The Best Way to Change Your Organizing Habits

We are past the midpoint of the year, and I’m wondering if any of you feel the same way I do. I started this year with the intention of doing a few things differently. Did you? Many people begin the year sincerely wanting to become more organized. Even though I’m a professional organizer, I have a few habits I’d like to replace myself. It’s true! I’ve made progress, but changing long-standing routines isn’t always easy. Wanting to change your organizing habits is the easy part. Consistently practicing those changes is where the real work begins.

The Results We Have Today Reflect the Habits We Practice

Our daily habits shape our outcomes. The routines we repeat, whether they’re helpful or not, often determine how organized we feel.

If we’d like different results, it’s worth looking at the habits that created the current ones.

For example:

• If mail continues to pile up, it may be time to rethink how mail is handled when it comes into the house.
• If duplicate purchases keep happening, perhaps there’s a better way to keep track of what you already own.
• If appointments are missed or you’re often running late, your calendar or reminder system may need a few adjustments.

This isn’t about blaming yourself. It’s about recognizing that sometimes a process simply needs to evolve.

Why It’s Hard to Change Your Organizing Habits

I understand why changing habits can feel difficult. Familiar routines are comfortable. We often follow them without even thinking because they’ve become automatic.

Trying something new can feel awkward at first. It may even seem less efficient because you’re consciously paying attention to each step.

If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD or are challenged by chronic disorganization, many of your habits may have developed as coping strategies. That makes changing them even more challenging. The important thing is to notice when a habit that once served a purpose is no longer supporting the life you want to live now.

Recognize Habits That No Longer Serve You

Often, improving organization isn’t about buying something new. It’s about practicing a different behavior.

Before purchasing another planner, organizing container, or app, ask yourself whether a small change in routine might solve the problem first.

For example:

• Mail and paperwork accumulate because they land in several different places around the house.
• Grocery shopping happens before checking the pantry, leading to duplicate purchases.
• You tell yourself you’ll remember something later, but naturally, life gets busy and it slips your mind.

These situations are common and they’re all opportunities to gently change your organizing habits.

Use Tiny Shifts to Change Your Organizing Habits

The good news is that you don’t have to change everything at once. In fact, trying to overhaul your entire routine usually becomes overwhelming.

Instead, look for one small adjustment.

For example:

• Create one designated place where mail always lands. When possible, open it right away. If you can’t deal with it immediately, schedule time to process it.
• Before heading to the grocery store, take a quick look in your pantry or refrigerator.
• Enter appointments into your calendar as soon as you make them and set reminder alarms.

Small changes, practiced consistently, often become lasting habits.

Don’t be discouraged if you slip back into your old routine. Habit change isn’t about perfection, it’s about noticing, resetting, and practicing again.

Ask Yourself One Simple Question

Take a moment to think about one habit that may be making life harder than it needs to be.

Ask yourself:

What habit or routine am I repeating that isn’t giving me the results I want?

Then ask:

What is one small change I could practice this week?

You don’t have to get it perfect. You simply must keep practicing. Every time you repeat the new behavior, you strengthen a habit that better supports your goals.

Organization Happens One Habit at a Time

Getting organized isn’t about finding the perfect product. It’s about building daily habits that make your life a little easier.

Sometimes the most important organizing decision isn’t what to keep or what to let go of.

It’s deciding which habit you’d like to practice differently.

If you’re ready to change your organizing habits, begin by asking yourself why that change matters. Maybe you want less stress, fewer duplicate purchases, more punctuality, or simply greater peace of mind.

A clear reason gives your new habit purpose. And when you combine that purpose with small, consistent actions, meaningful change becomes much more achievable.

Call to Action

Changing habits doesn’t happen overnight, and you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re ready to replace frustrating routines with practical systems that truly support your life, I’d love to help. Whether through one-on-one organizing sessions, the monthly classes I teach with Jonda Beattie, or the Clear Space for You virtual support group, together we can create organizing habits that last.

Diane Quintana Professional Organizer

Diane N. Quintana is a Certified Professional Organizer®, ICD® Master Trainer, owner of DNQ Solutions, LLC, and co-owner of Release Repurpose Reorganize. Based in Atlanta, she specializes in helping clients with ADHD, hoarding behaviors, autism, and chronic disorganization. Diane is the author of five books and a contributor to ICD’s latest publication on chronic disorganization, where she wrote the chapter on Aging. She is the current President of the Institute for Challenging Disorganization and is passionate about teaching practical organizing strategies that stick. Please reach out to Diane today for help with getting your life or business organized.

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