The Importance of Taking Breaks and Asking for Help: A Professional Organizer’s Insight
Today, I want to address a few questions I’ve been getting a lot recently: “What do I do when I just can't get this done myself?”, “How many hours a day, week, or month do I need to work on organizing my home, and “When can I take a break?”
Embrace the Breaks
Taking breaks is crucial, especially in organizing. As Americans, and often as women, we feel the need to carry everything on our shoulders. But here's the thing: historically, maintaining a household used to be its own full-time job, often with the help of others, and IT STILL IS. So, don’t feel guilty if you need help or a break.
Ask for Help
Now, let’s talk about getting help. It’s essential to recognize that asking for help is not only okay, but it’s also healthy and smart. Even though my team and I organize for people all week long, I sometimes hire my own teammates to help me organize my home. It’s a fun way to bond with my team, and it shows them that even I, a professional organizer, don’t have everything perfect all the time.
By delegating tasks, you free up your time to focus on what you love and are good at. This doesn’t just apply to organizing; it could be anything from cleaning your house to running errands. Whether it’s professional help, family, or friends, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Working in Small Pieces
When it comes to organizing, remember that you don’t have to tackle everything at once. We usually work in three-hour sessions because it’s manageable for most clients and efficient. But for you, it could be as little as ten minutes. Just pick a small task and focus on it.
Find a sustainable routine that works for you. Maybe it’s 30 minutes a day or a specific time each week. Don’t force yourself to do it all at once or when you’re not at your best. Breaks and small, consistent efforts can make a big difference.
Personalize Your Organizing Approach
Some clients don’t want any homework between our sessions, and that’s perfectly fine. Organizing should fit into your life in a way that feels good and doesn’t add stress. It’s different for everyone based on your values, resources, and priorities.
Remember to take breaks within your organizing sessions, stay hydrated, and move around if you’ve been sitting for too long. These small steps help keep the process enjoyable and sustainable.
You Deserve Happiness and Support
You deserve to live in a beautiful, organized home without it being a 24/7 job. Know that you are enough and that it’s smart to take breaks and ask for help. It makes you more efficient, creative, and less prone to mistakes.
Whether it’s organizing your home, maintaining your car, or walking your dog, delegating tasks allows you to focus on what truly makes you happy.
I hope this advice helps you feel empowered to take breaks and ask for help as you organize your home. If you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can find all my contact information at pinkyjackson.com. Have a beautiful day!
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes, offices and small businesses in the Louisville, KY region. They also do virtual organizing for those who prefer to work online. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com
Photo: Brady Corps @bradycorps
