Why Do We Procrastinate?

We all do it. There are things we have to do—things we need to do—but we just don’t want to do them. So we don’t. Instead, we find something—anything—else to focus on. We ignore the responsibility for a little while and promise ourselves we’ll get to it later.

Who actually enjoys scrubbing the kitchen floor, cleaning the bathroom, or clearing out a closet? These aren’t glamorous tasks. They aren’t exciting. Yet they’re part of maintaining a home that feels calm and functions well. And still, sometimes we put them off… and off… and off.

So why?

Beyond the obvious (it’s not fun), procrastination often has something deeper underneath it. For many people, decision-making feels hard. And when something feels hard, we tend to avoid it. Unfortunately, avoidance doesn’t remove the task—it simply delays it.

If we want to move forward, we have to look at what’s underneath the procrastination.

Instead of avoiding the task, look for ways to make it easier, less stressful, and maybe even a little enjoyable. One simple strategy is to plan before you begin. Have a short planning session before an organizing session. Create a criteria list—a set of questions to guide you when decluttering or organizing. You can even create a similar list of questions to ask yourself before bringing something new into your home.

When you’ve already done the thinking ahead of time, the actual work becomes much lighter.

For example, when decluttering a closet, your questions might include:

·         Have I worn this within the last XXX months? (excluding seasonal items)

·         Does it fit well?

·         Is it comfortable?

·         Is it in good condition?

·         Do I truly like it?

·         Do I feel good when I wear it?

·         If it needs mending, will I realistically mend it?

Now, instead of standing in front of your closet staring at an item and feeling stuck, you simply pull it out and walk through your list. No overthinking. Just honest answers to questions you thoughtfully created for yourself.

Will it still feel hard sometimes? Yes. But it becomes clearer—and much quicker—when you have a framework to follow. And remember, no one is forcing you to answer those questions. You’re simply giving yourself guidance.

Once you’ve made your plan, put it on your calendar. Appointments you make with yourself absolutely count. Just because it’s not a work meeting doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Creating a home that supports your life is real work.

As for those less-than-fun chores like scrubbing floors or cleaning the bathroom—turn on some upbeat music (whatever makes you smile), stop overthinking, and just start moving. Often we spend more time avoiding a task than it would actually take to complete it.

And don’t forget to reward yourself. Dangle that carrot. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive—just something small and pleasant that you look forward to after the work is done. Maybe it’s 20 quiet minutes with a magazine, an episode of a favorite show, a walk outside, or even an ice cream cone. The reward comes after the effort.

You can keep procrastinating until the task disappears (because someone else did it or you’re moving and decide it no longer matters)… or you can pause and gently ask yourself why you’re avoiding it—and create a simple solution that helps you move forward.

Most importantly, give yourself grace. Instead of criticizing yourself for what you didn’t do, write down three good things you did do today. Maybe you gave someone a compliment. Maybe you helped a neighbor. Maybe you tackled a small chore without being asked. Or maybe you simply took your vitamins without complaining—I’ll admit, that one counts for me too.

Progress doesn’t require perfection. It simply requires a small step—and a little kindness toward yourself along the way.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

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Tax Time - Avoid the Stress with a Little Organization

It’s that time of year again—tax season. For many people, it ranks right up there with dentist appointments and DMV visits. Even if you’re someone who strongly believes taxes are too high, too complicated, or too intrusive, one thing remains true: ignoring them only makes the process more stressful and more expensive.

The good news? A little organization can dramatically reduce the frustration.

A Practical Approach to Making Tax Time Less Painful

One of the biggest sources of stress isn’t the tax bill itself—it’s the scramble to gather documents. Waiting for forms, searching email inboxes, digging through drawers, and wondering if you’ve forgotten something can turn an already unpleasant task into a chaotic one.

The solution is simple: create a repeatable system.

Step 1: Build a Master Tax Checklist

Before sending documents to your accountant, take inventory of everything you’re providing. Create a master checklist—whether in Excel, Google Sheets, or whatever system you prefer—and list every document you submit.

