Organizing Myth: Organizing takes up a lot of time

Organizing Myth #001: You can’t get organized unless you devote a big chunk of time to it, like a whole day. 

Organizing Reality: While I believe that you’ll be able to get into a groove and perhaps accomplish more when working in a long stretch of uninterrupted time, especially on a large project such as a garage or an entire room that needs help, that should by no means be a reason for you to forgo organizing entirely. Don’t use “I don’t have time” as an excuse. You can get a lot done in small bursts, particularly if that suits your working style. 15 minutes or half an hour after work can be enough to make a difference.

Here are some small sized organizing tasks you can do if you only have a few minutes:

• Open your filing cabinet or file box and toss or shred anything outdated.
• Take one shelf of your bookcase and cull out anything you aren’t going to read again. Then put those books in the car to be taken for donation or to your used book store for cash or credit.
• Go to your spices in your kitchen and toss any that are ancient, then put them in alphabetical order.
• Go to your sock drawer and toss any single socks, socks or stockings with holes or runs, tattered underwear, and seasonal socks that you never wear because you forget you have them when the holiday actually does roll around.
• Type your grocery list on the computer and save a template of all the items you buy every time you go to the store. Print out a few and use them as the basis for your weekly list.

Organizing doesn't have to be overwhelming or time consuming. In fact, it can help you feel in control and free up your time for more important things. Have a great weekend!

Creative Commons photo posted to flickr by stu spivack