Are you tired of the chaos in your personal or work space? Do you often find yourself searching for misplaced items or feeling overwhelmed by clutter? If so, you're not alone. Many of us grapple with disorganization, and it can have a significant impact on our daily lives and our burnout restoration.

In our upcoming episode of "Beyond Autistic Burnout," we'll explore the transformative power of organization with our guest, Kanan Tekchandani. We'll discuss the natural organizing tendencies of ADHD and Autistic brains, the benefits of staying organized, and practical tips to overcome common challenges. You won't want to miss it!

But why wait until the episode airs to get started on your journey to a more organized and empowered life? Today, I'm sharing three actionable tips to help you take the first step towards organization.

Tip #1: Start Small

The thought of decluttering an entire space can be overwhelming. Instead, start with a manageable task, like organizing a single drawer or a small section of your desk. Choose an area that you encounter frequently, and that feels heavy or energy draining every time you look at it so you'll immediately feel the benefits of your efforts.

Exercise: Today, set a timer for 15 minutes and start on that one small area you've chosen. Sort through the items, deciding what to keep, toss, or donate. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection.

Tip #2: Set Comfortable Goals

To avoid frustration, set comfortable goals for your organizing project. Begin by doing what feels light and easy.  You can tackle one simple thing at a time. Celebrate your accomplishments along the way, no matter how small they may seem.  Little steps are how we reach our goals.

Exercise: Create a list of the simple things that feel easy to start your organizing project. Set your intention for when you’d like to have this small area moving in the direction of your vision.  Give yourself ample time and don’t feel like it has to all get done in one day. As you complete each simple thing, check it off your list. Remember, not everyone likes a list, so if that’s you, then maybe use an image of what you want the space or area to feel like and keep it posted in the area you are working on. This is sometimes more helpful than a list.

Tip #3: Create a Supportive Environment

Having the right tools and resources can make a world of difference in your organizing journey. However, there are always items around your home or office that you already own that make great storage materials.  I use old glass jars to hold pens and small items.  I peel off the labels and use those chalk labels from the dollar store to mark them and make them look cute.  Establishing a system that works for you and supports your thriving best life is the goal.  No one lives in a magazine image and that isn’t what really works or feels good for most people. 

A supportive environment sets you up for success and decreases the energy drain an overwhelming environment can have especially on your burnout restoration.

Exercise: Identify any tools or storage solutions you may need for your organizing project. Look around your home, or grab a few things from the dollar store, ensuring everything is readily available when you start. Having what you need on hand will streamline the process and decrease executive dysfunction.

And there you have it—three practical tips to kickstart your journey towards organization. But wait, there's more! To provide you with additional guidance and support, we invite you to join us for our upcoming event, "Create Your Calm," on Tuesday, September 19th, at 9 am CST.

This interactive work-along event, part of Mind Your Autistic Brain's Third Annual Self Care September Series, will be hosted by Kanan Tekchandani and Carole Jean Whittington. Together, we'll each organize a small area of our personal or work environment, sharing tips and strategies along the way.  So be thinking about the one small area where you’d like to create more calm.

Ready to take that first step towards a clutter-free life? Register here for "Create Your Calm.  Let's embark on this journey together and make your space a reflection of peace and harmony.

Stay tuned for our upcoming episode, and remember, a more organized and calm life is just around the corner!

About the author, Amelia Lane:

Amelia Lane is not your ordinary journalist; she's a force of nature who thrives on exploring the uncharted territories of the mind. A proud ADHD and Autistic woman, Amelia brings a refreshing blend of candidness, authenticity, and unwavering passion to her role as a blog writer and journalist at The Brain Dump Blog.