Christopher Robin in Winnie the Pooh, explained organization to his friends like this: “Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it’s not all mixed up.” (A. A. Milne) Have you ever felt “all mixed up?” If so, take a look at your personal organization. Is your environment organized in such a way that you know where everything is? Can you retrieve things at a moment’s notice? Or do you waste time searching for misplaced items? You can influence your environment to a certain degree. But your environment influences your management of time.

In the beginning God saw that the earth was without form. It was void and dark. (Genesis 1:2) From that point on God set Himself to bring order and organization to earth. He organized the earth’s elements to function in its proper place. There was a separation of the heaven and earth, of land and water. Everything God created in the earth was purposeful and functional. And so it is with our lives. All things should be done decently and in order. (I Corinthians 14:40) 

“Good order is the foundation of all things.”

(Edmund Burke)

An organized life is present and futuristic. Present meaning things in your life can be easily accessed by you. Futuristic meaning things in your life can be easily accessed by others. I’m sure you’ve heard stories of how family and friends struggled to find critical information for a love one who has deceased. That’s a burden those of us who are alive should not want to pass on to our loved ones.

“Life truly begins when you put your house in order.”

(Marie Kondo)

Organization is the antidote for disorder and chaos. It’s putting things in its proper place. Organization is a learned behavior. Therefore, it can be adapted to all personality types. Where there is order and organization, there is liberty and clarity.

There are a lot of misconceptions concerning organization and living an organized life. Some are intimidated by the mere thought of being organized. They fear the change of an existing lifestyle. Well, we have to come to grips with the fact that our lives need an upgrade in order to live a more proficient and efficient life. Let’s look at what organizing is not by dispelling some misguided myths. In order to dispel the myths, we need to replace them with some practical organizing principles.

Organizing Myths

What organizing is not –

• Being born well-organized
• Being neat, clean and perfect
• Neat freak

Myth #1: Organization is Neatness

People think a neat space is an organized space. Not necessarily so. You can shuffle and straighten up, and not be organized. Neatness is a sign of organization, not real organization.

Organizing Principle – Organizing is being able to quickly find the things you need.

Myth #2: Organization is Cleaning

Did the last drawer you organized stay that way because you cleaned it out? Probably not. Getting organized consists of: (1) taking stuff out; (2) sorting like items (including trash and give away items); (3) putting it in a container; and (4) putting it in a designated space. If not containerized, items will quickly blend together and no longer be sorted. Containers – cardboard boxes, plastic baskets/bins, organizing products, drawers, furniture, anything that keeps items separated.

Organizing Principle – There is no ‘right’ way to organize – only the best way for you.

Myth #3: Organization is Perfection

Perfection is not positively inherited, example: perfect mom, messy daughter. There is no ‘perfect’ way to organize. Each of us is unique. We have different needs and desires. Find the organizing system that works best for you.

Organizing Principle – There is no ‘right’ way to organize – only the best way for you.

Myth #4: Organization is Something I Should Know How to Do

We are not born ‘organized.’ Organization is not a moral issue. There are no ‘should’s’ or ‘ought’s’ attached. If you’re not organized, but want to be, you can learn principles and methods to organize. Then implement them in your home or office.

Organizing Principle – Organization is a learned skill.

Part of getting organized is to understand what organization is not and what it is. Commit to remembering the basic organizing principles you learn. Then you’ll be better able to use your time and energy organizing rather than becoming frustrated.

 “Organizing is a journey, not a destination.” (Anonymous)

Inspirational Organizing Quotes

Sometimes we get stuck in the pursuit of life’s endeavors. Perhaps we could use some inspirational words to help pull us up and move us on. May a few of these quotes inspire you organize your life –

“With organization comes empowerment.” (Lynda Peterson)

“Being organized is all about the ABC’s: Awareness & Action; Balance & Beliefs’ Choices & Consistency.” (Tanya Allason)

“Cleaning and organizing is a practice, not a project.” (Meagan Francis)

“It always seem impossible until it’s done.” (Nelson Mandela)

“Organize, don’t agonize.” (Nancy P.)

“Calm house, calm life.” (Unknown)

“Your home is a living space, NOT a storage space.” (Unknown)

“Later is the best friend of clutter.” (Unknown)

“Outer order contributes to inner calm.” (Gretchen Rubin)

“Life is too complicated not to be orderly.” (Martha Stewart)

Dr. Theresa Scott
Optimum Living Advisor