Organizing--Maybe There IS a Better Way!
Habits can be routine and keep you safe. BUT!!! Habits can also keep you stuck and create problems that multiply. It often takes more than one attempt to find the solution but it's certainly worth the effort.
CASE IN POINT: "WHEN I COME HOME I ALWAYS PUT MY PAPERS DOWN IN THE KITCHEN. I'VE ALWAYS DONE IT THAT WAY!"
My client has a home with wide open floor plan on the main level:
The has a kitchen is rather large with a wide counter top. Her routine was to come home, plop her mail, the newspaper, work papers, etc. on said countertop.
PROBLEM: Preparing meals among her paper mess, (which, of course is not just one day's worth) is frustrating and annoying.
FIRST ATTEMPT AT A SOLUTION:
"Temporarily" move the paperwork onto the dining room table while preparing the meal.
Put the paperwork back so that the family could eat.
WRONG!!! Too much repetitive effort and my client was getting frustrated.
SECOND ATTEMPT AT A SOLUTION:
My client had a small secretarial desk, the old type with the fold down cover and slots inside. She now put her papers there.
The counters were clean but the paperwork was in full view while eating and or spending time in the open floor plan space with the kids and the pets.
WRONG!!! No respite from clutter.
THE THIRD TIME IS THE CHARM! CREATING A NEW HABIT!
My client has a small room upstairs that is perfect for a work space/office.
We brought the small desk upstairs and the chair that went with it into that room.
She puts her paperwork on the steps in preparation to going upstairs, or she actually goes upstairs right away.
She comes down to a clean kitchen counter, more room in the space between her dining room area and the kitchen.
NEW HEALTHY HABIT!!!!
THE DOWNSTAIRS IS FOR LIVING, EATING AND RELAXING AND THE UPSTAIRS IS FOR WORK AND SLEEP!
CONTACT ME if you are at the intersection of old habits holding you back and needing a new way to organize.
