A common roadblock to getting organized is the fear that once you get your space organized, you won’t be able to keep it that way. The truth is this:  organizing is an ongoing process not a one time event. So, once you’ve organized a space it won’t stay that way on its own. You have to continue to maintain it going forward. But here’s the really cool thing. Once you set up a space and organize it so that it fits you and your lifestyle, staying organized is an easy and even enjoyable process. (I know, easy for me to say since I thrive on this stuff.) But truly, staying organized is the icing on the organizing cake. The first step is realizing that staying organized doesn’t just happen—it requires new habits.

Donate binA terrific habit that will help you stay organized is to declutter on a regular basis. This includes surface decluttering—getting things back to where they belong on a regular basis, and deep decluttering—getting things you no longer use or love out of your home on a regular basis. This deeper decluttering is particularly powerful because it makes the everyday surface decluttering that much easier. It’s simpler and faster to put things back where they belong when your home isn’t stuffed to the gills with items you aren’t really using any more.

So how do you make deep decluttering a habit? Well, here’s a technique that works great for me. Find a local charity that will come to your home to pick up items. Where I live, a children’s charity comes to my neighborhood once a month. This means that every single month I have a simple reminder and extra motivation to do some deep decluttering. Once a month, the local charity calls to ask if we have anything to donate. I often say yes, even if I don’t yet have anything set aside to donate. By scheduling a pick up, you give yourself a deadline to get at least one bag of items out of your home. And this is pretty powerful stuff.

Take action! Remember, it is action that creates change! So here are some simple action steps to help you create a decluttering habit and mindset.

Action Step 1:  Do a quick internet search to see if there is a local charity in your area that picks up items. Call around and when you find a charity that does this, get on their list and ask them to contact you any time they’re coming to your area.

Action Step 2:  Begin to incorporate regular surface decluttering into your daily habits. Before going to bed, put away the things you used today. Clear off the flat surfaces and start each day with a clean slate.

Action Step 3:  Share your favorite decluttering strategies in the comments section. What decluttering habits do you have in place? How do you stay on top of it all?