A chill in the air makes us want to bundle up. And not just with blankets and quilts (though I do love quilts!).
Bundling is a simple technique to start adopting a new habit.
At Personal Money Manager™ I’m often asked how to develop new routines and good organizing habits to avoid clutter build-up and the confusion it creates. As always, my focus since 2008 has been on paper management.
I’m happy to help clients start bundling. It lets you add an additional step to your routine by anchoring it something you already do. The familiar task helps the new one “stick” without much extra effort.
While last month, my newsletter/blog was about the peril of going on “auto pilot”, bundling makes “auto pilot” or muscle memory your friend.
Here are some ideas for bundling, inspired by colleagues and clients:
- Pair basic sorting with taking in the mail. By the front door, position an “in box” alongside a recycling and shredding bin. From the moment you bring mail into your house, separate out the important items from the ones destined for recycling or shredding. “Junk mail and circulars don’t even get into my house!” boasts one client.
- Make all charitable contributions in one sitting. One client made a unique plan for simplifying and reducing time spent on charity solicitations clogging her mailbox. Each year, on her birthday, in addition to other celebrations, she sits down with the accumulated donation letters and her credit card and gives to the causes important to her.
- Downsize your closet while deciding what to wear. From the non-paper world (what I call “the other stuff”), a professional organizing colleague recommends keeping an empty bag at the bottom of each closet. When choosing an outfit, if you come across something no longer your size or style, pop it into the bag. Reviewing and pairing down your closet gets anchored to your daily “what should I wear today” routine—rather than a stand-alone dreaded project.
And while we’ve jumped to suggesting one specific strategy–why even bother with creating new de-cluttering habits? In my world, I have found it’s easier for me and my clients to avoid creating piles rather than digging through piles that have grown over time.
Want to start with a clean slate (home office, kitchen table, etc.)? We can work together—or you can delegate to me—clearing your work area first. Then, find easy ways to start bundling new organizing habits with ones already in your toolbox.
As always, please reach out and let me know how it works for you. And stay warm!
Top Photo Credit: ID 65775501 © Mashiki | Dreamstime.com
Personal Money ManagerTM is a division of Positive Employment Practices, Inc.