Q: I’ve tried everything to be more organized – no luck. Is there something that will work when nothing else will?

A: Yep, and it will require you to break all the “typical” organizing rules.

Did you know that there are nine little ways you can be more organized today?

BEWARE: These are not your typical organizing tips that you see in magazines and on TV like “to organize your kitchen, do this” or “to tidy up your closet, do that.”

When it comes to these kinda tips, let’s face it! You’ve been there, done that, got the t-shirt – and you also still “got” clutter.

Why? Because these are what I call “surface tips,” since they tend to repair the surface of things, and often just for a short time. The results don’t last because there is a bigger root cause behind your clutter.

Of course, there is definitely a time and place for surface tips and tools.

BUT if you don’t understand your core clutter problem(s) – and why clutter keeps creeping into your home, your schedule, and your life – then you are likely to fall back into disorganization and chaos, no matter how great those surface tips may be.

That’s why, it’s important to organize and simplify from a whole-person perspective. In other words, it’s just as important to declutter your heart and mind, as it is your space and time.

Here’s how…

Each day, make a conscious commitment to one or all of these:

1. Live fully.
2. Laugh out loud.
3. Learn something new.
4. Love with all your heart.
5. Listen more than you speak.
6. Laud others over yourself.
7. Limit the clutter in your life.
8. Lift up someone who needs it.
9. Let go of what is holding you back.

This is a powerful list, made even more so by personalizing it to you, your home, your life – and your clutter. You can do this simply by adding an “instead of” phrase to each item. Such as:

• Live fully, instead of cluttering your life with regrets.
• Laugh out loud, instead of letting negativity in.
• Limit the clutter in your life, instead of clutter limiting you.

Now, it’s your turn. I hope this is one to-do list that will make you feel infinitely more organized (and more alive!) than ever.

Carmen Coker
Professional Organizer