Seven Habits of Highly Organised People

I find that there are many benefits of managing a simplified and organised home and life, and they include:  

1. Finding things when I need them.
2. To feel as though I'm making a good use of time.
3. To have a general sense of peace and calm.
4. To view my home as a haven of rest that I enjoy living in and opening up to others.

1  Write everything down.  This frees your mind.  Rather than trying to rely on your memory to recall when that appointment is/was, the name of the book you'd like to read next, or recall the phone number or address of that new friend or business contact -then WRITE it down. I've learned always to carry a small notebook to record things throughout the day.  Then, when I'm given some random bit of information that I know would be helpful to recall later, or if I'm struck with a personal bright idea I just jot it down quickly and return to my day as planned. 

2.  Keep Flat Surfaces Clear:  Clutter is magnetic.  As soon as you place one random item on a counter-top, dining table, or work space, it will only attract more.  Establish counter-tops as 'no dumping' grounds unless a particular item is used in that space every day (like a coffee maker on the kitchen counter).  


3. Make 'A Place for Everything': Eliminate the idea of a "junk drawer" where random items are tossed.  Instead, create a defined space (with small containers or dividers) for all the little 'extras'. There should always be a clear place where things belong.  Assign specific 'homes' for every single item.  'Homeless' items will instantly turn into clutter.  Find a specific place for loose change, keys, remote controls, office supplies, or even sunscreen. Do your children struggle with keeping their rooms clean?  Help them find 'homes' for their toys/belongings as well. 

4.  Never Leave a Room Empty Handed:  There will always be something that needs to be returned somewhere else.  When heading to a new room in the house, glance around to see if there is something out of place (a coffee cup, piece of mail, toy, or rogue sock) you could gather up with you to relocate on your way.

5.  File, Don't Pile:  Set up a system somewhere in your home.  This space will serve to corral all the bills, mail, and other paper related information that comes in daily. Set aside a specific time each week to respond to and file documents where necessary.  (I used to put everything in a pile on the fridge and when things started falling of it was time to sort out.)

6. Purge & Declutter Often:  How much does a person really need?  Strive to keep what you consider to be truly beautiful and/or useful  in your home.  If you have limited storage it's especially important to not consistently accumulate more than will need to be stowed.  Implement the 'One In, One Out Rule'.  When you purchase something new for yourself or your home, or when a  family member is given gifts on special occasions; make an effort to remove a similar item you already own.  Resolve to declutter the common living areas of your home every evening (perhaps a few times a day if you're living with small children).

7.  Make a Plan: Meal planners, job planners, cleaning check list, shopping master list are all invaluable.

These habits are by no means a magic solution, but making an effort to adopt a few will surely aid to set you in motion as well as help maintain your organizational goals.

These habits are by no means a magic solution, but making an effort to adopt a few will surely aid to set you in motion as well as help maintain your organizational goals.

... and also 10 habits of a clean home: 
http://www.idreamofclean.net/2010/06/21/10-habits-of-a-clean-home/