We know that much of the time and energy that our clients spend organizing is in service to the entire household. Whether you are reorganizing your garage, getting ready for the holidays, or preparing for an epic family road trip, so much of the organizational work that you are doing is to support everyone else. And that is perfectly fine and often necessary. But today, we are here to tell you that every so often, you need to turn your organizational energy toward something that benefits just you.
People often think of self-care as something extra—a luxury we squeeze in when the rest of the To Do List is checked off. But self-care doesn’t always take the form of a bubble bath or a spa day. Sometimes, it’s carving out a little bit of time to think about those small spaces that have an outsized impact on your day-to-day life. Organizing the spaces that serve your unique routines can help you start and end the day with more peace and less friction. It’s not selfish to organize a space that only you use. It’s restorative. It’s empowering. And it’s long overdue.
Bite-Size Ideas for Caring for Yourself
The goal is NOT to exhaust yourself in order to care for yourself! Instead, pick a few very small projects that have a significant effect on your daily routines and wellbeing. Focus on easy, small spaces that bug YOU the most—that affect YOU rather than the other people who live in your home. What could you do with that spot with a few minutes of your time and a little bit of self-compassion?
- Nightstand—It’s one of the last things you see before you sleep and one of the first things you see when you wake up. But is it both functional and peaceful for you? Get rid of everything on your nightstand that doesn’t serve you, and then gather and organize the things that do. Perhaps you could stock a little basket with hand lotion, lip balm, a notepad and pen, a sleep mask, ear plugs, melatonin, and anything else that suits your individual needs. Maybe if you took away the clutter, there would be space for something that calms you, like a framed photo or scented candle.
- Bathroom Counter or Vanity—This is another space where you begin and end your day, so why not have it intentionally serve you? Toss any products that you rarely use and return anything that doesn’t need to be there to its home. Decide what would work best to keep your most-used items contained but accessible—perhaps a drawer insert, clear bin, or small shelf. If you have the space, add a small touch (or two!) that helps you start your day on the right foot, whether it’s a little potted plant or your favorite quote taped to the mirror.
- Coffee or Tea Station—Whether you prefer a steamy mug of Earl Grey, a plain cup of Joe, or an elaborate concoction of sweeteners and creamers, your coffee/tea station should feel like a morning gift to yourself. Toss or donate travel mugs and coffee cups that you don’t love, use, or need, and relocate anything that doesn’t belong. Use a tray, drawer, or cute bin to store all the bits and pieces—coffee, tea, sweeteners, stir sticks, filters, and more. Add something that is meaningful to you, such as a sugar bowl from your grandmother’s tea set or a tiny vase of flowers. When everything is in its place, your daily ritual will feel less rushed and more restorative.
- A Cozy Reading Nook—This one might take a bit longer to pull off, but if you are a reader, this is worth the effort! Look around your home for an under-utilized corner or nook that you could claim as you own. All you need is space for a comfy chair, a small side table, and a lamp. If you want to go all out, add a shelf or two for your favorite books. If you don’t want to take this splurge too far, Facebook Marketplace is a wonderful resource for affordably sourcing your missing pieces.
- Other Spaces Just for You—Maybe what really needs tender loving care is your desk, your purse or bag, the driver’s area of your car, or your underwear drawer. Whichever space you decide to improve for yourself, follow the same general process as our examples above: 1) Remove all of the items that don’t serve you in that space; 2) Organize the remaining items in a way that is tailored to how you use the items; and 3) Add one or two things that bring you a sense of joy or peace.
If you’ve flown recently, you’ll remember the flight attendant saying that if the oxygen masks drop, make sure you put your own mask on first so that you are able to help others. The same principle applies to your organizational life. Giving yourself a few spaces that work for you instead of against you will give you more time, energy, and patience throughout the day to handle setbacks and help those around you. Pick one drawer, one nook, one tiny corner of your day-to-day life that could use a little love. Remove what doesn’t serve you, organize what does, and add a dash of joy for good measure. And if you need help along the way, you know you can call in the Bees!
