5 Signs You Suck at Organization (And How to Get Better)

This is a guest post by our friends at Decluttr. Everything Mommyhood received monetary compensation for this posting.

Between project deadlines, household chores and other “must-do” tasks, it’s easy to find ourselves disorganized and struggling to keep up. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and a physical mess, which can cause even more anxiety. It’s a vicious cycle and the key to fixing it is by recognizing the signs indicating just how bad you are when it comes to being organized. Once you know what to look for, you can improve your productivity by avoiding the patterns that contribute to the disorganization. Here are 5 signs that your organization could use some work:

You don’t have a notebook

It’s easy to forget little tasks, especially when they’re a one-time occurrence. Mental notes can be helpful, but what happens when you find yourself under more pressure than usual? Keep a notebook to jot down your responsibilities so you aren’t constantly trying to remember what you missed. This will help you stay proactive and efficient when attacking future plans. If you think a notebook is too old school, there are many smartphone apps to help you stay on track.

You aren’t punctual

Being on time is a clear way to separate the unorganized people from the planners. Some time constraints are beyond our control, but you might need a new system if being late becomes second nature. Using a calendar, digital or physical, will help you anticipate deadlines and appointments. Prepare yourself for special dates by efficiently using your time leading up to them.

You make excuses

Justifying why a task wasn’t completed is a red flag for disorder. No one likes to admit when they’ve made a mistake, and organized people usually don’t have to. Holding yourself accountable means you won’t feel like you have to catch up or play the blame game.

You’re stressed out

A huge benefit to being organized is avoiding anxiety. If you feel overwhelmed by not having information or objects readily available, find a coordinating system that works for you. Whether you choose to use gadgets to tidy up a physical space or programs that help you keep track of your thoughts, you’ll feel comfort by knowing things are in their place.

You’re surrounded by clutter

A cluttered space comes from lack of focus, and it’s probably the most obvious sign that you’re disorganized. Don’t let stuff collect because you can’t decide what to do with it. Be clear of your needs vs. your wants and how realistic it will be to keep certain items around. When it comes to old clothes and household items, you can donate them to places like Goodwill. For all those unused DVDs, CD’s and video games taking up space, you can use cool apps like the Decluttr App to scan their barcodes and get paid cash for them.

Organizing is about simplifying your life. Don’t fall into the negative habits that lead to chaos. Get rid of the things that won’t be of any use in the future and keep track of your thought process. You’ll reduce those unsettling feelings and everyday tasks will be accomplished with confidence.

 Do you have any tips for keeping organized?

Disclosure: Everything Mommyhood was compensated for this guest post. If you’d like to see your product or service featured, please contact us at EverythingMommyhood@gmail.com.