The Organised Life | Luvasmr

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? You’re not alone. Research shows 54% of people feel stressed by disorganization, and it even increases cortisol levels, making it harder to focus. But here’s the good news: staying motivated while organizing is possible with the right strategies.

Here’s a quick overview of 10 ways to keep your momentum:

• Create an Inspiration Board: Visual cues boost motivation by 42%.
• Break Tasks into Small Steps: Short sessions reduce stress by 78%.
• Gamify Your Progress: Turn organizing into a fun challenge with points and rewards.
• Find an Organisation Buddy: Accountability increases success rates by 92%.
• Set Up an Efficient Workspace: A tidy space improves productivity by 30%.
• Use Time Blocks: Structured schedules can boost focus by 80%.
• Engage Your Senses: Scents and sounds make organizing more enjoyable.
• Take Before & After Photos: Visual progress keeps you motivated.
• Set Clear Deadlines: Specific timelines increase success rates to 94%.
• Start with Easy Tasks: Small wins build momentum and confidence.

These steps work together to reduce stress, boost productivity, and make organizing manageable. Ready to dive in? Let’s break it all down.

How to Get Motivated to Declutter

1. Make an Inspiration Board

A visual roadmap can boost your motivation by up to 42% . An inspiration board acts as a daily reminder of your goals and the rewards that come with staying organized.

Choose a format that fits your lifestyle. Digital platforms like Pinterest are easy to update and offer limitless space, while physical boards provide a constant, visible source of motivation. Interestingly, 62% of people find digital boards more effective for staying motivated .

Here’s what to include on your board:

• Before-and-after photos for inspiration
• Color schemes to set the tone
• Storage product ideas for practical solutions
• Progress timelines to track your journey
• Motivational quotes to keep you going

Place your board somewhere you’ll see it often, like your workspace or entryway. People who do this report a 50% increase in motivation .

To keep things fresh, update about 25% of your board’s content each month . This avoids getting too used to it and keeps the inspiration alive. For added engagement, consider adding QR codes that link to tutorials - this has been shown to boost interaction by 55% .

"Visual cues increase motivation and goal achievement by up to 42%."

This step sets the stage perfectly for the next strategy: breaking big projects into smaller, actionable steps that you can track on your board.

2. Break Tasks into Small Steps

Breaking tasks into smaller steps can make even the most overwhelming projects feel doable. Research shows that using the 'Swiss cheese' method increases task completion rates by 42% and reduces stress for 78% of organizers . Instead of tackling something like "organize the entire kitchen", focus on specific, actionable steps .

Start with Short Sessions
Skip the endless organizing marathons. Instead, schedule short, focused blocks of 15-30 minutes. For example, dedicate 15 minutes to sorting your kitchen utensil drawer. Tools like Luvasmr's drawer organizers can help create designated spaces for different item types.

Tackle One Category at a Time
Rather than trying to overhaul an entire room, zero in on a single category. Here are some ideas:

• Kitchen: Focus on one drawer or cabinet.
• Wardrobe: Sort just your shoes or tops.
• Bathroom: Organize the area under the sink.
• Office: Clear off your desktop surface.

Celebrate Small Wins
Keep track of each completed step to stay motivated. Research shows that finishing small tasks triggers dopamine release, which helps you stay on track and feel accomplished .

Set Practical Deadlines
Assign reasonable timeframes for each task. For example, a bedroom organizing plan might look like this:

• Sort the bedside table (15 minutes)
• Organize a dresser drawer (20 minutes)
• Declutter shoes (30 minutes)

This method works because consistent, short sessions are more effective than sporadic, long ones. Plus, it opens the door to gamifying your progress - something we’ll dive into in the next section.

3. Turn Tasks into Games

Make organizing fun by turning it into a game. Adding playful elements to chores can help keep you motivated and focused.

Set Up a Points System
Assign points to tasks based on their difficulty:

• Quick tasks (15 mins): 5 points
• Medium tasks (30 mins): 10 points
• Complex tasks (60 mins): 20 points

You can trade in points for rewards, like a coffee break at 50 points or a day out at 200 points. It’s a simple way to stay motivated.

Try Useful Apps
Apps like Habitica, which turns tasks into an RPG-style game, or Sortly, a photo-based inventory app, can make organizing more interactive and enjoyable.

The 60-60-60 Challenge
This method is all about quick wins. Set a timer for 60 minutes and aim to:

• Sort 60 items
• Choose 60 items to donate
• Throw away 60 items

This adds urgency and helps you stay focused. Studies show users complete 72% of their targets using this approach .

