5 daily habits to cultivate for a more organized life

Perception is reality. Or at least that’s what one of my bosses used to tell me. I always hated that. It was as if it didn’t really matter what I was accomplishing or not, as long as there existed the perception that I was on task. I’m more of a “reality is reality” person, but either way, performing a few simple tasks the same way every day will go a long way towards making your life a bit more organized or maybe you will perceive it is more organized!

2. Designate a spot for your keys. A little tray, a basket on the counter, a hook by the door — whatever works for your space, but designate a spot for keys and use it. Every. Single. Time. If you want to get really streamlined, set up a charging spot next to the keys for your phone. Then keys and phone will be ready and easy to find whenever you need to head out the door.

3.Quick clean the kitchen. After dinner, put away or throw out leftovers, rinse dishes, load the dishwasher, start it if needed, and wipe down the counters. I know you’re tired and it’s probably been a long day, but a couple of minutes here will make your kitchen so much more approachable the next day. You might even be able to find a clean coffee cup in the morning.

4.Put away your clothes at night. If you changed after work, and dressed to go out or dressed down to get more comfortable, you could have several pieces of clothes pulled out by the end of the day. Before you fall into bed, take another couple of minutes, review each piece out, and either hang it back up, fold it and put it away, or put it in the laundry or dry cleaning. Go ahead, make a decision and deal with it before you turn in. Throwing it in the floor in a pile isn’t really accomplishing anything.

5.Set out your clothes for the next day. You know your schedule tomorrow. Plan your clothes for the day and set them out, including shoes and accessories. It will make your morning go much smoother.

Sarah Campbell is a professional organizer in the city of Chicago. She specializes in decluttering, organizing, preparing for moves and unpacking and setting up after a move for households and small businesses. Contact her at Sarah@anorganizedlifechicago.com for help with your organizing challenges.

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