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Where do you go when you need motivation …specifically to get motivated to organize? Do you head straight for the internet or do you pick up an organizing book?
In this post, I’m sharing 12 ideas to try when you need motivation to organize …and they’re not all on the Internet!
01. Start with a small area
Whenever anyone asks how to get motivated to organize, my advice is to organize a small area first. Whether that’s a drawer or a shelf doesn’t matter. Seeing that area tidy works like a stimulant encouraging you to do more.
Seeing a space go from messy to tidy is addicting, which is why home transformation shows are so popular. Imagine how doing it yourself, knowing you can do it, can motivate you to do more!
02. Work with a friend
A small drawer is easy to handle alone but tackling an entire room feels daunting. You might have a (crazy) friend who loves to organize. Tell her your project and ask for help. Chances are, she’ll say yes because she loves it so much.
Working with an enthusiastic person will push you in the right direction.
03. Work with a pro
If you don’t like bringing in a friend to witness your mess, hire a pro organizer. Pros are there to help you and see these problems all the time in their work.
When you work with a pro, they’ll come up with a plan, help you come up with solutions, and encourage you throughout the entire journey.
When there’s an appointment on the calendar or you’re laying money down to solve a problem, you’re more likely to show up.
04. Change your mindset
The biggest problem in gaining motivation to organize is mindset. Perhaps the problem isn’t all the stuff you have to manage …the real problem is your negativity toward organizing.
This article from Simple Convivial discusses how to eradicate a negative attitude by decluttering them and throwing them out.
Oftentimes work begins with ourselves. Our attitude affects the mood and atmosphere around us.
05. Read organizing books
Organizing books come in all different forms depending on what you need. Some contain beautiful pictures of highly organized spaces while other break down the exact steps to decluttering and organizing. Organizing books I’ve read and recommend include:
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
- The More of Less
- Clutterfree with Kids
- The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals
06. Read organizing blogs
Organizing bloggers share their personal stories and experiences with organizing to inspire and help others like you. Information articles, pictures, checklists, and courses are created to motivate you to organize your home.
Find a blogger, or bloggers, that resonate with you to inspire your organizing journey. Subscribe to their newsletters to hear about the latest articles and exclusive content. If you find the content uninspiring, unsubscribe and find another blogger to follow.
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07. Listen to podcasts
Sometimes it’s easier to consume content by listening. Organizing podcasts are similar to blogs except some podcasts include interviews with experts in different areas. I’ve found many experts I like to turn to from hearing them as guests on other podcasts.
Here are some organizing/decluttering podcasts I’ve listened to:
08. Follow organizing accounts & hashtags
Many accounts on Instagram aim to educate, just like blogs and podcasts. If you like information in quick bursts, following organizing accounts and hashtags are the way to go.
Like blogs and podcasts, the content varies. Find accounts that resonate with you and your needs. For instance, some accounts focus on organizing tools and gadgets while others focus on tips and tutorials.
Here are the accounts I follow:
09. Watch organizing shows
When Marie Kondo’s organizing show hit Netflix a couple of years ago, my husband was inspired to put some organizing projects underway. He prefers to watch rather than read or listen, so TV shows about organizing work well for him.
If you feel the same, two popular organizing shows to check out are “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” and “Get Organized” (The Home Edit).
10. Follow organizing YouTube channels
Many people like to watch organizing and cleaning videos to learn how to do it. Unlike TV shows, YouTube videos can hone in on processes to teach a specific aspect of decluttering or organizing.
Here are some channels to get you started:
11. Look for before & after photos
If you’re impatient with watching TV shows and YouTube videos like me, use Pinterest or Google to find before & after photos of organizing. Sometimes it’s hard to see past a messy space. Seeing how a space can transform will not only encourage you but also spark ideas for how you can organize your own spaces.
12. Follow organizing Pinterest boards
One of the best places to find inspiration for DIY-ing is Pinterest. There are hundreds of boards dedicated to decluttering and organizing. If there’s a specific type of organizing you’re looking for, it’s on Pinterest.
Using Pinterest, there are multiple takes on the same topic so you can pare down to what resonates most with you. The best part is, that you can save all your favorite ideas to your boards for inspiration later!
Here’s the Rooms Need Love profile on Pinterest to get you started!
Get motivated to organize
That’s 12 ideas to get motivated to organize, from self-starting to working with a friend to using media to inspire you.
Dive deeper into getting motivated by checking out this post with 4 tricks to get motivated to organize!
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