Do as I Suggest Not as I Do Organizational Ideas

Last Updated on May 29, 2024

Oh that it wasn’t time to get organized again, although I’ve been “getting” organizing for the last 3 years.  Yes, years. 

I wish that was an exaggeration.  I think being a single parent adds an element of chaos that is unavoidable.  There are simply too many things to accomplish in a regular day without additional projects to trip up the careful balancing act we walk.

And yet, I am undaunted in my hopes to get organized.

Tonight I had to head to a coffee shop to write.  I’m ashamed to say that it’s because my house is a wreck…a pile up, a disaster zone, a pit.  I have organizational issues.  I’ve started a project in every single room of my house.  No area is left untouched by my whirlwind.  I have piles, boxes, baskets and bags EVERYWHERE.

Unfortunately my endeavor to make my home into a haven has turned into quite another thing altogether.  I’m stressed out; my kids are stressed out; and everyone is snipping and snapping at one another.

It has been said that it’s darkest before the dawn. Golly, it’s pretty dark right now.

So, here I sit with my small, decaf coffee and my laptop, hoping I will be able to write something encouraging.  Here are my do-as-I-suggest-not-as-I-do thoughts.

1. Stick to one room at a time

I always end up finding something where I’m currently working that needs to go somewhere else and then I, all of sudden, find myself working in another room leaving the 1^st undone.

2. Get a friend or ten to help (I think I might need the National Guard.)

Our children can certainly help as well!

3. Prepare for a bit of chaos…plan ahead.

For example, have some ideas of what you can throw together for easy dinners.

• Keep one area untouched by the organizational bug so that you don’t have to sneak away to get your thoughts in order.  Your kids will need that space too!
• Set aside time to enjoy your kids daily even if it makes your projects take FOREVER.
• Pick an organizational style.  There are tons.  Here’s what has worked for me:

I use boxes or large paper yard bags that stand upright.  I label them “trash,” “recycling,” “charity,” and, lastly, “take to another room.”  I set up an area for all the “take to another room” boxes/bags, and when I get a chance, I sort those by room.  It’s also another opportunity to purge.

4. Don’t pull all-nighters

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought, “I’ll just not sleep for the next week.  It’ll totally work. ” It sounds nuts, but at least once every couple of months that thought pops into my head.  And I actually consider it.  Crazy — but, that’s me!

I have five more minutes before I must head back to the chaos.  I feel energized just having thought about ways to make this process better.

I hope that they will bless you as well.  Here’s to organized, stress-free houses…at least for a day!