Even if this is the very first time you’ve ever visited my blog, you’ve probably already guessed that I’m big on organization. Yup, it’s my “one thing”.
I thoroughly enjoy keeping our home organized and I’m always looking for new projects to tackle. Although the end results of a clean, organized, and simplified home are what keep me going, I really do like the PROCESS of getting organized as well.
In fact, if I ever have an unexpected pocket of free time, I will almost always spend that time cleaning and organizing something in my home. Not because I’m obsessed with having a clean home… and certainly not because I have nothing better to do. It’s simply because that’s actually what I enjoy doing.
For real!
A couple days before Simon was born, my sister surprised me by taking Nora for the afternoon and bringing her back after dinner while Dave was gone at a basketball game. I was 9-months pregnant, huge, and pretty uncomfortable; however, I was practically cleaning and organizing before Nora was out the door. In just a few hours I managed to clean out and re-organized the fridge, fully dust and vacuum the entire house, change and wash the bedding on 3 beds, do a couple loads of “clothes” laundry, tidy up my closet and dresser drawers, and even mop the kitchen/dining room floors for the first time in ages.
I realize part of that was probably “nesting” (Simon was born 5 days later) but part of that was simply because my “one thing” is organization. Yes, I realize how weird and nerdy that might sound to many of you, but it’s true.
When given the choice between most leisure activities and staying home to clean and organize, my preference is almost alway the cleaning and organizing. Obviously I don’t always make that choice… but if I’m honest, that would be my choice almost every time 🙂 I don’t think that’s a bad thing, however I also don’t expect everyone to agree with my choices or to chose those same choices for themselves.
Organization is just my “one thing” — the thing I will almost always make time for no mater how stressed or busy I am.
In fact, the act of cleaning and organizing is actually quite relaxing for me. It totally de-stresses me after a long day or during very busy periods of life (yes, this often works to my advantage).
Over the years, I’ve often felt embarrassed when someone makes a comment about how neat or organized my home is — like I need to defend myself and explain that organizing is just one of my favorite things to do.
It’s actually worse now that I have kids because now I get comments like “wow, your house is so organized… I’d like to be that organized but I’m too busy with my kids,” subtly implying (or maybe I’m just inferring) that I’m taking too much time away from my family to keep my home organized.
I cringe when I hear those comments (I wrote a whole post about that here), and I usually question my judgement for about 5 seconds before realizing that THEIR “one thing” must not be organization.
Maybe THEIR “one thing” is making all their food from scratch, exercising, a specific hobby, reading, participating in volunteer opportunities, going for coffee with friends, coming up with super creative and fun activities for their kids/grandkids, couponing and finding ALL the best deals, making food for those in need, participating in community groups and activities, getting involved in a local school, working outside the home, etc.
.
The fact of the matter is we all have 24 hours a day and we are all busy. However, we (thankfully) all have different priorities and different “one things”.
Just because I really enjoy organizing my home doesn’t mean I’m any better or worse than anyone else, it doesn’t mean I’m neglecting my children and it doesn’t mean I should feel bad. It just means that I enjoy cleaning and organizing so I make the time to do it as much as possible.
I don’t know about you… but it’s really easy for me to judge others who are not as clean and organized as I am, especially when I see them “wasting” so much time working on another hobby, “wasting” an hour at the gym every day, “wasting” so much time in the kitchen, etc. etc.
Surely, if they have time to make every single meal from scratch or work on crafts all afternoon or get to the gym every morning, they should also have the time to keep their home neat and organized.
However, they probably think the same thing about me…
Why does she “waste” so much time cleaning and organizing but never take the time to exercise, enjoy a fun craft night with friends, or spend all day in the kitchen?
The point is we all have different gifts, passions, and priorities; and just because we choose to spend our time differently doesn’t give others the right to judge us. I think for me, just realizing what my “one thing” was helped me to also realize when I was judging others.
Based on the number of emails I get from exhausted moms wondering how I have the energy to keep things neat and organized with 2 kids, house projects, and an at-home business, I think it’s important for me to explain how much I really do enjoy organizing. As I mentioned above, it actually de-stresses and relaxes me. I use it as a reward to do not-so-fun tasks throughout the day (yes, really!)
So before you go feeling bad about how much you might procrastinate in the cleaning and organizing areas of your life, just remember, that’s MY “one thing”.
Sarah says
This post really encouraged me to rearrange my thoughts about my one thing. I love to purge, reorganize, and make new plans for our home as seasons of life change. I’ve felt that I was just being (insert most any negative adjective here). After reading this and marinating on it awhile, know that I do all of it because it’s something I enjoy and I’m driven to make our home the best it can be for our family. Thanks for writing this. I read it when first published, but didn’t take time to comment; however, the message has stuck with me (obviously, since it’s been over 2 months).
Blessings from Virginia
Andrea says
Thanks Sarah! So glad this post has encouraged you (and stuck with you for so long!)
Susan F says
Hi! My one thing is….washing dishes! I also love organizing my home. I also love weeding out clutter. I love doing laundry too. Same here, i would rather stay home and clean instead of going out. But i do go out to unwind every so often…perhaps to recharge so that i can get cleaning and organizing and doing household chores and washing dishes again. Thank you for your blog…and sp now i know i am normal. Haha. Thank you!
