Assessing Your Space Before Organizing: What’s Working and What’s Not?

Hello POP Talk friends! Did you sign up for the Purposeful Productivity Program waitlist yet?? JOIN HERE! You don’t want to miss out on early deals and extra bonuses! It will not only transform your productivity but also help you feel organized in your life. And as someone who has worked with many clients over the last 12+ years I’m always on the lookout for ways to improve productivity and lead a more organized life. 

The first step in this journey is assessing our space. Whether it’s a home office, kitchen, or living room, our surroundings play a pivotal role in how efficiently we function daily. Let’s dive into how we can assess our space, identify what’s working and what’s not, and ultimately transform our environment to enhance our productivity and well-being.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of space assessment, let’s talk about why organizing your space is so important because honestly the benefits are so impactful for many people invaluable. An organized space can:

1. Boost Personal Productivity: A clutter-free environment reduces distractions and allows you to focus on tasks at hand. This is especially crucial in workspaces where mental clarity is key (especially if you work from home)!
   
2. Reduce Stress: Messy surroundings can contribute to stress and anxiety. Seeing unfinished projects everywhere you look can keep you from resting and relaxing. An organized space promotes a sense of calm, control and peace.
3. Save Time: Knowing where everything is saves you the time (and money) you would otherwise spend searching for items.
4. Promote Healthy Habits: A well-organized kitchen encourages healthy eating habits by making nutritious foods more accessible.

Before you can skip straight to enjoying all the benefits that result from tackling those organizing projects you have to know what you’re dealing with and where you want to go. That’s why you must do the following:

1. Identify Problem Areas – what is not working?

Take a walk through your space and note areas that consistently cause frustration or slow you down. This might be a cluttered desk, a chaotic closet, a pile of mail or overflowing trash bin or an overcrowded kitchen counter. 

2. Evaluate Functionality – does it align with the purpose of the space?

Ask yourself how each space functions and if it meets your needs. Think about your current needs and also what you want for your space going forward. For example, is your home office set up in a way that promotes efficient work? Are your kitchen tools easily accessible when cooking?

3. Determine What’s Working

It’s equally important to recognize areas that are working well. This can help you identify organizing strategies that are already effective and can be applied elsewhere. Maybe your filing system is top-notch, or your pantry organization makes meal prep a breeze. Think about how those systems can be used in a different space because your brain already knows it well.

4. Prioritize Areas for Improvement

Once you’ve identified problem areas and what’s working, prioritize the spaces that need the most attention. Focus on one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

These four steps can really help you jump start your project and create a plan for your space. Once you have executed that plan it can be easy to think your work is done but organizing systems require purposeful maintenance. Here are some tips to achieve that:

Implement Effective Storage Solutions

Invest in storage solutions that work for your space. Bins, baskets, shelves, and drawer organizers can help keep items in their designated places. By investing, I don’t mean that you have to buy the expensive bin or basket. I mean invest in the ones that BEST fit your needs. Tailor your storage to fit your needs and lifestyle.

Create Zones

Designate specific areas for different activities. In your home office, have a zone for computer work, another for paperwork, and a third for creative projects. In the kitchen, create zones for prep work, cooking, and storage. Your spaces can have dual purposes but define them and agree as a household on what they are.

Maintain Your Space

An organized space requires regular maintenance. Develop a routine to keep your space tidy. This could be a quick clean-up at the end of the day or a more thorough weekly organization session. Set aside time regularly to declutter. This doesn’t have to be a massive overhaul; even 15 minutes a day can make a significant difference. Remember, the goal is to keep only what you need and love.

Remember, organizing your space is a personal journey. What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. Tailor your organizing efforts to fit your personality, habits, and lifestyle. Just because something is trending does not mean you have to use it or style like it. The more you feel connected to your space the better you feel about it and it will be easier to care for.

Assessing your space is the first step toward creating an environment that supports your productivity and well-being. By identifying what’s working and what’s not, and being purposeful about your organization efforts, you can transform your space into a haven of efficiency and calm. Happy organizing!

By taking the time to assess and organize your space, you’re not just tidying up – you’re creating a more productive, stress-free, and enjoyable environment. So, let’s get started! What’s the first area you’ll tackle? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Don’t’ Forget!

Ready to take your productivity to the next level? Sign up for the Purposeful Productivity Program waitlist today! If you’re looking for personalized coaching to start transforming your space right now, contact me to get started today. Let’s make your space work for you!

Stay tuned for next week’s POP Talk!