7 secrets of the super organized

Did you know that the definition of organized is being able to find anything within a minute or two. This is from items in your home to an email, document or photo on your computer. Some people think that in order to be organized, you have to put everything in clear plastic bins or matching baskets with tags. Nope, not the case! If you love to have piles lying around…but can still find what every you need in a few moments, you are organized…not baskets needed!

As many of you have already assumed, I am an organized person and yes, I can find pretty much whatever I need in my house, office, kitchen, closet, car and computer in a matter of seconds because I know where everything is. For those of you who might not be as organized, I'm going to let you in on some of my own secrets and also those I've observed from watching fellow “born organized” people.

Super organized people:

1. Plan their lives
Set aside time every weekend to plan your activities, events and meals for the week ahead. Before you finish up your work for the day, take 5 minutes to quickly plan your main priority tasks for the next day.

2. Have a place for everything and everything is in its place

Everything in your house should have a specific home. The goal should be that if anyone asks, "where do I find the _____?" you should be able to tell them immediately. I'm talking about paper too!

3. Have effective systems, and are willing to change systems if necessary

A system tells you what to do when something happens. For instance, as you run low or finish foods, they immediately go on your shopping list. That's a system.

4. Write things down

As the saying goes, "a blunt pencil is better than a sharp mind." The truth is when you write things down, it clears your mind so you can focus on more productive and creative thoughts.

5. Declutter regularly
Make time to go through your clothes and other possessions and then get rid of anything you don't love or use regularly. Make a regular date to also declutter your documents and emails. (I just did my kitchen and got rid of 7 huge bags of stuff!)

6. Put things away

If you take just a few minutes to put things back where they belong (see number 2) every day, you always have a home that's comfortable and ready for company. In the office, take two extra seconds to file or delete an email immediately.

7. Do regular maintenance

Preserve your organizing systems by doing a quick touch-up when you see things start to go awry. It's like touching up your roots every 6 weeks ;) Don't wait and let it get so bad that you have to totally rehaul your system.

Start building just ONE of these secrets into your daily routine every week until you create a habit and you too will be Super Organized