Knowledge Center: HR Organized - Organizing Roadblocks and How You Can Easily Surpass Them

Friday, November 7, 2008

HR Organized - Organizing Roadblocks and How You Can Easily Surpass Them

Always feeling like you're hitting a bump in the road when it comes to getting organized? Here are the 11 common roadblocks to organizing success and how you can easily surpass them.

1. I'm Overwhelmed and Frustrated! Or I Don't Know Where to Begin.

Organizing several rooms is a big project and it can be intimidating. Sometimes the size of a project will stop you before you even begin. Where do you start and how much will it cost? Getting organized can take time, but it also requires planning and goal setting. Take a walk around and make a note of the things that need to be done. Then decide which of the tasks are priorities and will be done first. Begin by doing one task at a time, a baby step, for a short period of time each day. You will be amazed at what you can get done. Use this as motivation to continue working towards your organizing goals. And keep in mind that you do not need to get everything done at once. One baby step at a time is all you need.

2. My Whole Family Is Sloppy.

Get your family onboard by developing habits that say goodbye to clutter. Establish a set time in your home where everyone spends time getting organized. For example, at 6:00 p.m. every night have everyone spend 15 minutes putting things where they belong. Don't forget to set up a reward if everyone plays their part.

3. I Don't Have the Time.

If you don't make the time, you won't have the time. Start with a project that only takes a small portion of your day. Even 10-minute projects are better than no projects at all. Accomplishing just one tiny goal can give you the motivation to keep going to organize more.

4. I Will Never Be Able to Get this All Done.

Don't think that you have to do it all alone. Get help. Make it a group effort. Get together with your family or friends to organize your home.

5. I'm Very Sentimental. I Cannot Get Rid Of Anything.

Perhaps you are finding that you are having a hard time parting with belongings. Going through belongings and trying to get rid of some of them can be difficult for some people. However, being too attached to belongings can often lead to piles and piles of clutter. This can cause added stress, so it is important to let go of some items. Determine what is most important to you and only keep those items. Consider donating the remaining items to charity where someone else can enjoy them.

6. Someday I Will Get to It.

If you are having trouble getting started with becoming organized, perhaps you should consider calling a professional organizer. A good organizer will help you identify the reason you collect and hang on to stuff and can customize a program to start you on the right path.

7. I Can't Deal With All Of this Paper.

Your computer is the biggest clutter-eliminating device in your home. Instead of a paper filing system, use a visual filing system. Scanning documents into your computer will eliminate a lot of paper clutter. Also, a good method of keeping paper under control is to limit the amount of room you allow for certain items. For example, memorabilia for your children can be kept in a plastic container. However, once the container gets full, you cannot add anything more until you remove something. Finally, keep in mind that paper is something that is constantly coming through a home. Once you have paper organized, you need to maintain it. This means going through mail and other papers on a regular basis.

8. I'm Going to Fail.

If you think you can do it, you can. If you think you can't, you won't. It's true. You can organize your home if your attitude is positive. Remember that any task you complete, no matter how small, is a success. Reward yourself.

9. Its Too Much Work.

Do you find getting organized as being too big of a chore so you do not even want to start it? You can make organizing fun. Set a timer and organize for 5 minutes to see if you can 'beat the clock.' Organize to your favorite samba music. Organize while you're chatting with your best friend on the phone.

10. I Can't Afford to Get Organized.

It doesn't take a lot of money to clear out clutter. You do not have to go to the store and buy a ton of the latest containers and other organizing tools. Check out garage sales as well as thrift stores for organizational items. You will find a lot of options without busting your budget. You may even discover storage items you can use for organizing by looking through your own home!

11. I Keep Getting Interrupted.

Designate set blocks of time to get tasks done. If this means early morning, schedule it. If it means closing the door, shutting off your cell phone and shutting off your computer, do it. Also, let people around you know when you do not want to be interrupted. Discover the obstacles that get in your way and determine how to remove them.