Quite a few years ago I had a device that would count my steps. My goal was to log in so many steps a day. This was part of my weight loss journey and just for my wellbeing.
Skip forward quite a few years and with my arthritis it is often painful to walk. I now plan my steps to make them count.
When I have items that need to be taken to the car or the outside shed house, I stage them on a bench until either I have quite a few items or I must go to the car or shed house anyway and now will take those items.
When I have errands to run, I try to group them together into one car trip and use drive through when possible.
When I go to the kitchen to prepare a meal, while I am waiting for a sauce to simmer instead of going back to my office, I do some other tiding up in the kitchen.
I am not advocating that limiting my steps is a good thing. I am working on improving my walking ability and managing the pain, but I have learned a few things while in this hopefully not permanent time in my life.
I have found that by grouping tasks I am better able to complete a project. Instead of going from one task to another I stay put and complete a task, I get more tasks completed.
Grouping tasks and errands saves me time. Rather than getting in the car to pick up groceries one day and going to the bank or drycleaners another day, if I gather all that I need for those errands and do them at one time I save gas money and time.
When working in my office I block out times to work on my computer. When it is time for me to break for lunch or take a bathroom break, I notice anything that should be carried to the kitchen like that empty coffee cup or to the back of the house like laundry that is folded and ready to be put away. By always being aware of items that are needing to go somewhere else, nothing stays out of place very long.
Keeping everything put away and in order makes my home less stressful and enjoyable.
When I am working on a cleaning project, I gather everything I need before I start. This keeps me from having to walk and get it mid-project and it also keeps me in the flow of the project and saves me time.
I am passing on some to these tricks to my clients as well.
Meanwhile, I will soon schedule hip surgery and plan on being able to walk pain free. But I intend to keep my walking inside my workspace to a minimum and enjoy that walking outside instead!
If you want help or just some accountability in setting up or working your organizational plan join Diane Quintana and me on our Clear Space For You clutter support group.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda does hands on organizing and virtual organizing. For more of Jonda’s tips connect with her on Facebook.