How to Become Organized (or Organizers Are Made, Not Born)

This may surprise many people, but I was not always organized. Growing up I did not line up my Barbies in neat rows or color code my Legos. 

I grew up with my grandmother, whom I loved, but to be honest – she was a pack rat. As a result we lived with boxes full of stuff. As we were moving between apartments a friend of my mother’s came and helped organize our space. For the first time I really saw our apartment for what it could be, organized,  things in their place, and beautiful.  

When I became a teenager I started to see the benefits of being more organized. The ability to find stuff when I wanted to. The joy of returning a book to the library without having to pay a fine because it got lost under the bed. Again.  

Interestingly, I think becoming a Christian helped me become more organized. I began to see that God is a God of order and peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). But I was most convicted when my teen worker at the time came over and saw my room. She shared with me the scripture when after Jesus had risen from the dead: “Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then, following him, Simon Peter also came. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. The wrapping that had been on his head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a separate place by itself” John 20:5-7, emphasize mine. She told me, if Jesus can make his bed why aren’t I.  I was convicted. (Side note: feel free to share this scripture with the teenagers in your life.) 

But for some becoming organized can seems like an impossible task. You’ve been so cluttered for so long have a place for everything seems like an HGTV dream. Take a deep breath. Start small and let these couple of organizing habits build on each other.  

1. Make your bed 

I know what your thinking: what does making your bed have to do with being organized? Well, my friend, think of making your bed as the gateway drug to organization. It’s a daily habit that leads to more organization. Once you look at your nicely decently made bed, you’re more likely to pick up your dirty laundry on the floor and put in the hamper or clear off your nightstand.  

The key when first starting this habit is to keep is simple. There is no law stating that you have to have your sheets tucked under in perpendicular hospital corners. Martha Stewart isn’t going to show up at your door unannounced to check your bed making skills. She would send you a handwritten note three weeks in advance asks to pop by for tea, giving you plenty of time to perfect them. Honestly, I don’t tuck my sheets anymore. Mr. H&H likes to sleep with his feet free and tucking in the sheets was an exercise in frustration. Let go and let God.  

2. Have a place for your keys 

BBC / Via jamesstapes.tumblr.com

How many mornings do you run around looking for your keys? If the answer is more than one you need a place for your keys, now. Again, the key is to keep it simple and to use the same spot every day. If you have only one entrance to your home, find a place near the front door. It can be a small decorative bowl placed on a console table or as basic as a 3M command hook on the wall. It does not have to be Pinterest-perfect. If you have multiple entrances such as a garage and front door, pick the door you used the most and store your keys. When you enter, do not pass go, do not collect $200 – put your keys in the designated spot, then walk away. No more running around the house in the morning.  

This are small wins that can make a big difference in getting and staying organized. What small things make a big difference in helping you be organized and get out of the house? Leave a comment below.