Top 10 Organizing Myths

I love lists. And the list below is a wonderful overview of the top 10 organizing myths many organizers hear during their career. I've adapted the list below based on one created by Hazel Thornton - Organized for Life as part of her "Busting the Top 10 Organizing Myths".

1&2. Neat equals Organized & Messy means Disorganized - Finding a system that works for you is what is important. I've worked with many clients who have messy desks or rooms and know EXACTLY where everything is. And, I know for a fact that some very organized people, like myself, are SO organized yet we sometimes can't remember where we put things "and it was such a clever place to hide it!" 

3. Multi-tasking saves time and increases productivity - While I admit I multi-task as a survival tactic, it's not always very productive. Studies show that people who multi-task are actually LESS efficient than those who focus on one project at a time. Two great books to read about better time management is Getting Things Done, by David Allen and Time Management From the Inside Out, by Julie Morgenstern. 

4. The perfect gadget will get you organized - I use the VISION method when working with clients; Visualize, Implement a plan, Sort, Identify a home, Obtain storage, Note progress. Storage or gadgets or containers are toward the end of the organizing process. While purchasing the perfect gadget or container is fun and creative, creating a vision for your space and sorting (80% of the process) is most crucial. 

5. Disorganization is a character flaw -  Disorganization is usually due to using a system that doesn't fit your needs or style. Getting organized is more about finding the system that better suits you and thinking "out of the box". Disorganization is often cyclical and a result of life events such as illness, moving, new job, or new baby. Getting organized can be taught and skills shared to adapt to new spaces and life changes. 

6. Organized people schedule every minute of every day - I learned a great lesson by my husband, business coach and 'chief possibility officer', James Lynch. He stressed how important it was to schedule all your appointments, projects and tasks, even if you're the only one participating. However, you should also block off unscheduled time each day for when life "just happens", such as sick children or unscheduled phone calls that happen during the day. If those unscheduled blocks of time aren't needed, great! you have extra time to take a long walk, get a cat nap or have a cup of tea, a reward for getting through the day. 

7. You should touch each piece of paper only once - Yes and no. When your mail arrives, you should sort it immediately; shred or recycle junk mail, open bills, toss the outside envelope and put items in either Action File or To Be Filed. Later you will handle the bills during a time you blocked off during the week for filing and paying bills. So I guess, that's touching it twice! 

8. Hiring a professional organizer is expensive - So the question is really, what is the cost of having disorganization in your life? Can you really afford (time & money wasted searching, replacing and purchasing new items as well as the stress involved) not to get organized? 

9. A professional organizer will make you get rid of things - I can't tell you how often clients say, "if it was up to you you'd toss it all, right?". Well, the bottom line is, YOU'RE in charge. A professional organizer is there to motivate, guide and suggest. But ultimately you agree or disagree. It's your "stuff". Organizers will encourage you to only keep what you love or need because in the end if you make everything important, then nothing is important. The space and how you feel in it is the goal. 

10. Only disorganized people need an organizer - Many of my clients are quite organized but sometimes need extra help to get through a challenging period in their life where their space has taken a nose dive and they need to re-group. Sometimes, clients simply need an objective perspective on how to better use the space, suggestions on more efficient organizing systems or resources for supplies. 

So consider me as your resource for getting organized. Whether you need hands-on support or a quick resource, know that I'm available. I can be reached by email, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and my website. And, you can get inspired by visiting me on Pinterest as well!