How to stop procrastinating and get organized

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” ~ Lao Tzu

Procrastination begins where a sense of control ends. A task or challenge seems utterly

overwhelming, and we watch it grow bigger and more urgent like an impending tidal wave headed for the shoreline. Simultaneously, a cascade of negative emotions – shame, self-doubt, guilt, anxiety, frustration – paralyzes us, impeding our ability to take action.

However, if we step back, we can see objectively that the growing wave is fed largely by these negative emotions. We can dissipate the wave completely simply by taking one step forward, and then another, and another. The hardest part is beginning the process.

If you've been procrastinating on an organization project, this process is likely familiar to you. As you watch your clutter grow more and more out of control, you might be tempted to put it off even longer. However, there are a few simple strategies you can take to stop procrastinating now – And shrinking those piles around the house for good! Here they are:

Do the worst part first

If you hate organizing paperwork, but don't mind folding laundry, start by tackling the paper pile. The faster you can get dreaded tasks out of the way, the more motivated you'll be to keep going. Mentally, you'll know that you've made it over the toughest part, and the rest is downhill from there. Before you know it, your clutter piles will be banished!

Break up the process

If you get overwhelmed thinking about everything you need to organize, break up projects into a list of micro-tasks. Then, manage your time accordingly. If you only have an hour to de-clutter every day, simply start your way at the top of the list and work your way down over the next few weeks until you've finished. This process will help recalibrate your perspective by turning an abstract, overwhelming problem into a concrete, manageable one. Also, try to turn your organization sessions into habits, so in the future you avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Stop worrying about perfection

If you've been letting clutter pile up for months or even years, your house won't be spotless in a day, regardless of how much effort you exert. Moreover, aiming for unattainable perfection will only make you feel more overwhelmed. In the same way, comparing your home to a magazine cover, or your organization habits to those of your friends and relatives, will only create more negative emotions like shame, self-doubt, guilt, anxiety, and frustration, thereby fueling your procrastination further. Let perfection go, and begin taking action at your own pace.

Give yourself rewards

Psychologically, reward is a more effective motivator than punishment. So work with this impulse, not against it; give yourself a small treat each time you finish a task on your to-do list. It could be something as small as a cup of coffee, a half-hour of reading a book you enjoy, or a nice meal out.

Get help

Sometimes having a professional aid you in de-cluttering your home can expedite the process of getting organized. They can help you stay focused on the task at hand, hold you accountable to your goals, and implement strategies to help you stay organized. If you need a little extra help, we have a compassionate, non-judgmental staff who can help you meet your goals. Contact us for a free consultation!

Do you have any other strategies that help you beat procrastination? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter! We'd love to hear from you!  

Six habits that will keep you organized when you're busy

These days, we're all busy juggling projects, deadlines, and work demands with family life and personal time. When the chaos of a hectic lifestyle looms, getting and staying organized seems like just another never-ending task to cross off an already long list. But what you might not know is that keeping your physical space tidy could actually make your life simpler in the long run by decreasing your stress and anxiety, and impacting your health, well-being, and relationships in a myriad of positive ways. And keeping that tidy environment doesn't have to be hard. Here are a few habits to cultivate that will make organization automatic and easy – so you can devote more time and energy to the things that matter most.

Create a to-do list

Trying to keep track of things in your head will likely leave you feeling distracted and disorganized, a mental perspective that has a tendency to spill over into your physical surroundings as well. As David W. Ballard, the assistant executive director for the American Psychological Association, said in an article for the Huffington Post, "We spend a lot of mental energy trying to keep track of all the things we need to remember." So don't waste time and energy trying; every day, write down a list of items you need to accomplish, and keep a notepad close by so you can jot things down throughout the day. This strategy will help increase your productivity by keeping your mind free to focus on one task at a time.

Don't let things pile up

Think twice before you throw another file on your desk at work, or relegate some old pens to the junk drawer at home. Small things have a tendency to pile up over time. If you spend two minutes or less organizing at the end of each task, or ten minutes at the end of the day, staying tidy will seem far more manageable.

Give everything a home

Attempting to organize without containers is like trying to live in a house without closets or cabinets. To avoid chaos, develop an organizing system that includes containers, drawers, baskets, and bins. Then hold yourself and your family accountable to put items back in their proper places each and every time you use them. This strategy will significantly decrease the amount of time you have to spend organizing later.

