How to Overcome Organizing Overwhelm
Do you have a lot of spaces that need to be organized and are you overwhelmed with organizing? The good news is that you're not alone and there's a simple two-step process you can do that will help you tremendously. I know this process seems really simple, and it is, but I know it works!
The first step is to create one list of all the things you'd like to organize eventually. This is the time to get every idea and goal out on paper. Your list might be long (mine usually is), but at least it makes your organizing goals concrete and finite. This is so much than having all of these nagging to do's swimming around in your head. It's not important right now to attach a timeline to anything. Some things may be a very low priority, and it's totally fine if they sit on the list for a long time. (I have a couple low priority things that have been on my list for a couple years). Any time you notice something new that needs to some attention, add it to the list.
Of course, I've created a printable to help you with this task. Click here to download it. (If you love this printable, you might want to check out the complete set available here.)
The next step is every bit as important as the first one. Look over the list and pick out the highest priority item. Write just that one thing down on a piece of paper or post it note. Then PUT AWAY the master list. Your only job is to focus on the one thing you wrote down until that is done. Do not waste any brain cells on all the things that you can't accomplish right, since you can only do one thing at a time. When that one thing is done, then go back to the list and pick another. You'll be amazed at how much less stressed and how much more motivated you feel when only ONE TASK is in front of you.
How do you deal with organizing overwhelm? If you try this method, let me know how it goes.
Copyright 2024, Get Organized HQ.
Elizabeth Says
You’re right! This is so simple, but very effective! It’s the method I’m using right now to sort, toss, pass along and pack our entire household for a pending move of 1200 miles. We’ve been in this house for 10 years, and have accumulated a LOT of stuff in that time and we don’t to move anything we don’t really want to keep, so this task is a necessity.
LauraJane Says
Post authorWow, that sounds like a big job!
Janelle Says
This makes me feel better just reading it!! Thank you!
LauraJane Says
Post authorGlad you already feel better!
debb lavoie Says
Hi 🙂
I have been pouring over planners and stumbled onto one of your pins.
I am very excited to see your ideas!
tonya Says
I love this idea. Everything is down on one list which takes the stress out of trying to remember them all, I have the worst memory so I need to write everything down, but I also think putting that list away until the first item is done also keeps away the stress of having it haunt you that ever growing To Do List.
LauraJane Says
Post authorSo glad you found it helpful.
Katie @ Organizing Moms Says
This printable is so cute! And you’re right, getting everything down on paper is really helpful. 🙂 Thanks for the awesome resource.
Beverly Dillow Says
You make the cutest things! Thank you for sharing! I’m always anxious to see what you have created.
Beverly
LauraJane Says
Post authorSo glad you enjoy them.
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April Says
Okay, I just found you NOW but I’ve needed you for years! Why aren’t you my next door neighbor? I am really motivated, and reading your blog (I’ve spent a good deal on it in the past couple of days) puts wind in my sail. I have *almost* felt like I’m ready to be on a tv show for hoarders!!!!
Seriously, I really connected with your “common objections to getting rid of things” and am eager to purge! Of course, I *must* figure a way to eBay a lot of my stuff … can’t make anything TOO simple by piling it up and sending it off to charity, as freeing as that sounds.
Thanks, LauraJane. I needed this.
LauraJane Says
Post authorSo glad it’s helping you. You can do it!!! Be careful with the ever growing ebay pile. I only sell the stuff that I think will definitely bring a really good return.
erica Says
thank you for this. we’ve moved THREE TIMES in three years. one of those years we were living with my mother in law. half of our stuff is always/still in storage getting moldy or in bins in the wet/dirty garage. i organized three drawers of kids art and crafts today but then had a meltdown about how much other crap we have. thanks for this to help me break it down and end the meltdown. :)))))