What's Your Excuse?

What's your excuse for not getting organized?

Before you can change anything and make lasting efforts in decluttering your home, you have to address the negative self talk that hinders a lot of people.

"I just can't do it",  "I'm too tired", "I don't have the money to buy things to organize", "the kids will just mess it up again", "I can't get my husband/wife on board to help me", "I never have time" ...sound familiar?

These are lies.

Don't believe them.

Get out a piece of paper and write down a list of everything you want to accomplish at home. Put that list in a place that will be seen by everyone, everyday. Tape it to your fridge if you have to. Put EVERYTHING you want to accomplish around the house on that list. Big and small.

Now start.

Just do it. One room, one shelf, one drawer, one closet at a time.

Baby steps.

Dump everything out of that drawer, shelf, closet, cupboard and make piles of like items. Throw away or donate what you don't want or need. Decluttering your home also declutters the mind.

When you are done with that one thing, big or small, go to that list and cross it off.

Now, lets address the "I don't have the money to spend on organizing tools" lie.

I am betting, and I'm in a lot of homes, that there are so many things sitting around unused, that you can organize with.

Glass jars, Ball jars, baskets, small boxes, any type of bin, even baggies can all be used to contain items.

I've had this glass jar from Target forever, (it was about $5), and there are a million uses for it. Markers, crayons, tape, coffee pods, cooking utensils, pantry storage, food storage, etc.

I've had this pretty vase just sitting in my cupboard...store q-tips or toothbrushes in it, use it as a pen holder on your desk.

These bins for art supplies and toys are from The Dollar Store. The labels are made from a Sharpie Oil Pen that was inexpensive and lasts forever.

These drawer dividers from  Target under $2! Again so many uses. Junk drawer, office drawer, bathroom drawer, pantry, etc.

Still feel like "I don't have the money to organize" is a good reason?

Ask yourself honest questions, when was the last time you went to Starbucks? Have you gone out to eat? Did you buy those cute booties that were on sale? Have you gone to the movies? Got your nails done?

If any of the answers are yes, then add it up, you've spent money on things you don't need, while neglecting your real needs and desires to get your home under control.

It's a proven fact, that whatever you focus on becomes a priority.

Focus on the things that you want to accomplish, not all the reasons that you think are keeping you from it.

Be positive about it. Instead of saying, "I am too tired to work on the house", say "I have enough energy to do what it is that I need/want to do".

Instead of saying, "I never have the time", say "today, I'm going to put down my phone, put the iPad down, turn off the TV, and do something constructive with my mental and physical energy."

Get your family involved. Call a family meeting. Tell them how important it is to you. Make it fun. Turn on some music, hand everyone a trash bag, a laundry basket, some cleaning materials and go to town. Kids love to help, make it fun and they will follow your lead.

Don't believe the lies in your head. Turn those lies into positives and just do it. I promise, it's really that simple.

And if you need help, I'm here,

Lisa