Be a ruthless purger

If anything is better than organizing, it's purging. After all, the less stuff you own, the less time you have to spend on cleaning and organizing it. Minimizing the things you own can also make you feel less anxious and stressed. So start on one area or room at a time, and get rid of everything you don't want or need. If it works for you, use Marie Kondo's popular KonMari organizing method of holding each item and asking yourself if you truly need it or if it brings you joy. If you don't or it doesn't, throw it out and enjoy the freedom of having more space and time.

Keep it paperless

Nothing has the power to make you feel overwhelmed like stacks of bills, paperwork, receipts, and junk mail. Reduce this stress by spending a few minutes each day sorting through your paper piles – Better yet, sign up for paperless billing on each of your accounts online, or download an app like Genuis Scan to digitize each piece of paper with the touch of a button. The fewer piles you have to contend with, the more in control you'll feel on a daily basis.

Break up tasks

If you've already let clutter get the best of you, don't get discouraged or overwhelmed. Simply tackle one task at a time, one day at a time. If you prioritize organizing one thing a day, whether it's the corner of a desk or an entire room, soon you'll be back on track!

Good habits make a big difference, and they can make keeping your home and office tidy much easier over time. In all likelihood, you'll also feel more productive, healthy, and empowered, and even have more energy and time. Let us know on Facebook and Twitter if you have any other organizing habits that make your life easier or simpler. We'd love to hear from you!  

A show you don't want to miss: Practical Solutions is on Hoarders this weekend!

In November, we announced that Practical Solutions' owner Cathy Bates and professional organizer Hoarders, a popular TV show that helps people who chronically struggle with disorganization.

Patti Eickhoff were featured on a taping of

We have some exciting news: The taping will air as episode 15 of season 8 on Sunday, April 3, at 8/7c on A&E! The episode can also be streamed online at http://www.aetv.com/shows/hoarders.

Cathy and Patti with the show's ServiceMaster crew

On the show, Bates and Eickhoff assist show host Matt Paxton in clearing clutter for a family who struggled with hoarding for years. The matriarch of the family, Vivian, was at risk of losing custody of her grandsons because of the home's disarray. Faced with high stakes, she confronts her hoarding disorder head on in front of the cameras.

“Vivian was an amazing woman and was motivated to make some very tough decisions quickly for the sake of her family,” Bates said. “Her grandson was also an amazing young man, considering all he has been through – Be sure to watch for the big surprise he gets at the end of the show.”

Although the show was filmed in just three days, Bates said in reality helping hoarders get organized often takes months or even years. Typically, clients are encouraged to work at a pace that's comfortable for them, and adopt small habit and lifestyle changes.

Ultimately, she said the biggest reward to both the Hoarders taping and the everyday organizing jobs she and her team tackle is the same – That is, witnessing the impact that letting go of unneeded possessions has on a client's life.

“Lives are changed when clients finally let go of the clutter, whether it takes three days or three years, and make room for important relationships and experiences that last a lifetime,” she said. “I encourage those who struggle with hoarding issues to get help and get their life back like Vivian did.”

Mark your calendars to watch Practical Solutions in action this Sunday, April 3, at 8/7c on A&E, or online at http://www.aetv.com/shows/hoarders. Also, let us know what you think on Facebook and Twitter!

Spring cleaning: Your clutter can make the world a better place

Spring is finally here! If you live in California like us, birds are probably already singing in the trees outside your window, heralding the hot weather ahead. Colorful blossoms are bursting forth, and fragrant citrus fruit hangs heavy on the trees. As the outward world takes a deep breath toward new growth, it's also a great time to focus on new growth inwardly. This process doesn't have to be intimidating, though; it can begin with a simple spring cleaning. Begin by noticing how much stuff you have around the house that could be eliminated, saving you time, space and energy on a daily basis. Wouldn't it be freeing to just let it go?

If cultivating a simpler life with less clutter and fewer distractions isn't motivation enough to purge unneeded items, know that donating them to charities could also benefit other peoples' lives in huge ways – By choosing to give your clutter away, you'll bring joy into someone else's life, fulfill their needs, and support the environment by not unnecessarily filling landfills. That's why we've compiled a list of places to donate your discards. Of course, this list is by no means exhaustive. If you know of a local charity that will take your donations, feel free to let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Here's that list – Simply click on the link to find out more about how to make a donation:

Where to donate clothes, shoes and accessories

Dress for success

Dress for Success provides professional attire and development tools to low-income women. Donate women's professional clothes, shoes, and accessories.

