make your own rules!

I often hear people comment on various organizing rules they’ve read somewhere. “Keep just five things on your desk at a time.” Or, “Donate anything you haven’t worn in the past year.” While these rules are designed to simplify the act of getting organized, there’s just one problem: they don’t always work for everyone and every situation!

The trick is to figure out what works for you and create your own rules. Right now on my desk, for example, I have over 15 items—clearly I’m breaking someone’s rule! Yet I feel inspired and productive, and not at all distracted. I know that everything I need to get my work done is within arm’s reach. And that works for me! 15 items on your desk may be too distracting or crowded for you, but five items may feel so stark and barren that it makes you nervous.

When you hear an organizing rule that sounds useful to you—try it! Take note of how you feel, what works for you, and what doesn’t. Then, create your own rules—those that work for you!

For more organizing tips,visit my website: www.andreadekker.com