I got an email the other day asking me a question about creating systems…I think you’ll be interested in my answer.
The email said: “I know how to sort, throw out and keep but I don’t know how to organize, to put away. I am totally at a loss. I can never find any information about how to actually organize.”
So here’s the deal…If you’ve been a member of the CarrieThru community you know that I believe that systems are the LAST thing you do when you organize. Before you can even start to create systems you really need to know what you will be storing and that means decluttering comes first otherwise you’re just putting away your clutter. But when the clutter is gone what do you do?
Here’s what usually happens as I work with my clients. After the “extra” stuff is gone and we’re down to the things that matter, I ask them a few simple questions and the systems often suggest themselves because it becomes obvious to them how they will use it and why they are keeping it.
Here are four questions that I ask my clients that you can use to help you discover which systems work best for you.
- What systems are you using today that work (I guarantee that there are some!)? Can you use a similar system for the things that you are looking to store now?
- How likely are you to spend time “working the system”? For instance. Many people tell me that they’d like to keep their papers in binders. While that certainly works great it is only a good system if they have a really good hole puncher that is easily accessible and they’ll use it.
- Is the system where you will be using the item? For instance I was working with one client who had a good filing system and a good system for paying her bills. The problem was that the filing cabinet was in the living room and she paid her bills in the guest room.
- Do you need a visual reminder? I find labels to be lifesavers! You might think that labels all around your home and office may look childish. My response to that is which would you prefer…the piles and mess along with the chaos it brings or the streamlined look of labels?
Now this is REALLY important. There is no right or wrong system. The systems I use are absolutely perfect…for me. That does not mean that they will work for you. What is right for me may be absolutely horrible for you. I have worked with clients to help them create systems that I would never be able to use. It’s all about taking a look at yourself, your habits, your needs and your things and not just buying something because someone else tells you it will work.
Carrie, you are a refreshing contact in my list of e-mail contacts. I can always trust that you will have something positive and helpful to share in your articles. You have an innate ability to understand the complexities and roller-coaster ride of an average day in the life of A.D.D. that requires little or no explanation when one of those days can take any one of us on a “Mr.Toad Wild Ride”.
I wonder about other folks who wrestle with the communication challenges of conversation and interruptions to our train of thought. I enjoy being with friends and exchanging stories of funny experiences, etc. Interrupt me with a comment or an aside, though, and my train of thought is derailed.
How can we educate others about this need to let…us…finish…what we have to say? Of course, someone without A.D.D. cannot begin to know the energy we expend just to string our words together into a comprehensible thought structure, let alone convey our point without becoming lost in the process. Derailing is not fun, nor is it funny. It certainly can leave us exhausted though. I would be curious to hear of others’ experiences with this challenge that demands so much energy.
Thanks for your wisdom.
Simple and easy helpful hints.
Glad they helped!