Does it need to feel good and look good?
Organizing Philosophy…
“Organizing is not about how it looks but about how it functions and feels”
Yesterday I had the pleasure of presenting my “Clutter to Clarity” workshop at a Lunch & Learn to 7 amazing women. They love what they do, they love the company they work for and they admire their leader….to be honest so do I , she is quite amazing. That being said we got on the topic of look vs feel in regards to organizing.
As someone who is always talking, thinking, researching organizing I sometimes forget that there are 2 sides to this argument.
As the gals pointed out yesterday there are days that the “Boss” goes through the place like a tornado(not reallya tornado, but this is a great visual) because it looks awful and there are other days when it really doesn’t matter. Someone else also said that it feels so good when they can find what they need when they need it…..hmmmmm.
So it is looks or function and feel…or is it both?
I know that at certain times of the month(if you get my drift) I am crazy when I have clutter on my kitchen countertops and other times I could not care less. 
What are your thoughts…looks or feel…or both? Please share…what do you think?
I think it is feel- but that can be affected by how it looks. I always preach that it really is an individual answer to what 'organized' really means. For some it needs to be immaculate with not a speck of clutter or disorganization in order for their space to 'feel' right to them. Others love the visual stuff and it gives them a sense of peace when they can see their stuff clearly out in the open.
So I think it is FEEL, but that 'looks' are closely related depending on the individual or even the 'time' of month.
Right now my kitchen table has piles of organized papers on it. Normally my table is clean, however the papers are in transition of being put away in an organized manner. So until I have the time to get it done, I am ok with the mess…..because I know they are organized!
Right now my kitchen table has piles of organized papers on it. Normally my table is clean, however the papers are in transition of being put away in an organized manner. So until I have the time to get it done, I am ok with the mess…..because I know they are organized!
This is an interesting post Elaine. I have never thought about my office in terms of “look or feel”. I guess for me it would be “look”. I get very distracted with clutter of any sort, yet there are times when I get busy, and things do pile up. I have noticed at these times, (as I work in 50 min chunks) that my eyes will wander, and the “stuff” laying around will distract me, in the sense that I want to clean it up instead of “focus” on the task at hand:) So…organizing may very well be about “function and feel” but for me ..its about “looks”
Hello Kim,
Thanks for the comment, it really is an individual thing and it can be both at the same time.
Elaine
Hey Melissa,
So for you right now looks don't count and he feeling of knowing what is there and why it is there is most important….feels good doesn't it.
Thanks for sharing, Elaine
Hello Anita,
Do you have things tucked away where you ca find them, perhaps stored in baskets or cupboards?
Strategies like containerizing and tucking away sometimes helps with the visual clutter that is so distracting as you have mentioned.
Glad you like the post.
Now get back to that chunk of work…great idea by the way.
Elaine