Transitions change our lives. Birth/death, marriage/divorce, lost job/new job, children move out/aging parent moves in, moving, and downsizing are all transitions that pivot our lives. Our priorities may shift. Our schedules and routines may no longer work well. Adjustments need to be made.
When transitions happen, you have to make some decisions. What are your current goals? What is your vision for this point in time? What schedules and routines still do work and what ones are no longer viable?
Now it is especially important to organize time and space for self care. You may not be able to do as much as before but daily find some time to care for yourself – even if it is no more than walking the dog or taking time for a cup of tea and a magazine. Find small ways to care for yourself and time to work on your vision.
Figure out what is core. What do you love and what do you need in your environment? What do you have that is no longer supporting you and your vision? Let go in order to make room for new ideas and needs.
If you are now living with someone new, decide together what is important to organize and what is good enough for now. Recognize that each of you have come with different standards and routines. Try to develop a system that will work for both of you.
If you have systems in place that are working – at least somewhat – keep those intact. Keep things as simple as possible. Keep on top of the most critical items and let less important tasks slide for a while. No one cares about clearing out that closet now. Ask for help when you need it.
Accept and perhaps embrace change. Organizing your time and space gives you a feeling of having some control during the changing time.
Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer
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