Discovering Your Organizing Rhythm
Published in the Daily Progress
By Rachael Heeschen, Professional Organizer at Charlottesville Organizing
In the world of organization, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Forget the idea that every well-organized home must replicate the curated aesthetic found within the pages of a Marie Kondo book. The belief that homes should conform to a standard “cookie-cutter” model is a thing of the past. Our brains, intricate and diverse, rebel against the idea that a single method suits everyone. It’s time to embrace the ways our minds operate and realize that our organizational styles are as varied as our personalities. Let’s take a deeper look into different approaches to organizing based on individual needs and ways of thinking.
Crucial to shaping these preferences are our cognitive styles. Whether you lean towards the comfort of logical systems with a left-brained approach or are fueled by the creative ways of the right-brain, understanding your cognitive style is the first step towards a personalized organizational strategy. Left-brained individuals tend to find comfort in lists, categories, symmetry, and linear processes, making organizing seem intuitive. Right-brained individuals may perceive traditional organizing methods as restrictive. Their preference for fluidity and adaptability might clash with rigid systems, making the process seem less natural.
Left-brained individuals tend to dislike visual clutter and need items to have a designated place, favoring labels and organized sorting. For them, organizing comes naturally. On the other hand, right-brained individuals are “out of sight, out of mind” people who prefer visible belongings, but run the risk of not “seeing” other items. To strike a balance, using clear bins, shelf dividers, and extensive labeling can maintain organization while keeping items visible.
Recognizing that most people possess a blend of both cognitive styles, and some may lean more towards one end of the spectrum, emphasizes the need for flexibility in organizational approaches.
Organizing is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous process seamlessly integrated into the rhythm of our everyday lives and routines. Consider your natural energy peaks- if you’re a night owl, attempting a major decluttering session in the morning might be counterproductive. Decide if your daily or weekly time to tidy will be each evening before settling down, or Saturday morning because your energy is in the morning, but weekdays are too scheduled. Regardless of when your ideal time is, staying organized is an on-going task. Aligning your organizing routine with your energy levels is crucial for sustained, long-term success.
Beyond understanding your cognitive style and energy patterns, it's essential to recognize additional factors that can contribute to your organizational rhythm. Two common challenges observed among our clients are Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity-Disorder(ADHD) and managing hectic schedules.
For those grappling with ADHD, the prospect of organizing and decluttering may seem like an uphill battle. Yet, it's essential to understand that while your approach might differ, success is still within reach. Instead of aiming for a complete decluttering overhaul, set realistic goals. Start by creating an overall plan of a space, then break it down into manageable parts - focusing on one room, one corner, or shelf at a time. Embrace your short bursts of energy strategically, tackling specific areas gradually to avoid burnout and labeling as you go to keep focused on the task at hand. Give yourself the flexibility to switch tasks and flow into the next thing at your own pace.
For those with a fast paced schedule, the idea of dedicating a huge chunk of time to decluttering can be daunting. Find small pockets of time, even if it’s just 15 minutes before bed or a brief 10-minute break during lunch. Small, frequent efforts accumulate into significant change over time and can develop into your daily routine making it easier in the long run. The key is maintaining consistency, gradually transforming these actions from conscious efforts into ingrained habits. Prioritize areas that impact your daily life the most and set achievable objectives that align with your schedule. The goal is not to transform your life in a day, but rather to make gradual, sustainable progress. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine and adapting them to fit your specific needs, you can successfully maintain organization even within the confines of a hectic schedule.
Embrace your own unique rhythm as a strength and seek support when needed. Sharing the organizational journey with someone provides external perspectives, fresh insights, helps keep you motivated, and can make the process more enjoyable.
In the quest for an organized living space, remember that the ultimate goal goes beyond achieving a Pinterest-perfect home – it’s about cultivating a space that genuinely supports your well-being. Acknowledge that your space is as distinctive as you are, and comparisons are irrelevant; if it works for you, then that's all that matters. Honor your uniqueness, experiment with different methods, and find a rhythm that resonates with you.