Make It a Family Event
Get everyone involved with challenges like the "Family Organization Olympics." You can race to finish tasks like sorting drawers or arranging cabinets. The winner gets to choose a family reward. It’s a great way to combine teamwork with productivity.

Level Up Your Progress
Create a system where you "level up" as you complete tasks. Start small - like organizing a single drawer - and work your way up to bigger challenges, such as tackling an entire room. It’s like progressing through levels in a video game and keeps the momentum going.

These playful strategies naturally lead to more collaborative efforts, setting the stage for teamwork-focused approaches.

4. Find an Organisation Buddy

Partnering with someone can make a huge difference when it comes to staying organised. Studies reveal that 92% of people who set goals on their own fail to achieve them. Having someone to hold you accountable not only keeps you motivated but also works well alongside gamification techniques and helps you prepare for workspace improvements.

Pick the Right Partner
Your organisation buddy could be a friend, a family member, or even a professional organiser. What matters most is that they share your drive to get organised. Platforms like Luvasmr's forums are great places to connect with like-minded individuals who are equally committed.

Tools to Keep You on Track
Good partnerships thrive on consistent communication and the right tools. Here are a few ideas to make collaboration easier:

• Use weekly video calls and shared cloud storage to track progress together.
• Try home inventory apps for joint projects like organising your kitchen or wardrobe.
• Set up shared digital boards to keep tasks visible and manageable.

For example, in 2022, two friends used weekly video calls to tackle 15 bags of clutter and reorganise key areas of their homes in just three months.

Create a System That Works
Strong partnerships often include the following elements:

• Friendly challenges to hit decluttering goals.
• Shared boards to monitor tasks and progress.
• Regular reviews to adjust goals as needed.
• Celebrations for every milestone, no matter how small.

Start with weekly check-ins and adjust the schedule based on your needs. Your partner can also help you make objective decisions when choosing storage solutions or tackling tricky areas.

5. Set Up an Efficient Workspace

Once you've built accountability through partnerships, it's time to focus on creating a workspace that keeps you motivated and productive. Studies suggest that an organized workspace can increase productivity by up to 30% .

Key Elements for a Productive Workspace

Here are some essentials to keep in mind:

• Lighting: Combine natural light with focused task lighting.
• Ergonomic Furniture: Choose chairs and desks designed for long hours of use.
• Activity Zones: Create specific areas for different tasks.
• Clear Surfaces: Keep your workspace tidy for better focus.

Smart Storage Ideas

Cut down on clutter with these storage solutions:

• Wall-mounted shelves to utilize vertical space.
• Drawer organizers for small items like pens or paperclips.
• Cable management systems to keep wires tidy.
• Document trays for sorting and filing.

For inspiration, check out Luvasmr's desk organization collection.

Organize by Zones

Divide your workspace into functional areas:

• Active Work Zone: For current tasks - use a desktop organizer and task lighting.
• Reference Zone: Store frequently used items like files and books.
• Supply Zone: Keep tools and materials in drawer organizers.
• Planning Zone: Use a wall calendar or planner for scheduling.

Tips to Keep It Tidy

• Set aside 15 minutes daily to declutter.
• Follow the "one in, one out" rule for new items .
• Digitize paperwork to reduce physical clutter.
• Label storage containers for easy access.

Finally, add personal touches like plants or framed photos to make the space feel more inviting and aligned with your goals. These small details can also tie into the gamification rewards you’ve set up earlier.

6. Set Specific Time Blocks

Once you've got your workspace in order, using structured time blocks can help you stay focused and see steady progress. In fact, research shows this method can boost productivity by up to 80% .

Choosing the Right Block Length

The ideal time block depends on the type of task you're tackling. Here's a quick guide to help you plan:

These time frames are even more effective when paired with sensory tools, like music or scents, to keep you engaged.

Structuring Your Day with Blocks

Match your time blocks to your energy levels:

• Morning Blocks: Best for decision-heavy tasks like sorting papers or deciding what to keep and what to donate.
• Afternoon Blocks: Great for hands-on tasks such as:
  • Organizing storage areas
  • Setting up new storage systems
  • Labeling containers

Boosting Focus with Background Audio

Adding background sounds can make a big difference. Studies show that listening to music or ambient sounds can increase productivity by 15% . Try instrumental playlists, nature sounds, or even podcasts that inspire you.

You can also tie this into your points system from Strategy 3 - reward yourself extra points for completing uninterrupted time blocks.

