My clients often say that clutter causes them stress. Clutter-related stress can come from several sources, such as:
An overabundance of items to manage and maintain
Too much visual stimulation or overload
Being the recipient or holder of other people’s things, such as adult kids or deceased loved ones’ belongings
Accumulating things, yet rarely editing or letting go
Perfectionism
Overshopping
Executive functioning challenges that make it difficult to plan, categorize, prioritize, or sequence
Not establishing ‘homes’ for things
Where Is It?
I want to focus today on the last point about ‘homes’ for things. When you can’t find what you’re looking for, it’s stressful and frustrating. It can make the simplest task take twice as long because you can’t find what you need to do ‘x.’ Not knowing where your things are can affect your time and relationships, leading to lateness and causing stress with family, friends, or co-workers.
The challenge of not having ‘homes’ for things can show up in various ways.
Have you ever misplaced your keys and spent 30 frantic minutes looking for them, only to be late for a coffee date with your friend?
Have you ever tried to cook dinner and couldn’t find the pot you needed, the measuring spoons, or the recipe you wanted to use?
Have you ever gone to pay for your purchases at the local store only to realize you couldn’t find your wallet?
Have you ever been about to make an important call and couldn’t find your cell phone anywhere?
Do these scenarios, or anything like them, resonate with you?
“When you can’t find what you’re looking for, it’s stressful and frustrating.”
The ‘Adult Version’ of a Childhood Song
A while ago, I found an anonymous Internet meme or joke that connects to the childhood singsong, “Head and shoulders, knees and toes.” Do you remember that one? If not, check out this short, silly video.
This meme is:
“The adult version of ‘head, shoulders, knees, and toes’ is ‘wallet, glasses, keys, and phone.’”
The song helps you identify and quickly locate your body parts. It’s useful to apply the same strategy to your belongings by creating ‘homes’ for them. When you think of the object you want, knowing it has a home means you immediately know where to find it.
You can use this song to:
Reinforce the value of having reliable homes for your belongings.
Create a home right now for the thing you’re looking for, so you’ll always know where to find it.
Lighten your mood and reduce stress when something is missing. A little humor can go a long way.
What Needs a Home?
As you think about your belongings, which things do you frequently misplace or don’t have a place for? Pick one and create a home for it right now. Build from there.
What is one consideration you use when creating an effective home for your stuff? Have you tried creating homes that don’t work? Can you describe the difficulty? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.
How Can I Help?
Do you feel overwhelmed or disorganized? Is the clutter in your life causing stress and frustration? I’m here to help! You don’t have to do this alone. Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.
Let’s connect! I’m easy to reach.
Schedule a Discovery Call
Fill out the Contact Form
Email me at linda@ohsorganized.com or
Call 914-271-5673
Decluttering, getting organized, and living with more ease are possible, especially with support.