CareerGear

CareerGear provides professional attire and mentoring services to men seeking employment. Donate men's business clothes, as well as briefcases, portfolios, watches and cufflinks, and coats.

Clothes4Soles and Soles4Souls

Clothes4Soles and Soles4Souls provide clothes and shoes for people in need around the world. Donate all types and styles of new or gently used clothes and shoes.

Where to donate toys and children's items:

Project Night Night

Project Night Night delivers packages to homeless children that include children's books, stuffed animals, and blankets.

S.A.F.E., Inc. –Stuffed Animals For Emergencies

Stuffed Animals For Emergencies donates children's items such as stuffed animals, books, coloring books, crayons, blankets, children's clothes, and baby-related items to benefit children during emergency situations such as fires, illness, accidents, neglect, abuse, homelessness and weather emergencies.

Where to donate electronics:

HopeLine

HopeLine from Verizon provides refurbished cell phones to victims of domestic abuse and violence so they can stay connected to support networks and achieve a fresh start at life. They accept all functional cell phones.

Lifecell Project

Lifecell Project recycles old cell phones in bulk at environmentally-friendly centers, and uses the funds to purchase water filtration systems for those in developing countries. Just fill out a donation form and they'll send you a postage-paid envelope in which you can mail your old phone.

World Computer Exchange

World Computer Exchange gives used but functional technology to schools, libraries, community centers & universities in developing countries

Where to donate school and office supplies:

Develop Africa

Develop Africa provides children in Africa with school and teaching supplies, as well as scholarships, small business training, computer training, school uniforms, and mosquito nets.

The GrayMatters Foundation

The GrayMatters Foundation supports and empowers people impacted by brain tumors through outreach, awareness and assistance programs. They make supportive cards to encourage brain tumor patients and survivors, as well as their loved ones.

Where to donate books:

A.K. Smiley Public Library

The A.K. Smiley Public Library in Redlands sells donated books through the Friends Bookstore, located in the lower level of the building, in order to raise funds for the library's collections, services, and programs.  

Books for Africa

Books For Africa's mission is to end the book famine in Africa by creating a culture of literacy and providing the tools of empowerment to the next generation of parents, teachers, and leaders in Africa.

Global Literacy Project

Global Literacy Project donates books and literacy support materials, and conducts educational programs aimed at improving knowledge, enhancing global awareness, and developing skills in the U.S. and abroad.

Books Through Bars

Books Through Bars sends reading and educational materials to prisoners.

Where to donate musical instruments:

Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation

Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation keeps music alive in schools by providing durable, high-quality musical instruments to deserving, under-funded music programs nationwide.

Marching Mountains

Marching Mountains supplies public school band programs in distressed counties in Appalachia with donated new and used musical instruments

Where to donate eyeglasses:

Lions Clubs International

Lions club members and community volunteers ship prescription glasses to people in need in developing countries.

  

Unite for Sight

Unite for Sight provides eye care for people in developing countries. They only accept new, unused glasses and sunglasses.

New Eyes for the Needy

New Eyes for the Needy distributes used glasses around the world to those in need.

Where to donate (almost) anything else:

Goodwill

Goodwill provides opportunities to build skills for people with barriers to employment, including single mothers, veterans, and those with physical and mental disabilities.

Salvation Army

Salvation Army provides a host of services and community programs to those in need, including children, single parents, veterans, and those who are homeless, displaced, or in prison.

Vietnam Veterans of America

Vietnam Veterans of America provides support for Vietnam veterans and their families.

We hope you've learned how much good you can do for others by de-cluttering! Again, please let us know on Facebook and/or Twitter if you have any other favorite charities we missed that you'd recommend. Until next month, happy organizing!   

Simple Ways to Take Control of Your Laundry and Linens

Happy Valentine's Day!

We're kicking off the Simplify Challenge's final week by helping you organize two areas that often go hand-in-hand – Your laundry room and linen closet. Although doing laundry might not be the most romantic of tasks, it is nonetheless a necessary one we often do for those we love. This utilitarian chore is much easier if your space is organized and de-cluttered. You'll maximize your efficiency and also save time, meaning you'll have more of it to spend with your loved ones this Valentine's day and beyond!

As always, if you need help at any point during this process, feel free to contact us. We have a team of awesome professional organizers who are always happy to help!

