Are You Working for Your Home or Is it Working for You? 4 Signs You’re Doing It Wrong
Homes come in all shapes and sizes – from tiny dorm rooms to mansions and everything in between. Whatever the size of your home, you can make it work for you or you can spend too much time working for it. It’s easy to get disorganized no matter your home. But there’s always help available. If you’re questioning whether you could use a hand, or need to put in a little work yourself, consider theses signs that your organizational style is working against you.
You Can’t Find Anything
Everyone has to spend some time looking for items but if it is taking out a sizable chunk of your schedule, it’s time to make a change.
The average American spends an average of 2.5 days a year looking for misplaced items. Keeping your stuff organized can basically net you a weekend!
By the way, the most commonly lost items are (in reverse order):
- Wallets and purses
- Shoes
- Glasses
- Car and House Keys
- Phones
- and…Remote Controls!
If you’re always looking for the same item several days a week or you’re spending more than 10 minutes a week searching, you may need some organization help.
Clean Up Takes Too Long
Do you spend more than a few minutes clearing the table for dinner? Do you have a difficult time getting your counter ready for preparing a meal? Does sitting down to watch a movie require multiple steps involving moving items from the couch and coffee table to make space to sit? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could use a new organization system in place.
It’s nice to have storage available in every room so that clean up is quick and easy. It’s also ideal to have parking spaces so that nothing gets too far out of place.
You Dread Company
Ok, let’s be honest. There is some company we always dread. There are people we feel obligated to see, probably people we love very much, but who maybe, well…we just don’t feel like seeing. We’re not talking about that kind of dreading company.
We’re talking about wanting to see a person but not looking forward to that person come to your home. Maybe you keep putting it off. Maybe you ask to meet somewhere else. Or maybe you just power through it. Whatever your method, if someone you love seeing your home makes you uncomfortable, it’s time to set up a new organizational system.
Having company over should be enjoyable, not stressful. An informal visit shouldn’t take more than half an hour to prep for.
And not wanting company can potentially be the most damaging effect of disorganization because in extreme cases it can lead to isolation and even depression which can further accelerate the problem.
You Forget Things
Normally, I try to avoid vague words like “things” but in this case the ambiguity is intentional. Because things can be objects or ideas and forgetting either can be a sign of disorganization.
Forgetting to pay bills or pass on important information can wreak havoc on a person’s life. A cluttered home can lead to a cluttered mind.
If you find yourself leaving glasses, cell phones or any other necessary objects at home more than every once in a while, you probably need a little organizational help. Get a routine in place and may I suggest our blog on parking spaces?
What to Do Next
If you see yourself in any of these signals, there’s not need to panic. Just take a step back and figure out what you can do to improve your situation and make your home work for you. If you’re lost or throwing up your hands, WOW Organizing is just a phone call away!
How do you know when it’s time to set aside some organizing time?
What is a manageable way to begin?
Notice where the process currently stops. If mail reaches the counter but never gets reviewed, the next helpful step is not a prettier basket—it is a consistent time and place for decisions.
How do you make the change last?
Use the new setup during a normal week and pay attention to what still feels difficult. A system is allowed to change. If putting something away takes too many steps, simplify the category, move it closer to where it is used, or reduce what the space has to hold.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to finish the whole project at once?
No. Completing one defined area is more useful than creating several unfinished piles. Progress can be small and still be meaningful.
Should I buy organizing products first?
Usually not. Sort and measure first so any product you choose solves a specific problem instead of becoming one more item to manage.
What if I feel embarrassed asking for help?
You do not need to clean, organize, or apologize before asking WOW Organizing for support. We begin with what is happening now and work without judgment.
If you would like help applying these ideas in your own home, learn more about our Home Organizing Services.
Ready for a more manageable next step?
Tell us what is creating the most pressure. We will listen, answer your questions, and help you choose a realistic place to begin.