Where does organization begin?

Growing up I was always pretty messy. Especially when I lived at home and in college (slob of the year award maybe!?). Why make my bed when I will just get back into it in a few hours anyway. Right!?

When I became and ‘adult’ and actually had to pay for my own things I became a little more careful (shoes might make it into the closet or a shirt might get hung on a hanger rather than the door knob) – but not really organized. I don’t know about you but, I never understood the importance of organization. Stuff was just stuff right? Little did I know that the organization of my wallet would lead me to the ultimate organization of my life.

Now, my purse was a mess…..

Many many years ago I was watching Oprah – which I normally did NOT do. She happened to have an organization expert as a guest that day. Oprah picked random women from the audience and asked them to show her the inside of her purse, but especially the wallet. For the most part, they were all totally embarrassed because their wallets (and purses) were a mess.

The organization expert then proceeded to, from just looking at those wallets, tell the women what she thought was the actuality of their lives and personalities. I really don’t remember what she said (whether or not she was correct or way off base)…….what I DO remember was the impact it made on me.

For some reason, this hit me between the eyes and I took a hard look at my own purse and wallet. They were a mess. I had receipts just stuffed every which way. Money was crumpled and just jammed in. Coins scattered with no organization. My cosmetics were all over too. Gum. Gum wrappers. Coupons. Was I missing my Visa? And where was my drivers license….I had no idea.

So I went to work –

I decided to clean up my wallet. Which led to the the organization of my purse. Which led to the organization of my closet. Which led to the organization of my life and the things in my life – check out this post for the Ultimate in Organization – Craft Room Organization and Tour.

How to organize your wallet….and eventually your purse.

1. Every week take out your receipts. File the ones that are business related. And, if you are trying to figure out where your money REALLY goes – enter the personal ones in a spread sheet. You will be surprised how much you spend on Starbucks every month.

2. Take the pictures out of your wallet and put them in a little pouch or a picture organizer. I totally get why you might want to have them with you (especially those of us who are Grandmas) but, you don’t look at them every day. So, take them out but have them handy.

3. Put your bills in chronological order….facing in the same direction. I know this sounds weird and over the top, but I can look thru my wallet and see how many $20’s I have at a glance. (or, when my kids were home always needing money….how many $1’s).
   
4. Put your ID in the window portion of your wallet. Easy to see and easy to access. And then you don’t have to take it out if you need to show your ID.
   
5. Look at your credit cards. Do you need every one you own in your wallet? Again, put them in a little pouch. Keep the ones you use the most in your wallet.
   
6. Find a place in your wallet for your receipts – don’t forget to do #1 above!

Find some cases that your cards, pictures and cosmetics will fit in. I use one for my loyalty cards. Vera Bradley has some nice ones.

Why should a wallet be organized –

It’s funny how, once one thing is neat and tidy, your eyes see the messiness around you – things you didn’t even notice before (like my wallet). And then you want to organize everything. Does that ever happen to you? I have grown to LOVE organization.

Plus NOW you have the convenience of actually being able to find things when you need them – (getting pulled over by the police is one great example – where is that insurance card?).

You can actually find that lipstick you were looking for.

Your receipts are filed and ready for your income taxes.

You can find your keys in the morning so you aren’t late for work.

Have you seen Marie Kondo? This is one small step towards her version of joy.

What are the benefits of an organized wallet?

Are you wondering what the benefits are of having an organized wallet….and eventually your purse….and eventually your life?

1. You can find things. You aren’t running around wondering where it is. Which creates less stress. Which in turn helps you sleep better. Which in turn helps you eat better.
   
2. When you know where things are you became more productive. You are not spending your time searching.
   
3. When you are organized your can clear your head – you don’t have to rely on your overcrowded memory anymore- your things are always in the same place….and neat.
   
4. You set a good example for your kids, your employees, and your spouse.
   
5. You save money on not buying things you already own….but can’t find.

My dad always had a huge wallet. I never could understand what he kept in it. He had so many notes and pictures. The other day I noticed that my husbands wallet is getting on the bigger side as well. He carries the craziest things – like pics of our kids when they were 5 or my son’s (who is now 29) Publix sub order. I don’t know how he can find anything – digging through his George Costanza wallet. And he wonders why his back hurts. (And, if you don’t know who he is, George Costanza is one of the main characters in the TV show Seinfeld). Funny funny video. Worth the watch!

Give it a go. See how it feels. One small step can open new horizons. Less is more….or so they tell me anyway. Post your process in the comments below.

And, Good Housekeeping has some GREAT organization tips.

Now, sometimes life can get pretty overwhelming, right?

Especially when you are disorganized.

And sometimes, when you are overwhelmed, stress sets in.

And when stress sets in it is sometimes difficult to be happy or joyful. So, please don’t let stress have the last word! 

Go on and take a look at the ‘Top 5 Stress Reducers’ (Action Plan included). So that you can eliminate what causes you stress and get on the path of living a joyful life.

What is Joyful Living all about?

Joyful Living is ALL about not letting let the circumstances of YOUR life determine who you really are. You learn to choose YOU instead! Not sure how to do that? Let me help! 

To begin, go ahead and read:

What is Joyful Living?

5 Simple Steps to Choosing Joy

Finding Joy in All Things

What Does God Say About Joy?

Difference Between Happiness and Joy

SAVE THIS PIN FOR LATER: WHERE DOES ORGANIZATION BEGIN?