“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

If you have been following Create Calm’s Instagram or Facebook posts, you already know that the very first step to getting organized is to take stock. Simply get out your phone, pad of paper or a notebook and start a new note. Title it, “Organizing To Do List.”  Then work your way through every room in your home or office and make a list of everything that needs to get organized. Don’t worry – you are not actually doing the work now, nor will you do it all at once. But if you truly want to achieve organizational bliss, is so important to take an honest look at what is going on in your space, and specifically the habits that created your current situation. 

As you begin the journey, remember this mantra – shame is not allowed here! We are here because of our past habits, and this is simply our starting point. We need to look at our situation with a fresh set of eyes and understand that it is our old habits that got us here, and it will be our new habits that get us out of it!

Once you have your to-do list in hand, it is time to get out your planner/calendar and plan when and how the work will get done. Here are a few tips to consider when planning the work:

1. Start small and build on success. For your first organizing project, start with a sock or nightstand drawer. Keep it simple and something you feel confident you can tackle and maintain for at least two months. 
2. Budget time for the entire process of organizing. This includes removing all contents, cleaning the space, categorizing items, purging, and implementing organizational systems. Some people choose to purchase organizing products, so be sure to consider time spent shopping.
3. Estimate the amount of time you think it will take, then double it!  Again, set yourself up for success. Organizing often takes longer than we think. Many people start an organizing project and quit because they become frustrated by how long it takes. Build in a cushion for yourself. If you finish early, yay for you!
4. Share your plan with a friend or family member. Let them know what you hope to accomplish and when you plan to do it. Research has shown that people who set goals are far more likely to attain them if they share their goals with an accountability partner and check in regularly.
5. Plan a reward for yourself. When you complete a project, be sure to reward yourself in some small way. Treat yourself to fresh flowers or a coffee date with a close friend. Make the reward a positive experience, rather than buying an object that clutters your home. 

At Create Calm, it is our mission to empower you with the tools you need to achieve and maintain a deep sense of calm in your environment. When we exist in a calm, organized milieu, we thrive.