Include items such as:

• W-2s or 1099s

• Social Security tax forms

• 401(k), IRA, or other retirement account tax statements

• Savings and investment account statements

• Mortgage interest statement

• Property tax information

• Donation records or a charitable contribution spreadsheet

• Loan interest statements

• Medical expense summary (create one if you don’t already track this)

• Business income and expense reports (if applicable)

• Any additional documents your accountant requests

If you want to be especially efficient, add account numbers next to each item. This makes it easier to track which institutions you’re waiting on and confirm when everything has arrived.

Next year, you won’t be guessing—you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Step 2: Track Documents as They Arrive

As forms come in—whether by mail or electronically—check them off your list immediately. If something hasn’t arrived by mid-February, you’ll know right away and can follow up instead of discovering the gap at the last minute.

Each year, review and update your checklist. Life changes—new accounts, a refinance, a side business, investment changes—so your list should evolve with you.

Step 3: Create a Dedicated Tax File (Physical or Digital)

Set up a clearly labeled folder for the current tax year. When tax-related documents arrive, place them in that folder immediately (or save digital copies in a designated folder in your cloud storage).

This single habit eliminates the “hunt and gather” phase that makes tax prep so frustrating.

Step 4: Consider a Year-Round System

If you own a business or have complex finances, consider maintaining a simple monthly tracking system. Recording income, expenses, charitable donations, and major transactions throughout the year can significantly reduce both preparation time and accounting fees.

Even if you dislike taxes, there’s something empowering about being organized. It puts you back in control of the process.

The Bottom Line

You may not love paying taxes. You may disagree with how they’re used. But you can reduce the stress surrounding them.

A checklist.
A folder.
A simple tracking system.

That’s it.

With a little preparation, tax time can shift from a dreaded annual scramble to a manageable administrative task—one you handle efficiently and on your terms.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

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Understanding the Difference Between Being Organized and Being a Professional Organizer

Experience, Education, and Expertise: The Hallmarks of Professional Organizing

Committed to ongoing education, thoughtful guidance, and lasting results for every client.

Professional organizing is about far more than creating tidy spaces. It is about understanding people, habits, life transitions, and the systems that support daily living. While many individuals may have a natural inclination toward organization, true professional organizing requires training, experience, and a deep commitment to continued education. Over the years, I have dedicated myself not only to refining practical systems, but also to studying the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional components that influence how we live in our spaces. My goal is always the same: to provide thoughtful, personalized guidance that creates sustainable, lasting results.

In recent years, the term “Professional Organizer” has become increasingly common. While many people have a natural ability or love for organizing, there is an important distinction between being organized and being trained as a professional in this field.

My own journey into professional organizing evolved after years of business ownership and leadership. Managing large teams, coordinating complex operations, and overseeing significant transitions required strategic systems, logistics, and high-level time management. When I chose to enter the organizing profession, I also chose to pursue formal education and ongoing professional development to ensure I could serve clients with the highest level of skill and integrity.

Through extensive coursework, conferences, and advanced training—including involvement with the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD)—I have committed myself to continuous learning. Professional organizers often work with seniors, individuals with ADHD, neurodivergent clients, and those experiencing chronic disorganization or hoarding behaviors. These situations require specialized knowledge, sensitivity, and an understanding of the psychological and behavioral aspects of organizing. Thoughtful training ensures that support is not only effective, but respectful and sustainable.

An experienced Professional Organizer offers more than hands-on assistance. We provide strategy, education, and systems that clients can rely on long after the sessions end. The goal is not simply to create order for today, but to build confidence and structure that supports everyday life.

In addition to in-person work, many professional services are now offered virtually. I teach classes and work with clients nationally and internationally, making specialized education and guidance accessible regardless of location. Virtual services provide flexibility and allow clients to learn and implement systems at a pace that works best for them.

Professional organizing is not just about aesthetics—it is about psychology, behavior, systems, and meaningful change. When choosing a Professional Organizer, experience, education, and ongoing professional development truly matter.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....