How Can I Get More Organized?

By: Danielle Bertini, LPC

I think most people can relate to the experience of feeling like you blink, and suddenly everything is a mess, and you just can’t seem to remember where you placed that important document that you just saw yesterday, but now has somehow disappeared. Because of this feeling, I made the very adult decision of buying myself a filing cabinet for Christmas. Once I finally got all my important documents organized, I realized what a relief it was to have everything put away and in its proper place. It made me think just how important and useful it is to get — and stay — organized. That being said, with more people working from home these days, it becomes even more essential to have an organized combined work and living space. Carter (2011) outlines eight easy organization tips that can help you declutter your space and save you time (and even money). Keep reading to learn more!

A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place

By having a designated place for supplies and other consistently used items, you should always be able to quickly and easily locate what you’re looking for.

Toss, Recycle, Donate

It’s useful to throw out or recycle what doesn’t work anymore, and donate what you don’t need, want, or use.

Go Vertical

If it’s something that you use often, keep it close. However, if you only use it occasionally, it can be helpful to store it in high or low storage spots to open up the space in between for things you use more frequently. You can use things like wall baskets, wall-mounted file folders, and wall hooks, as those are great ways to make things go vertical. 

Label, Label, Label 

Labeling things is a great way to help you stay organized so you’re able to find things quickly. Not only that, but having things labeled also makes it easier and more convenient to know where to put things away when you are tidying up. You can find easy-to-use label makers online or at most craft stores.

Create a Meeting Bin 

This tip is good if you are someone who can never find what you need for a meeting. Whenever you find something or think of something you’re going to need for your next meeting or event, put it in a designated bin in your workspace for that meeting. Then, when the time comes for the meeting or event, most or all of what you need will be in one place.

Create a Pending Folder 

Creating a pending folder can be useful to clear off your desk and centralize incomplete projects. You can also have a “pending” email folder, as well.

Keep a Notebook Close By

Have a notebook, journal, or call log to keep a record of phone messages. You can also use it to jot down important notes and reminders during calls, keeping it all in one place.

Get Your Desk in Order Before You Leave 

Not only can a disorganized desk become an ongoing source of stress, but it can also cause important tasks to get lost in the chaos and clutter. By tidying up your desk an hour before you leave work, you not only might discover a task that got lost in the clutter, but you might still have enough time to handle it.

If you find yourself struggling with getting organized, you may find it helpful to talk with one of our therapists at Symmetry Counseling. You can contact Symmetry today to learn more about the benefits of therapy in Chicago, and cal (312) 578-9990 to get matched with one of our licensed counselors. 

References

Carter, S. (2011, September 18). 8 easy organizational tips to increase your productivity at work. 

Psychology Today. Retrieved January 27, 2022, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/high-octane-women/201109/8-easy-organizational-tips-increase-your-productivity-work