In the whirlwind that is the modern man’s life, keeping things organized can often fall by the wayside, right next to last week's laundry and that DIY project you swore you'd finish. At Holme & Hadfield, we like to think of ourselves as your trusty sidekick in the quest for order amidst the chaos. If you're feeling like you're drawing in clutter and disorganisation, we've got 8 foolproof steps to not just organize your space, but to truly thrive.
Step 1: Embrace Your Inner Marie Kondo (But More Manly)
The first step to conquering clutter is to face it head-on, with all the courage of a knight facing a dragon. Tackle one area at a time, be it your wardrobe, your desk, or yes, even that dreaded "everything" drawer. If it doesn't spark joy - or at least serve a practical purpose - it's time for it to find a new home that isn't yours. Whether you post it on Poshmark or hold a garage sale, one man's trash is another man's treasure, so if I'd no longer serving you, it's time to cut the cord.
The beauty of embracing minimalism isn't just in having fewer things but valuing quality over quantity. This philosophy encourages us to invest in items that not only serve a purpose but also bring us genuine happiness and satisfaction. For every well-crafted watch box that beautifully displays and protects your collection, there’s a sense of pride and appreciation for the things we choose to surround ourselves with. The "less is more" approach not only declutters our physical space but also clears our minds, allowing us to focus on what truly matters. It's about creating a life filled with possessions that are thoughtfully chosen, meaningful, and reflective of who we are!
Step 2: Categorize Like a Boss
Once you've whittled down your possessions to those that truly matter, it's time to categorize. This exercise is not just about categorization for efficiency's sake; it's about creating an environment that reflects your personal ethos and aspirations. Everything needs to have a place in your space to make it easy for you to find what you need, when you need it. Because there's nothing more frustrating than wasting your precious time scratching around for your lucky socks or cufflinks when you've got life to live and goals to smash.
Step 3: Invest in Quality Storage Solutions
This is where Holme & Hadfield shine brighter than the polished bezel on your favorite watch. Quality storage solutions are key to maintaining the order you've so bravely fought for. From watch boxes that protect and display your timepieces to sleek nightstand organizers that keep your essentials at your fingertips, choose pieces that blend functionality with style.
Step 4: Make Your Bed (Yes, Really)
It might seem trivial, but making your bed every morning has a domino effect on the rest of your day. It's a small win that sets a productive tone, transforming your bedroom from a place of rest to a launchpad for success. Plus, there's nothing quite like slipping into a neatly made bed at the end of a long day! Here are some specific health benefits of straightening those sheets ever morning:
- This simple task sets a productive tone, encouraging further orderly actions and decisions.
- It contributes to a clutter-free and more organized environment, which can reduce stress levels and help maintain a calmer mindset.
- The ritual of making your bed can enhance the quality of your sleep by creating a welcoming and comfortable sleeping area, promoting better rest and, consequently, better mental health.
Step 5: Digital Detox
In a world where emails never stop and social media is a constant temptation, setting boundaries is crucial. Allocate specific times for checking emails and social media, and stick to them. Use the rest of your time to focus on real-life tasks and hobbies. Your brain (and your eyes) will thank you.
To help limit phone use and manage distractions, iPhones come equipped with several features and settings, and there are also third-party apps designed to help you focus and reduce screen time. Here's how you can leverage them:
-
Screen Time: Found in your iPhone's settings, Screen Time provides insights into your phone usage, allowing you to set daily limits for specific apps or categories of apps. You can also schedule downtime to restrict app usage during certain hours, helping you focus on other tasks or unwind before bed.
-
Do Not Disturb: This iPhone feature silences incoming calls, notifications, and alerts. You can customize it to allow calls from certain contacts through or schedule it to activate automatically during your focus hours or bedtime.
-
Focus Mode: An extension of Do Not Disturb, Focus Mode allows you to create personalized settings for different activities like Work, Personal, Sleep, or Fitness. You can select which apps and notifications are allowed during these times, helping you concentrate on the task at hand without interruptions.
-
Mail App's Scheduled Fetch: Instead of having your email constantly push notifications to your phone, you can adjust the settings to fetch new emails less frequently. Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Fetch New Data, and select a schedule that suits you, reducing the constant influx of emails.
For third-party apps that help manage phone usage:
-
Freedom: Freedom is an app that blocks distracting apps and websites across all your devices. You can set scheduled block sessions during your work hours or when you want to focus on real-life activities.
-
Forest: This app offers a unique approach to reducing phone use. Plant a virtual tree when you need to focus; if you leave the app to check social media or any other distracting app, your tree will wither. It's a great way to visually commit to staying focused and eventually build a forest with your productivity.
-
Flipd: Flipd allows you to lock away distracting apps for a set period, encouraging you to focus on work or relaxation. It also provides wellness courses aimed at improving your productivity and mental health.
-
Offtime: Offtime helps you track and limit your phone usage, providing insights into your habits. You can block distracting apps, calls, and texts, making it easier to enjoy quality time doing activities you love or being with family and friends.
Step 6: Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions
Organization is not a one-and-done deal; it's a lifestyle. Set aside time each month to reassess and declutter. New purchases will inevitably find their way into your space, and regular purging ensures that only the items that matter remain. Mark it in your calendar, make it an event, and maybe even reward yourself afterward.
Step 7: Adopt a "Place for Everything" Mentality
Once everything has its category, the next step is assigning a home for each category. The key to maintaining order is to ensure that everything returns to its rightful place after use. It's a simple rule that, when followed, can transform chaos into harmony. It's way easier to put something back in its correct place right away than to have to do a massive clean up every week or month because you've dumped things randomly around the house.
Step 8: Celebrate and Maintain
After you've climbed the mountain of organization, take a moment to soak in the glory of your well-ordered space. Then, armed with the habits and systems you've put in place, commit to maintaining this new order. Regular check-ins with yourself and slight adjustments will keep you on the path to organizational bliss.
Organizing your life is more than just tidying up but about creating a space that allows you to live more fully and freely. With these 8 steps, you're setting the stage for success, productivity, and a pinch of joy in your daily routine. So here's to you, the modern man, ready to organize and thrive with a little help from Holme & Hadfield. Cheers to a life well organized and treasured items well displayed!
