Procrastination Makes Clutter Grow Like Wildfire

The most common problem most people have with getting rid of clutter and getting organized is not knowing how to begin or where to get started.

So it gets put off until…later.

Of course, the reasons are usually decent.

For one, there’s a lot going on in our lives. We go in so many directions and there never seems to be enough time to get anything done.

And it’s easier to put organizing off because you think it’ll take up too much time right now.

The other priorities — like eating and sleeping (minor things, right?) of course take top spots on your priority list.

But getting organized doesn’t have to take a lot of time every single day.

And if you don’t start getting organized, even just a little bit at a time, there are some very real negative consequences. I’m not trying to be dramatic or hyperbolic. I’m being serious. I got my start in entrepreneurship as a professional organizer. I’ve worked with people in all kinds of situations – including hoarders. The negative impact clutter has on is very real.

• Hoarder Dies When House Collapses From All Her Stuff
• Clutter hampers rescue
• Fire guts cluttered home

I’m not trying to scare you or be gruesome. I just want you to know I’m serious. I’m not making this up and you may think “this isn’t me” – but things shouldn’t even get anywhere near this bad before you start to make changes. And if it has, now’s a great time to rewrite your story.

The impact clutter and disorganization have on your health is very, very real.

It adds stress to your already busy life.

It sucks away your energy and makes you tired.

In many people, it increases the symptoms of depression.

I’ve worked with people who can barely breathe in their own homes.

But enough of the negative stuff!

Here’s how we can benefit from being organized and getting rid of clutter…

• More sleep.
• A better mood every day.
• Better relationships.
• Easier home and office management.
• Your bills get paid on time (less money wasted!).
• More space.
• More time to do things you actually enjoy!

This is all very real stuff and getting organized should not be put on the back burner any longer.

But I know…it’s still too easy to put it off for “later.”

I will admit, the here and now makes it easier to pile things on the counter, on chairs and tables or toss things in closets and drawers.

It’s too easy to put things down and tell yourself you’ll deal with it later.

Though, like I said earlier…clutter can be deadly.

How many days do you think went by when some of the people in the stories above said they would “get to it tomorrow?”

Now I hope your situation is not as drastic but reality is reality. And unless you get things under control right away, you just don’t know what your disorganization might lead to. It hopefully won’t be anything like the stories above, but I’ve seen and heard plenty of others: lost jobs and projects, important family events missed, payments lost (or invoices never sent). The list goes on.

If you’re feeling stressed and a little frustrated with a real desire to simplify your life, you can’t afford to not get organized

It’s not a lot to ask, is it? And we all know stress is not good.

Maybe your situation isn’t so out-of-control, and you just want to get rid of clutter and get your things in order. Or you need to manage papers better because once in a while you forget to pay a bill that was sitting somewhere in a pile (because you don’t have a real system for your bills — which you need.)

No big deal, right?

After all, what’s a $5 payment here or a $35 late fee there?

It adds up.

So what step can you take towards ending clutter in your home and getting organized…before it costs you anymore than it already has?

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Resources:

Need the help of a professional organizer? Check out the National Associate of Professional Organizers (NAPO) directory.

If business organization is where you need to focus, contact me to set up a free consultation.

There are also tons of great books on organizing available at your local library, bookstore or on Amazon.com (affiliate link). I highly recommend Organizing From the Inside Out. While reading a book is a great first step, don’t forget – taking action is what will help you make change.