15 Minutes to Organization

If you are struggling staying organized, one of the first things you need to figure out is where to put something.  After you can answer the question, Where Does This Go?, you next need to come up with a system that will encourage you to maintain the organization you create by decluttering. 

• Know where something goes.  Don't accept, "Oh, this will go in the file cabinet" as an answer.  Know that you have a labeled file so you can file a paper and then retrieve it when necessary.  Yes, it takes time to create that file; but, once done, you will be more organized because in the future you can put things in their proper place.
• Buy organizing materials only if necessary.  Think about reusing or repurposing drawers, bins, baskets, etc.  If you declutter, you'll find that you have a lot of empty containers that used to hold and organize stuff that you no longer need. 
• Put your organizing tools in the correct place.  (If you've answered the question, where does this go, you know where the correct place is.)
• Devote 15 minutes every day to putting stuff away.  If you get too involved and get tired pushing yourself to do more than 15 minutes, then set the timer on your smartphone or computer and make sure the volume is turned up high. 

Fifteen minutes may not seem to be enough time to get organized or maintain organization, but this is nearly two hours a week.  Would you rather spend two hours on Saturday putting stuff away?  Although it takes time to get organized and to maintain your system, a little bit of effort every day can remind you of your goals for organization.