Handling Time Block Challenges

To stay on track during your scheduled blocks:

• Limit digital distractions
• Share your schedule with others in your household
• Stick to your planned breaks

Once you've mastered time blocking, you can start layering in other motivators, like scent - something we'll dive into next.

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7. Use Pleasant Scents and Sounds

Building on the efficiency techniques from Strategy 6, incorporating scents and sounds can help keep you energized and focused. Engaging your senses while organizing can make tasks feel less tedious and more enjoyable, while also boosting productivity .

The Power of Scent

Specific scents can influence your mood and energy levels, making them useful tools for different organizing tasks:

For a practical way to use scents, try tools like the Luvasmr Smart Aroma Diffuser, which lets you adjust the intensity to suit your needs.

Creating Your Sound Environment

Background sounds can make repetitive tasks more bearable and even improve focus. Here are some effective pairings:

• Classical music: Great for detail-heavy tasks like sorting
• Nature sounds: Keeps you calm during challenging decisions (like deciding what to keep or toss)
• Instrumental tracks: Perfect for general decluttering sessions
• White noise: Blocks out distractions in noisy environments

Room-Specific Sensory Strategies

Kitchen: Use a citrus scent, like lemon, paired with upbeat music to energize you while organizing pantry items. Products like the Luvasmr Food Storage Containers work well with essential oils for an added sensory boost.

Home Office: Combine peppermint aromatherapy with classical music when working through piles of documents. Research suggests this combination can enhance focus and keep you on task .

Bedroom: Use lavender scents alongside gentle nature sounds for a calming effect while decluttering your wardrobe. This pairing helps you stay composed during emotionally charged decisions.

For extra motivation, combine these sensory strategies with the points system from Strategy 3. They also work seamlessly with deadline-setting (Strategy 9) to make focused sessions more enjoyable and productive.

8. Take Before and After Photos

Visual documentation can be a powerful way to keep your organizing momentum going. Before and after photos provide clear evidence of progress - 92% of people say they feel more motivated to keep organizing after seeing these comparisons.

Tips for Taking Effective Photos

Want to capture photos that truly highlight your progress? Here's how:

For inspiration, check out the Luvasmr Storage Solutions Gallery. They showcase how professional organizers document transformations. If you're tackling a bedroom project, their Closet Storage System can help organize spaces like shoe racks or wardrobes. Wide shots of entire rooms paired with close-ups of specific areas work especially well.

Turn Your Photos Into Motivation

Stay Accountable
Save your photos in a cloud album. People who document their progress this way are 63% more likely to keep their spaces organized for at least six months.

Use Your Phone's Tools

• Try panorama mode for wide spaces.
• Use time-lapse to capture the entire process.
• Compare photos easily with editing apps.

The Psychological Boost

Seeing your progress visually can create a strong loop of motivation. Focus on one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and use these snapshots as proof of what you've achieved. Pair this strategy with deadlines (see Strategy 9) to keep your momentum going.

9. Set Clear Deadlines

Building on the visual progress you’ve documented through photos (see Strategy 8), setting clear deadlines is a powerful way to keep things moving. When deadlines are specific, they turn vague goals into actionable steps. In fact, 94% of organizers with clear timelines succeed, compared to just 32% without them .

How to Create Effective Deadlines

The secret to effective deadlines? Make them SMART - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound . For example, instead of saying, "I'll organize the kitchen sometime", try something like, "I’ll sort and organize the pantry shelves by next Sunday at 6 PM."

Leverage Digital Tools

Apps like Todoist can help you stay on track with reminders, while tools like the Forest App can keep you focused. Pair these with the gamification system from Strategy 3, and reward yourself with points for meeting deadlines.

Turn Deadlines Into Actionable Steps

Make your deadlines more concrete with "if-then" plans. For example: "If it’s Tuesday at 7 PM, then I’ll spend 30 minutes organizing my Luvasmr drawer organizers."

Build in Buffer Time

To avoid stress from unexpected delays, add 20% extra time to your initial estimates. For example, if you’re working on multi-room projects with Luvasmr shelving units, factor in additional time for each room.

Prioritize in the Morning

Tackle your most challenging organizing tasks first thing in the morning when your energy levels are at their peak. If sorting through paperwork feels overwhelming, schedule it for early morning to maximize focus and productivity.

"65% of professional organizers cite deadlines as crucial for project completion"

Moderate pressure from deadlines can actually improve your performance. This structured approach sets the stage for Strategy 10, which focuses on starting with manageable tasks.

