Reasons You May Struggle to Keep Your Home Organised

Many of us dream of having an organised home, a place where everything is in its place and clutter is a thing of the past. However, despite our best intentions, we often find ourselves struggling to achieve this goal. If you’ve ever walked into a room and completely forgotten what you intended to do, you’re not alone. This experience can be frustrating, but it’s often linked to how our brains function, particularly our working memory.

Understanding Working Memory

At the heart of our organisational challenges lies the concept of working memory, which is in the prefrontal cortex — the area of the brain located just behind your forehead. This part of the brain plays a crucial role in several cognitive functions, including our behaviour, personality, and planning abilities. When our working memory is not functioning optimally, it can significantly impact our ability to stay organised.

Memory Lapses and Distractions

One of the most common reasons people struggle with organisation is memory lapses. You might enter a room with a specific purpose in mind, only to forget it as soon as you step through the door. This can happen for several reasons.  Distractions can cause us to lose track of what we intend to do and therefore the task remains undone.

Overwhelm and Decision Fatigue

Another factor contributing to disorganisation is overwhelm. When faced with a cluttered space, the sheer volume of items can lead us to feel the making a decision is exhausting. You might find it difficult to decide where to start or what to keep and what to discard. This feeling of being overwhelmed can make it hard to take action.

Lack of Systems and Routines

To maintain an organised home, it’s essential to have effective systems and routines in place. Without these, it’s easy for clutter to accumulate. If you don’t have a designated place for items or a regular cleaning schedule, it can be challenging to keep your space tidy. Establishing routines can help create a sense of structure, making it easier to manage your belongings and maintain an organised environment.

Procrastination and Time Management

Procrastination can also play a significant role in disorganisation. If you tend to put off tasks—whether it’s cleaning, sorting, or decluttering—this can lead to a buildup of mess and chaos. Effective time management is essential for maintaining organisation, and developing strategies to combat procrastination can help you stay on top of your home environment.

Short Bursts of Focused Effort

One effective strategy for organising your home is to declutter and tidy in short spurts of time. By dedicating focused blocks of time to these tasks, you can make significant progress without feeling overwhelmed. It’s important to remain completely focused on the task at hand. Consider keeping a notepad with you to jot down other tasks that come to mind. This way, you can plan for these actions in your next scheduled sorting session without getting sidetracked.

Stick to Your Plan

When organising, my suggestion is to only do what you plan to do during that time. If you find you have more time available, then you can carry out additional tasks. This approach not only helps you stay organised but also reduces the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed or distracted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the desire for an organised home is common, there are various reasons why achieving this goal can be challenging. Understanding the role of working memory, the impact of overwhelm, and the importance of systems can provide valuable insight into your struggles. By addressing these factors and incorporating focused efforts, you can gradually work towards creating a more organised living space.

Remember, becoming organised requires patience, self-awareness, and a willingness to implement change. Start small, set realistic goals, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Organised and Proud are here to help!

Transforming your home into a place where you truly feel happy can take a bit of time and effort. If your working memory isn't cooperating, it can make the whole process feel even more overwhelming.

But don’t worry—I’ve got your back in two friendly ways!

If you live in the Bromley Borough or surrounding areas, I can come to your home and help you tackle any areas of your home that are causing you to feel stressed. 

If you'd rather not have someone in your home or you’re a bit further away, I also offer coaching sessions. Just pop over to my services page for all the details. I’m here to support you every step of the way!