Decluttering is the first step to being organized, and having an organized life can give you a feeling of control over what is happening in your world. With organization comes order, and with order comes calmness. Plus, the less clutter you have to deal with, the easier your life is to maintain. And who doesn’t want to spend more time making memories and less time on the trivial tasks of life? Clutter has a remarkable ability to creep into all areas of our lives. Check the list below to see where clutter may have crept up on you.
Digital Clutter - The amount of information you have to wade through on your phone and computer each day can certainly be overwhelming. Plus, a cluttered phone or computer drains your device’s battery and takes up valuable storage space. One of the most important things you can do is purge your inbox by deleting and unsubscribing from anything that doesn’t bring value. Then create inbox filters to organize everything coming in. Next, take the time to organize computer files into folders chronologically or by subject, delete what you don’t need, and set up a backup schedule for essential folders. Finally, organize apps on your phone, delete photos and text threads that are no longer useful, and take charge of app notifications.
Paper Clutter - Paper clutter can be such a problem because it can accumulate quickly and in different spots around your home. Don’t let a sea of paperwork slow you down! Go digital as much as possible without causing more digital clutter for yourself. Cutting down on the paper coming into your home will give you space to take care of what has already accumulated and give you time to put systems in place. Scan all critical documents you still need a record of but don’t need a physical copy. Remember when disposing of documents to shred anything that has identifying information such as account numbers or other personal information. Recycle any stacks of junk mail, out-of-date magazines, and expired coupons to reduce clutter. Set up a system for future papers coming into your home, starting with going through them as soon as they come through the door.
Calendar Clutter - Having a calendar and a cluttered schedule can lead to becoming overbooked and overwhelmed. Just like utilizing filters for your inbox can prioritize emails, try prioritizing your calendar. Create a system that quickly identifies items in your schedule that are must-do events and tasks. Then take a close look at everything left on your calendar and carefully consider whether it is seriously worth the time and effort to have them in your schedule.
Work Clutter - A work area or work schedule full of clutter can make it monumentally harder to get your work completed on time. Thankfully, the tips above to clear your digital life, paper trails, and calendar can translate into improving clutter in your work life. Another big piece of clearing the work clutter is to create work/life balance by setting a schedule that allows you to complete your job while leaving time for other areas of interest. Set alarms on your phone to indicate starting and stopping times to keep you on a defined schedule. You don’t have to stop exactly when the alarm goes off, but it is good to have as a reminder. Not taking care of yourself can pull down your work productivity, as well as your energy levels. Make time to relax, like meditation, exercising, reading, or listening to a podcast.
The most important facet of keeping your life in order is to find planning and organizational systems that work for you. Whatever method you will use consistently is the best one for the job. Decluttering and organizing can help you feel more in control and more productive.
While you are organizing, 1-800-PACK-RAT is ready to serve your storage needs in the simplest way possible. Whether you need a portable storage container at your home to downsize or you need help at work storing documents and other materials while inventorying, we have you covered. With over 60+ locations across the continental United States, 1-800-PACK-RAT can provide you with the moving and storage services you need. Give us a call or get a free quote on our website today to see how we can make moving and storage simple for you!