How My Cat Taught Me a Valuable Organizing Lesson
Compromise is such a key element in organizing, isn't it? Whether you're sharing a home or workspace with others or even if you're on your own, finding that balance between your wants, needs, and the reality of your space is essential.
If you live with others, shared spaces naturally require a bit of give and take. But even when you're solo, you have to reconcile your desires with the space you have. The items you keep and how you store them need to be customized not just to the physical space but also to what you can easily reach and find. It's all about making your environment work for you, which often involves compromises on placement, labeling, and storage methods.
I was reminded of this in my own home recently. Right inside my front door, I have this beautiful multi-colored enamel bowl that I got from my church. It's incredibly special to me, and I love how it looks when it's empty—a little piece of art greeting me every time I walk in.
Enter Axel, our household cat. Axel loves his freedom, constantly going inside and outside throughout the day. When he's outside, he wears his collar with his ID tags. But the moment he's back inside, he somehow manages to claw that collar off and hide it in the most obscure places. Sometimes it takes days to find it!
Even though Axel is microchipped and tends to stay in our yard, I feel more at ease when he's outside with his collar on. So, we needed a system—a way to keep track of his collar and know whether he's in or out. That's where my beloved bowl comes into play.
Now, sitting in that beautiful bowl is Axel's collar. If the collar is there, we know he's inside. If it's missing, it means he's out exploring. It's become a simple yet effective system for all of us in the household to ensure Axel's safety.
Did I have to compromise my aesthetic preference for keeping the bowl empty? Absolutely. But in doing so, I found a functional solution that brings peace of mind and keeps our furry friend safe.
Organizing isn't just about making things look good; it's about creating systems that work for you and those you live with—even if they have four legs and a knack for mischief. Sometimes that means letting go of perfection in favor of practicality. And you know what? That's perfectly okay.
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go topinkyjackson.com
