Many people don’t know where to start when organizing, so they refuse to even try. Organization can definitely be a daunting task – especially when you don’t consider yourself to be an organized person. Here are a few simple tips to help get you started.

Start small.

Look around the room you’re in right now. What is driving you absolutely crazy? Or what is something you’d like to change? Maybe it’s a pile of papers on your desk or a bookshelf that has been carelessly used as a dumping ground for knickknacks and books. Whatever that one section is in your room, go conquer it right now. When you start small, you can complete one task at a time and won’t end up overwhelmed by looking at the big picture all at once — especially if the room is a complete disaster.

Take your time completing the task.

Don’t feel like you have to overhaul that bookshelf in 10 minutes. Thorough organization is best. Once you take the time to actually fully organize something, and you’re proud of the system you’ve created (or the mess you’ve cleaned up), you’ll feel like you want to keep up with what you’ve done and your organization will last a lot longer.

Make an organization list.

Many people feel a sense of accomplishment when they make lists and cross of tasks they’ve completed. Make an organization to-do list of places in your home you’d like to organize. Be specific. Don’t just write down “kitchen” – it’s too big of an area. Break it down into tasks such as “food storage containers, pantry, spices, silverware drawer, etc.”, and then you’ll know exactly what you’re going to tackle when you choose a task from your list.

Make time for organization.

Schedule organizing into your weekly routine. Even if you only have 15 minutes once a week to organize, it’s better than no time at all.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned”. Try it out for yourself and get organized.