Maintaining systems

15-a-day, check

Declutter, check

Organizing, check

Now,  how do we keep these new organized systems in place successful and maintained?  Tools, habits & consistency , that's how!

As we progressed on our Hopeful journey, successful systems were a new way of life.  The next part was putting new habits in place and adjusting for maintainable success.  The 15-a-day mindset continues in the way of,  if a space still doesn't succeed or provides stresses,  then we adjust.  Let's take a closer look at Isaac's clothes and closet to explain more.  

When Isaac started the process of doing his own laundry,  we had to shift the way of working the whole process.  He was around 8 when we started this process and the first steps were to organize to his style,  remove dressers with drawers, and start a no-fold system.  I know, I know......what do you mean you don't fold?  What about wrinkles?  What about uniforms? Isn't folding actually being organized?  Etc... Remember,  organizing is simply giving everything a home and that looks different for everyone.  Regardless of what I thought was 'the right way' we were shifting to his way.  He doesn't care if his socks don't match, if his pants have a hole in the knee or if a shirt is wrinkled at the start of the day.  While a major internal battle was happening for this mom, over time I felt less stressed and haven't looked back since. 

Another step of this was assigning him a laundry day.  It's currently Thursday!  We mark it on the calendar and yes,  I still remind him but he's doing the actual work.  Bonus,  I don't have to touch his dirty stuff!

After having the system and habits in place,  we were still having struggles with piles randomly.  Turns out those piles were usually clothes that were put on and immediately taken back off because it no longer fit.  This is when an additional tool was put in place for his room.  After adding a bin for donate clothes items,  the piles slowly disappeared.  Now,  as we do our regular check-ins (twice a year for closest) we just empty that bin into a bag and off to donation sites it goes.  

Before you know it,  you'll have 15 minutes of free time to live in your less stressed lifestyle! 

Friendly reminders:

* We're on a journey,  not a sprint to the finish line

* Being organized is a way of life,  not a one time project

* A Habit in place puts a smile on your face

Be sure to share your before and after pictures and include #hopefulsimplicity