Organize Your Laundry Room

Is your laundry room cluttered with things that don't belong there? Clutter simply creates added stress to an often dreaded task, causing us to procrastinate while piles of dirty laundry build. This space should instead be functional and minimalistic, making it easier to focus on decreasing those dirty piles. Let's get to work!

PURGE – Get out a trash bag and boxes in which you can place items that don't belong in the laundry room. Sort through each item in the room individually, placing items you want to donate, or those that belong in another part of the house, in the boxes. Next, put items that belong in another part of the house away in their proper places. Get rid of anything you know you won't use. Old cleaning supplies can be dropped off at a hazardous waste collection site; Call your city to find out where the closest site is located.

ORGANIZE - Organize cleaning supplies by category on shelves or in cabinets. Keep those you use more often in easy to reach spots, and those you use less often in harder to reach areas. Also, keep cleaning supplies used for laundry close to where they'll be used – so detergent, softeners, and bleach should go above the washer, and dryer sheets above the dryer, etc. If you store mops and brooms in this room, save space by hanging them on the wall and off of the ground.

MAINTAIN - Each time you use an item, put it back in its proper space. It'll be easier to find and help ensure the room stays clutter-free!

Read about how to organize your linen closet next

Organize Your Linen Closet

Do you have more linens than you'll ever use? Many of us have this same problem, causing our linen storage areas to get cluttered and disorganized. Finding what you need becomes an impossible chore, generating frustrating and wasting time. Let's banish these everyday woes and make changing the sheets a more bearable task again!

PURGE - Grab a large garbage bag or two in which you can put sheets you want to donate. Then pull out all of your linens, and separate them one by one into two piles – Those you'll use and those you won't use. Any sheets and linens can be thrown into the donation pile, no matter what their condition is like. Items that are too worn or old for donation centers are often sent to animal shelters and used for animal bedding.

ORGANIZE - Place similar items together – For instance, place towels on one shelf, sheets on another, and blankets on another. Organize each type of linen by size as well. Neatly fold each item in order to maximize space. You may even consider labeling the shelves so you don't forget where to put an item each time you do laundry.

MAINTAIN - Each time you do laundry, make sure each item is neatly folded and put away in its proper place. Never let baskets of clean linens sit for too long; Instead, take the next step and put them away immediately.

We hope we've helped you de-clutter and organize your laundry and linen areas this week! Don't forget to post photos of your newly organized spaces on Twitter using the hashtag #SimplifyIn40Days, and on our Facebook page.

Happy organizing!

Simple Ways to Organize Your Bathroom

Whether you have several luxuriously large bathrooms, or just a single, small one, these spaces are often less than the tranquil places they should be. Too often, our bathrooms instead hold cluttered jumbles of makeup and medicines well past their expiration dates, an excess of hair products, and stacks of towels crammed into limited storage space. That's why for week five of our Simplify Challenge, we're going to help you de-clutter and streamline your bathrooms, transforming them into tranquil, inspiring places to begin and end your day.

As always, if you need help at any point during this process, feel free to contact us. We have a team of awesome professional organizers who are always happy to help!

Organize Your Master Bathroom

The master bathroom is likely where you spend most of your time getting ready for the day ahead.

Clutter and disorganization have a tendency to become overwhelming here, making your routine longer and more frustrating. Let's de-clutter and organize to add functionality to this space and save you time and energy for whatever your day holds!

PURGE - We all purchase items we think are going to solve all of our beauty dilemmas. However, these products are often worthless. We hold on to them because they were too expensive to just throw away, even if they don't work. But if you haven't used these products in months or years, it's time to let them go and use that valuable space for products you do use on a daily basis. Get out your trash bag and go through every item individually, being honest with yourself about what you use and don't use. Check for expired medicines and get rid of those, too.

ORGANIZE – Maximize your space by using size-appropriate containers to organize, store, and separate the goods you've decided to keep. Group items by category (for instance, hair products go with other hair products), or by when you or your spouse uses them. Use baskets or bins you already have around your house to organize items, and drawer dividers for smaller items like makeup, nail polish, and whatever else you need at your fingerprints while getting ready. You may also want install a shelf to store larger items like towels. In addition to organizing, the main goal here is to clear surfaces so that the bathroom is easy to clean and use daily.

MAINTAIN – Keeping items in storage bins and baskets will make it easier for you to maintain order in your bathroom. As always, the key is putting items back after you use them. Taking the extra step to put items in their proper places rather than setting them on the counter top will keep your area functional and clean, ultimately saving you time and energy.