Organizing with Optimism: 7 Ways to Make Organizing Fun!
It doesn’t have to be a chore.
I know, I know, there are not too many people who want to become professional organizers. The task can be daunting, overwhelming and stressful figuring out where to start, what to do, how to do it and how to stay motivated. Our tips below will help make the organizing process more fun & fabulous!
1. Pump up the jams!
Whether you press play on a record player, CD player, iTunes or radio, listening to music is a great way to make the time fly by and organizing more enjoyable. You can even make a game out of it; see how much paper or clothing you can sort and purge during one song or one album. Create your own playlist or you can listen to some of our organizing favorites.
Mia’s Organizing Playlist:
1. Every Little Thing: Peter Doran
2. Ain’t No Stopping Us Now: McFadden & WhiteheadBeat It: Michael Jackson
3. Happy: Pharrell Williams
4. Shake It Off: Taylor Swift
5. Let It Go: Idina Menzel
6. Dog Days Are Over: Florence & The Machine
7. I Will Survive: Gloria Gaynor
8. Brave: Sara Bareilles
9. Shout: Isley Brothers
10. Bye Bye Bye: N*Sync
11. Be OK: Ingrid Michaelson
12. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
13. Another One Bites The Dust: Queen
2. Phone a friend
You don’t have to tackle organizing alone. Have a friend chat on the phone while you organize or have them get involved in the sorting and purging process in person. Create a cat walk and have them help you “yay-or-nay” your questionable clothing items. Another idea is to schedule a clothing or household items swap with some friends or hold yourselves accountable to donate a certain amount of items to a local organization. P.S. The TV can be your friend! If you are sorting paper or mail, feel free to put on your favorite show (one of my favorites to watch is Ellen!) to make the time go by faster – see how much mail you can sort during one episode.
3. Track your progress
Sometimes it is difficult to see how much progress you make – especially with paper. Remember to take photos before and after you organize so you can see how much you get done. Another thing we suggest is to count the amount of trash bags you fill up to donate or get rid of. It can be delightfully satisfying knowing how much is leaving your living space!
4. Make it yours
There is nothing wrong with wanting to buy pretty bins, folders and containers to make an organized space yours. Own it! This is your space and you have the right to add a touch of your personality. Just remember to sort and purge your items before purchasing any containers so you know how much needs to be contained.
5. Repurpose
Whether you’re painting an old dresser or using an old bin to corral remotes, repurposing furniture and other items can help make your space seem new while allowing you to use your creative juices to spruce up your space in a fun way.
6. Feng shui
When I was young, it was not abnormal to come home to a house that was totally revamped. Couches on different sides of the room, different comforters, and tables switched around in different rooms. Sometimes all it takes is to swap some furniture around to make it feel like you have a totally reinvented and reinvigorated space and get some exercise throughout the process too.
7. Treat yo’self!
You did it! You deserve to reward yourself. Whether it means going out and pampering yourself with a massage, a nice bubble bath, or renting a movie to enjoy, any amount of organizing should be celebrated. Throughout your organizing process make sure you are taking breaks, hydrating and eating healthy so you can give it your all.
Today’s take-away: Organizing does not need to be dreadful. The trick is to find ways to make it enjoyable and fulfilling. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new, perhaps one tip might work better than another, but give it a shot and share with us what tip makes organizing easiest for you!
