Ask Elsa: Missing Motivation to Maintain

Dear Lost Motivation,

We so often see clients who have purchased the organizing products before doing the actual organizing! Our recommendation is always to start by decluttering — so that you know exactly what items remain to be organized — and then you can shop for the perfect storage solution.

Some easy to implement tricks for staying organized:

1. Have a donation station somewhere in your home. Every time you come across something you don't want, doesn't fit, no longer use - immediately add it to the donation bin. When the bin is full, donate it to your favorite local charity!

2. Process your mail directly over the recycling bin. Most of the paperwork we receive in the mail (sadly) is not something we need to keep. Immediately toss all unnecessary papers into the recycle bin, and handle the remaining items. File items that need to be kept, and pay any bills that need to be paid. (Also, consider enrolling in online billing and statements whenever possible!)

   TIP: You don't need to keep coupons or restaurant menus! The same information can be found online, if and when you actually need it.

3. Streamline your morning routine! Set out your clothes the night before, pack lunch for the next day while you're cooking dinner (and only do dishes once!).

4. Plan your meals for the week (or at least the first few days) on Sunday morning. Order/Pickup your groceries so you have everything you need on hand to get through the start of the week.

   TIP: Consider adding an "easy" night to your weekday menu! We love when Chad makes us omelets for dinner, and sometimes we'll just make a huge salad with everything in the fridge. Keeping it simple saves you the stress, and also gives you some much needed time back in your day to relax.