Maintaining Systems

A person carries a basket of neatly folded blankets by a sunlit window, showcasing cozy and organized home essentials.

Effective Strategies for System Organization: Tools, Habits, and Consistency

15-a-day, check

Declutter, check

Organizing, check

So, how do we effectively maintain these new organized systems? Tools, habits, and consistency are the keys!

As we advanced on our Hopeful journey, successful systems became a new lifestyle. The next step was to establish new habits and adapt for sustainable success. The 15-a-day mindset persists; if a space still doesn't work or causes stress, we adjust. Let's examine Isaac's clothes and closet for a better understanding.

When Isaac began doing his own laundry, we had to revamp the entire process. He was about 8 when we started, and the initial steps involved organizing to his preference, removing dressers with drawers, and adopting a no-fold system. I know, I know... what about wrinkles? What about uniforms? Isn't folding part of being organized? Etc... Remember, organizing is simply about giving everything a home, which varies for everyone. Regardless of what I believed was 'the right way,' we adapted to his way. He doesn't mind if his socks don't match, if his pants have a hole in the knee, or if a shirt is wrinkled at the start of the day. While this was a significant internal conflict for me, over time, I felt less stressed and haven't regretted it since.

Another step was assigning him a laundry day. It's currently Thursday! We mark it on the calendar, and yes, I still remind him, but he's responsible for the actual work. Bonus, I don't have to handle his dirty clothes!

Even with the system and habits in place, we still encountered random piles. These were usually clothes that were worn briefly and removed because they no longer fit. This led us to introduce an additional tool for his room. By adding a bin for clothes to donate, the piles gradually disappeared. Now, during our regular check-ins (twice a year for the closet), we simply empty that bin into a bag and take it to donation sites.

Before you know it, you'll have 15 minutes of free time to enjoy a less stressful lifestyle!

Friendly reminders:

• * We're on a journey, not racing to the finish line

• * Being organized is a lifestyle, not a one-time project

• * A habit in place brings a smile to your face

If you’re ready to organize more than just on room, our library subscription walks you through all 7 rooms—your way, on your time.