When you have to organize something, the last thing you want to do is get bored with the project at hand. Here are eight ways to add some zest to those organizing projects ahead of you.

1. Add a dash of color. If you have piles of papers that have to be filed, skip the plain old manila file folders and add some zest to your filing cabinet with some bright and bold colors. Sandra, an office assistant for a busy contracting firm, swears by these colorful folders rather than the drab tan ones. Since her filing system looks great, she is more motivated to file on a daily basis.

 

2. Go the unconventional route. Plastic boxes make excellent storage containers, but when you need out-in-the- open storage solutions. they're not always the right fit for your decor. Cover these boxes with pretty quilts when they're not in use, and you'll end up with very pretty additions to most any room. Or, opt for more furniture-like pieces. For instance, a pretty jewelry armoire may serve as a holder for office supplies or a cherry wood photo box may make the perfect container for your bill paying supplies.

 

3. Spice up the kids' corner. For toy storage, cover boxes with kid-themed paper--use one box for each toy category. Then, take photos of each category and attach the photos to the front sides of the boxes for easy identification. For instance, one box may have a photo of a Barbie on it and would hold Barbie dolls or Barbie-related clothes. Another box may have a car on it and would hold tiny toy cars.

 

4. Turn on the tunes. Background music can be very motivating when you're trying to get something done. It can keep your energy flowing. However, the type of music you choose should be suited to the job at hand. For instance, I find that I prefer instrumental music (no lyrics) when I'm working on a paperwork project, but if I'm working outside in the garden, I elect to listen to music I can sing along to.

 

5. Sprinkle in fun.
   To make very boring projects more fun, always have little fun things to do sprinkled in. This way, you'll always have something to look forward to throughout the project. For example, you may think cleaning out the garage is the last thing you want to do. But, if you follow a work first, reward second sequence, you're more likely to stay motivated throughout your project:
   
   1. 20 minutes garage organizing
   2. 20 minutes reward session
   3. 20 minutes garage organizing
   4. 20 minutes reward session
      (keep repeating this sequence until the job is done)

 

6. Buddy up. Many organizing projects can be a blast of fun when you team up with someone else, like a spouse, relative or friend. This person helps you with an organizing project this week, and you help your buddy with his or her organizing project next week. Plan a special meal or outing with your buddy immediately after each project is completed.

 

7. Kids play. Make organizing fun for kids by turning their chores into games. Set a timer for 10 minutes and have your kids put all of their toys away before the timer sounds. Give out small rewards, like stickers, based on the amount of toys they've managed to put away before the timer went off. Another game is 'Organizing Statues.' Put some music on as everyone is cleaning up, but put somebody in charge of turning the music on and off, unexpectedly, at intervals throughout the cleaning session. When the music stops, everyone has to freeze, like a statue, in a funny position-- like with one arm out and one foot in the air.
   As each person moves, they are eliminated. The last person to stand without moving, wins. Then, put the music on again and start over until the project is done.

 

8. Shoot for the stars. Every time you finish a task on your To Do list, stick a bright gold star sticker right next to it. Once you get 10 or 20 stickers (whatever you choose), you get to do something very enticing, like treating yourself to a day at the beach or spending a half day at your favorite bookstore.
   

by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now!
Want to get organized? Get your FREE Get Organized Now! Idea-Pak, filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your office and your life, at the Get Organized Now! Web site http://www.getorganizednow.com