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	How To Get The Family On Board Your Organizing Mission

	by Claire McFee

You may have organizing and de-cluttering your home down-pat, but feel that your partner/children are not doing their bit to help the cause. Below are a few good ways to get the family to understand why it is a good idea for them to ‘step up’ and be more responsible for their own things & what they can to do to help.

Realise that a happy mum equals a happy family

Explain that all the junk and mess is making you feel stressed and grumpy and that a stressed mum/wife isn’t any fun to be around, and that the good thing is that it doesn’t have to be that way.

Everyone needs to do their bit

Explain that by helping keep their designated areas tidy, and junk free, you will all benefit. For the kids, explain that this may mean you will be more likely to let them have their friend over to play/ go to the movies/ have their favourite dinner, if they do their bit. For Hubby it may be to explain, that with a little more input from him and lessening the load of those boring mundane jobs we all hate, you will have a healthier relationship as a result of feeling more appreciated.

Lead by example

Show that you are making a big effort to be better organized and less stressed. More than anything else, this will influence your family’s response to your new commitment to a clutter free house. For example, if you are given something you won’t use/do not like, or you have something that breaks, that you know you will never get around to or isn’t worth fixing – show the kids that you have changed and throw these items away or donate them to charity – whichever one is applicable. So when a toy breaks or a tool doesn’t work anymore you will more

Everything should have a home

Clearly mark new homes for ‘like’ objects so that everyone knows where these new designated homes are and what goes in them. Then when something is out of place it will be obvious to everyone and will be put back where it belongs without any fuss.

Be realistic

I know that the above may sound like a make believe family but over time and with commitment and patience it can become your reality. You will more than likely carry the burden of keeping on top of any changes you have made for a while, but with encouragement and patience your family will get the message and come on board too

It won’t happen overnight but it will happen!

Remember that the habits your family has formed didn’t happen overnight and you won’t be able to change them overnight. It may take a month or more, but it’s worth making a start to get back on track and being happier people as a result. You have to start somewhere, so why not here and now! Remember it’s never as bad as you think, so stop thinking about it and just do it!!

Claire McFee is a professional organizer and the author of the "Organise Your Life" home information management system -- her products are available directly through www.onlineorganizing.com.

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