This is the fourth post in a series on our N.E.A.T.E.R. definition of what it means to be organized. For the next few weeks I will talk more in depth about what each one of these words means.
Our Definition of "Organized:"
Not Perfect, but…
Effective– doing what works best
Always improving
True to your style
Efficient- not wasting time and energy
Ready for anything- being prepared for life
(NEATER acronym © 2006-2009, Clutter Diet, Inc.)
When people think "organized," they often have a picture in their minds of a super-neat row of labeled boxes or a spotlessly clean desk with no piles of paper on it. Organized does not necessarily mean neat! (Read this previous post, "Neat does NOT Equal Organized" for more thoughts on this.) You can be organized and still have things look and feel like you. It's about resetting your expectations and being true to your own style.
When I say your "style," I am primarily talking about how you prefer things aesthetically and how your brain works. For example, if you are more comfortable with things being out and around, and "out of sight, out of mind" applies to you most of the time, you are probably a "concrete" thinker, vs. an "abstract" thinker who can tolerate things being put away and papers being put in folders without forgetting they exist. If a very concrete thinker tries to put everything away in cabinets and have a stark minimalist design scheme, it probably won't work for long. (Read more about Concrete vs. Abstract here in this previous post.)
So, what about you? Here are some questions to consider as you embark upon your organizing voyage:
- Do you prefer to have everything in closed cabinets or on open shelves?
- Does it matter to you if things match or if they line up straight?
- Do you love plastic containers, or prefer rattan baskets or metal bins?
- Do you like things in clear containers so you can see what's inside, or do you want everything hidden from view?
- What decorating style do you prefer, and what kind of storage pieces are typical for this style?
- Are you a paperless, digital type of person, or a kinesthetic, handmade journal type of person?
- Do you like old things, new things, particular colors?
- Are you sentimental? Do you like to personalize everything you use? Does everything around you have its own story?
Whatever your answers are, EMBRACE THEM. Realize that your home and workspace will need to be like you for it to be most effective. If you are an artist, your home is not going to look and feel like the home of someone who is an accountant. Honor yourself and your preferences, because that is the only way to create systems that work long term!
What have you done to customize your home organizing systems to be more authentic to your style? Share in the comments!
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