When it comes to being traditionally organized, I have to admit, I am an epic failure.

But, it’s not for lack of effort.

I try. Like real talk. I have a lot on my plate, I crave streamlining in my life.

I download apps and I buy calendars. I buy bins and stackable crates. I’ve even invested in time with a professional to guide me towards the path of organized righteousness.

All in vain as I remain perpetually discombobulated, consistently disorderly, and dramatically unorganized.

In the traditional sense.

Because, when you break it on down, there’s a method to the majority of my madness — a certain understanding within my mind that allows me to sit amidst chaos and not lose all sense of humanity. And, in fact, to thrive.

Naturally there’s room for improvement, but, in the absence of such, I have found a way of life that allows me to manage life as a busy mom and a multi business owner.

Probably some of my methods can help you too!

How To Be Organized For Entirely Unorganized People

 
1. Start by simply having less stuff.

I live a cluttered existence by some standards, but there are certain elements of my life wherein I require a certain binge and purge cycle in order to continue functionality. My closet, for example. It’s a sad little hovel with little space for clutter. And, I’m proud to report that not a shred of out-of-season clothing lies within.

I take time to reorganize it seasonally and, because I am committed, it takes me less than an hour start to finish. The less you have to manage, the easier it will be to manage.

2. Don’t waste time organizing like the Man says you should.

Instead, find a system that works for you. No one else has to get it, you’re not a librarian after all. All you need is something you know how to manipulate.

My laundry room is a great example. Were you to enter it, your head would probably blow expeditiously off of your neck. But, for me, it is my utopia. Every inch of the floor is taken by baskets, each of which has a specific purpose, plays a certain roll in making it easy for me to find the clothing we need to live our lives. And I literally never put clothing away.

3. Take notes.

Don’t even fake the funk like you’re about to remember stuff without some sort of recording process.

4. And, by notes, I mean photos.
Or video. Or whatever evidence will best aide you in recalling the things you need to recall.

5. Shun change.

Change is when things get lost. Change is when things get out of order. Change is bad for those of us who are not organized as a general rule. Because changes introduce unexpected variables that you can’t predict or control. Keep to a schedule like a mom with a nap shunning toddler, and I promise your life will just naturally fall into order.

6. But, if change is a necessary part of life (I know, that’s everyone), plan.

Plan well and plan hard, as far in advance as possible. Because, if you’re not going to be organized, the least you can be is prepared. Remember that procrastination is the boogeyman to the unorganized person; he’s waiting there in the shadows to screw up your everything.

Soooo…

Looking for an app that might actually help? IFTTT is awesome. I’m just starting to get into it, but man, it does all of the things.

Looking for something more basic? This Whomi Shop. Call. Do pad pretty much makes life for us chronic note takers.