This week marks Week Five of #stayathome. Masks and gloves at the grocery store are our new normal. WFH is now as common as #TBT. Emotions are high. I read a great post from a licensed clinical therapist explaining how natural it is to feel guilty about grieving my old life (and the life my high school senior is missing) in the midst of all this actual grief. And yet how grateful I am for the health and safety of my family and friends.

I have so many thoughts swirling around in my brain as I try to wrap my head around our current circumstances. It can be hard to stay focused. How and what can I bring to the table? As we all try to cope I offer you this: Organizing.

Organizing offers tons of great mental health benefits.

Apart from ridding your space of stuff you no longer use, need or love, it also provides a huge sense of satisfaction. The transformation – before and after – offers visual, tangible proof of a job well done and there is a physical reaction in our body. We feel good, proud, accomplished. So much of what we do at work may take longer to see the fruits of our efforts particularly as part of a team project where we are just one part of the process. With everything virtual these days, a hands-on organizing project at home (or work) can give us the boost we need to feel good about our accomplishments. And, yes, while you are organizing you should take the time to clean and disinfect. A clean, well-organized space is a sight to behold.

Before and After Organizing for Mental Health Benefits

Organizing is also a way to regain a sense of control.

There is so much in the world that we can’t control but we can control our stuff and spaces. When we feel overwhelmed by the world around us it can be cathartic to do a seasonal clothes closet switch, for example. Letting go of items that don’t serve us anymore, honoring the items that we do love and wear is a way to feel a sense of control when we feel overwhelmed with life. Like exercising, the physical effort to sort and organize your space provides a way to let off steam and get out of your head. Organizing is a productive way to boost your mental health and manage your stress.

Before and After Organizing for Mental Health Benefits

Over the course of a year we often ‘let go’ of spaces in our homes because of, well, life. We get busy and ignore areas that need attention. We promise ourselves that we’ll get to it in the Spring. Spring is a natural time to start fresh. At Smartly Organized we refer to this “starting fresh” as a Smart ReSet but we encourage our clients to do it daily. Yes, daily. Take 15-20 minutes each evening to put things back where they belong, clear your counters, and prepare yourself and your family for an easy morning start.

The Smart ReSet brings you power.

This activity is even more valuable during these days of working from home and distance learning. As we juggle multiple priorities and shift our schedules to get it all done we risk losing track of time and losing control. This ReSet recharges us and gives us the ability to tackle what comes our way next. An evening ReSet routine leads to a smooth morning which sets the tone for a good day. And who doesn’t need a good day?

Where to focus during this time?

Examples of ideal Spring Quarantining projects would be transitioning your mudroom and putting away winter coats and accessories. Tackling small spaces like kitchen drawers, bathroom vanities, or clearing your office/desk.

The process: Empty out the space, clean and disinfect surfaces, and replace only what is useful and needed. Buy a few new containers to freshen the space and you’ll reap the benefits for months. Small steps in a consistent direction lead to big results. 

Photo organizing is another project that is often put off due to lack of time or motivation. Tackle both printed and digital photos and organize them by person or event. While you are at it enjoy the walk down memory lane.

Are you in need of some focused guidance for tackling an organizing project? We’re offering VIRTUAL ORGANIZING sessions that provide affordable and flexible solutions. 

Our expertise + your elbow grease = feelings of calm as you take control of your environment. 

No matter how you manage through these unusual and uncertain days the team at Smartly Organized wishes you and your family good health.