10. Start with Easy Tasks

When tackling deadlines (as discussed in Strategy 9), start with simpler tasks to keep your motivation high. Studies show that 78% of people who begin with small organizational projects are more likely to complete bigger ones . This method also ties back to the stress-reducing benefits mentioned earlier .

Quick wins release dopamine , building momentum as you gradually take on more challenging tasks. For instance, begin with something manageable, like organizing a single drawer, before moving on to entire rooms.

Focus on 15-30 Minute Tasks:

• Organize one bathroom drawer
• Clear off kitchen countertops
• Sort through recent mail
• Tidy up a small shelf

Helpful Tools

Consider using tools like Luvasmr's drawer organizers to make the process smoother and see instant results.

Avoid These Mistakes

• Scattered Focus: Stick to one area at a time before moving on.
• Buying Too Much Storage: Evaluate your needs before purchasing more bins or organizers.

Build Momentum Gradually

Once you’ve tackled an easy task, move on to something more involved. For example, after organizing one drawer, try an entire dresser. This step-by-step approach is especially helpful for the 54% of people who feel overwhelmed by clutter .

Start with just 10 minutes of decluttering in one spot. The sense of accomplishment from small wins can motivate you to keep going, laying the groundwork for the 50% work efficiency boost we highlighted earlier .

Strategy Comparison

Different strategies yield varying results depending on the situation and your specific needs.

Time-Based vs Space-Based Methods

Digital vs Traditional Organization

Research suggests handwritten planning can improve task commitment . Each method has its strengths:

When Digital Tools Work Best:

• Managing projects across multiple spaces (refer to Strategy 10)
• Collaborating with team members
• Setting up automated reminders
• Tracking progress across devices

Where Traditional Methods Excel:

• Personal goal setting
• Creative brainstorming and planning
• Reducing screen time
• Using inspiration boards (see Strategy 1)

Minimalist vs Detailed Systems

Simpler systems tend to be more practical for everyday organization. Research shows that straightforward methods consistently deliver better results .

Zone-Based vs Category-Based

Zone-based organization can cut daily task time by 15%, while category-based systems improve how quickly items are retrieved by 20% . These findings align with the workspace zoning concepts mentioned in Strategy 5.

Labelling Effectiveness

The way you label items can significantly impact consistency and compliance:

• Visual labels: Improve usability by 30% in multilingual households .
• Color-text combinations: Lead to 45% higher organizational consistency .

Summary

These strategies address the challenges of clutter, stress, and lost productivity by working together in a system where time-blocking (Strategy 6) boosts the progress made through small, manageable steps (Strategy 2), while visual documentation (Strategy 8) strengthens the effectiveness of deadline commitments (Strategy 9).

Here’s how these ten strategies fit together to deliver lasting results:

Time Management Techniques
Combining time-blocking with small-step approaches creates a powerful method for staying organized. The tools discussed throughout the strategies help minimize wasted time and improve overall efficiency.

Visual Motivation Tools
Using methods like progress photos (Strategy 8) and vision boards (Strategy 1) provides clear, tangible proof of improvement, which keeps motivation levels high.

Optimizing Your Workspace
Incorporating pleasant scents, calming sounds, and a well-organized workspace enhances focus and productivity. This builds on ideas from Strategy 5 (workspace setup) and Strategy 7 (audio integration).

Accountability Systems
The buddy system (Strategy 4) and structured deadlines (Strategy 9) create mutual support, which is crucial for staying on track. Studies show that time-bound systems lead to a 94% success rate for organizers.

Building Momentum with Strategy 10
Starting with simpler tasks helps build confidence and momentum, making it easier to tackle more challenging organizational tasks later on.

Organization isn’t a one-time fix - it’s a continuous process. Together, these strategies encourage habits that reduce stress and create a more manageable, organized daily life.

FAQs

How to get inspired to organize?

Kickstart your motivation by combining visual planning (from Strategy 1) with sensory techniques (from Strategy 7). For example, use a tool like the Luvasmr Aroma Diffuser (£29.99) to fill your space with energizing or calming essential oils, creating the right atmosphere for focus.

Here are a few ways to build on these strategies:

• Engage Your Senses: Pair aromatherapy with soothing or energizing sounds to boost concentration.
• Tackle Small Tasks: Use micro-sessions (from Strategy 10) to achieve quick, manageable wins.
• Work With a Partner: Lean on Strategy 4's buddy system to stay accountable and motivated.

For long-term success, tie these methods into a structured system like time-blocking (Strategy 6) and track your progress (Strategy 8). This combined approach keeps you motivated and helps you form habits by showing clear, measurable results .

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