of the time. But if it's tidy, decluttered and organized, even with a few things out of place, it's easy to bring it back to clean.
True story: My office doubles as our guest bedroom. I've canceled visits from out-of-town friends who were staying overnight. I would have loved to see them, but the stress of cleaning that room was either too much for me or I simply didn't have the time. Now? It's decluttered and organized, and it's going to stay that way!
4. It Will Make You More Productive. Oh my word! I've become so much more productive since tackling some of my biggest decluttering projects (like my office)! I can't even tell you how much mental strain (stress) has disappeared, because I'm no longer stepping around every little pile. It's freeing, and I feel like I can finally be my best self in business without being weighed down by stuff.
5. You Have More Time for What You Love. Goodness! I'm amazed at how much time I used to spend moving things around, only for them to tumble out of the closet the next time I opened the door. Now I have time to work out and to meet friends for fun. I'm more attentive to my girls, and I'm planning fun activities for us to do together.
My busyness used to be tied directly to my mental fog of clutter. I feel so much less stress and have a better handle on my schedule. (Please know that I'm still a mama of little kids. Things come up and life happens. It's never going to be perfect, but it's oh so much better!)
6. It Saves You Money. Who doesn't want more money in the bank? I can honestly say I've spent less on groceries, household items, clothing and decor since getting organized. I now have a clear grasp of what I already own. I also know when there's no room left for something new.
Being organized also helps you keep track of bills and payments. Almost everything in my life is auto-drafted from my account, but just a couple of weeks ago I thought I had mailed my HOA check, only to find it a week later under a pile of papers. Oops! That would have been a $100 mistake if I hadn't found the check in time.
You'll also avoid overbuying, because you know you already have 10 new glue sticks in the cabinet when the teacher emails asking parents to send some in. #truestory
7. You Will Be Able to Make Quick Decisions About What Comes In and Out of Your Home. It's frustrating to go out and buy something you need, only to realize you already have it. (Hello, not saving money there.) You end up in a long, time-consuming hunt for the item, and then you order another one or run to the store. When everything has its place, it's much easier to make quick decisions about your home and life.
For example: The other day someone offered to buy my daughter a toy she wanted. Just because. It was a kind gesture, but I had to decline. Even though my daughter wants this toy, I don't have the floor space to keep it in my home! It's so freeing to make quick, informed choices about what should come into (and leave) your home!
You may be dragging your feet on starting a decluttering or organizing project. Let me tell you, it's so worth it. Push through making the 1,000th decision about whether to keep something. (Decision fatigue is very real when you declutter. Take regular breaks and then get back to it.)
I know that when the process gets worse before it gets better, it's tempting to throw in the towel and shove everything back in the closet. But resist that urge.
You'll be amazed at the bonus benefits that come into your life because you took the time and did the hard work of decluttering and organizing.
Have you noticed any surprising side benefits from decluttering and organizing? I'd love to hear about them in the comments.
The Messy Work: Start a dreaded project today. Seriously. Do it! Then make a plan to finish it if it will take more than today. You'll be so glad you did!
In the mess with you, Laura
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