how to be mindfully organized

In a week of absolute heartbreak and tragedy, there was a joyful moment of professional affirmation as I was featured in the Wall Street Journal. It has long been a goal to be recognized as an organization expert on the pages of the WSJ,

The article is about the meditative cleaning movement and how to incorporate a zen like approach to light house cleaning. My contribution speaks to the creating of organizational habits that trigger a sense of being present. Something we all can benefit from right now.

The patterns we construct for our clients give them opportunity to intuitively reflect and prepare. I often hear how these tiny changes generate so much calm and mindfulness. And they are able to stay organized and streamlined.

One example go how incorporate a practice of meditative organization is by creating a routine when you enter your home at the end of the day - whether that’s work, school, socializing. You should have a space set up near the door you use most frequently.

Before you engage in any activity upon entering your home, you should take the time to hang up your outerwear, remove shoes if this your habit. Make sure the shoe area only holds the most frequently worn shoes. All other should be returned to the closet or footwear storage space (we’ll cover closet organization in a future post).

Place your keys in a dish, tray or hang on a hook - EVERY time you enter the home.

Now empty all* the contents of your hand bag, tote, backpack - whatever you have been carrying. This might sound extreme however it is critical for staying organized, being aware and present.

The reason I strongly suggest emptying the contents of the bag is to make sure you are removing any accumulated trash and when you have hands on things like sunglasses it will trigger any mental notes you may have made during the day - like making an eye appointment.

The other reason you should take the time to empty your bag is that it prepares you for the next day. All your contents should be stored together - on a tray or in a decorative box so when you decide to use a different bag the following day you have everything neatly organized and totally accessible.

Implementing this type of routine when you return home at the end of the day is going to save you time, probably money but it also gives you the space to recap your day and make a smooth transition into the next phase of your day at home. It allows you the time to transition which reduces stress and anxiety.

Try it for a week and let me know if you see or feel a difference!


*if you are like me and you keep a few items in every bag like Kleenex or a pen - they can remain in the bag. Just make sure the pen actually works.