Christine says
I have 2 things. Walking and reading. Reading is something I do every single night before bed. Even if it is just a page, I read. It has been my constant from early teenage years to now when I’m 48. My other ‘thing’ is walking. Preferably with one or both of my dogs. I walk year around down our country road, no matter the weather. Well, honestly I won’t go in absolute pouring rain, or extreme heat, but otherwise I go. I always feel better after a walk. Always. Mentally and physically. It’s my thing.
Jennifer says
My “one thing” is cooking. I spend a lot of time planning and prepping for extravagant dinners, but I love to be in the kitchen and I love dicing, mixing, and the challenge of perfecting a meal. My husband and toddler hang out and both join in doing something. We have a beer (not the toddler), laugh and talk about our days and everything under the sun. We prefer to stay home but love gourmet restaurant meals, so we try to copy our favorites. It’s a fun evening in the kitchen. BUT I do get sorrowful at times and want our house to be neater and cleaner. So, I pledge to make only 30 min meals all week and do more housekeeping, but I can’t seem to get out of the kitchen, even if the meal took 30 minutes. Maybe if my husband and son would join in the cleaning like they do with the cooking…….but it seems to be how we’ve developed our family time, around meals and hanging out in the kitchen. Wish I could wiggle my nose and have a clean house. You certainly inspire me!
Missy says
I can’t tell you how often I hear “wow, I wish I had time to read.” I have two busy kids and a full time job, plus numerous volunteer activities, I’m as busy as anyone else I know, but reading is that “one thing” I make time for. If I don’t, I will go insane. Nobody wants that. Why don’t people realize how insulting that statement is?
Andrea says
Yes, exactly. I don’t enjoy reading so I don’t make time for it — but I do make time for lots of other things (and then get the same comments like you get) “Wow, I sure wish I had time to keep my house clean.” I want to say “you DO have time to keep your house clean, you just don’t use the time you have to clean!”
Deb says
You are my kindred spirit! My family thinks I am nuts, but I really cannot sleep or leave the house when it is in disarray. We have company all the time, just had a house guest leave on Thursday who has been here all month, had a young couple over yesterday and 20 people today. I love company and hospitality but I cannot function in clutter and disorganization. My friend asked me if I took stuff to Goodwill every day because mine was the most clutter free house she has ever been in. I cannot do anything else when my house is a mess, I sit down and see a cobweb and I am up getting it down. I think there might be name for my disorder in a Psychology book somewhere! I also love to watch Hoarders (or visit my parents who could be on that show!)…. tee hee hee, it definitely is NOT genetic.
Laura says
Amen!
My thing is yoga. I try to go about 3 times a week. It’s good for my mind! I’ve had a few of my mom friends mention that “it must be nice to go to yoga 3x a week…..”, but I’m sure they have their “things” too. My husband’s thing is golf, so we both try to make sure there is time in the schedule for both of our things. Our house is a bit messy, our yard goes too long without a mow sometimes, but that’s ok.
Susanne says
I love indoor and outdoor household “projects”. I am always MAKING something…..unfortunately, that usually means a mess! I would love to be a neat and tidy person ( and my house IS usually presentable!), but I am just not wired that way! To each his own, I say!
Hope says
My One thing is obviously reading. But many other things come before organizing – the gym, doing more of my work at home (research), learning how to be a mom (as in reading blogs like yours…), etc…
Kim says
I feel the same way you do. I love to clean and organize. It’s my therapy for my soul. I actually have a teenager who comes over every week and takes my kids and plays with them for three hours while I work on a project I can’t do while I’m all alone with them. It’s the only time I get to myself ever. Time where I can clean my home for my family and make sure I’m feeling comfortable in my own surroundings. It house is messy I feel life is out of control so yeah it’s my one thing.
Deni says
Gardening is my therapy!!! I love to water, weed and nurture my flower gardens. Getting outside, having some fresh air and taking in all the beauty is what feeds my soul. I live in a mostly retired community, and usually my neighbors are outside as well doing the same thing. Spending time with them is a joy! I’m blessed to be a SAHM and everything pertaining to Home is what I love to do 🙂
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
Thank you for writing this post! It encouraged me so much. Why are we so quick not only to judge others, but to compare ourselves to them? That only leaves us feeling inadequate and frustrated. Like you said, we can’t all have the same “one thing”. I think this is very important for all of us to remember. Most of us work hard and do the best we can. That in itself should be enough.
susie says
I think I could ditto the comment above me! My one for sure is to be outside and to see new things. The winters are hard on me for those reasons. I like to be organized but I am the only who cares in my family. You are lucky Dave helps so much too. All my husband can think about is hunting and fishing!
Tara says
I have loved your blog for years, but I think this is my favorite post ever. I think my one thing tends to shift around between a few things depending on what season I’m in. These things rotate through, gardening/urban homesteading, whole food/vegetarian cooking, natural remedies for chronic health issues, women’s ministry. Now that I type that out, I think I’ve realized that reading is actually my one thing. I love to read up in all of those areas and then take what I’ve learned and make it happen. So cool to think about. And now I don’t feel so silly that my house isn’t as clean as yours, because I feel my purpose being fulfilled in other areas. And that’s the way God created me. 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks Tara — and definitely don’t feel bad that your house isn’t as clean or neat as mine. Also, remember that you’re only seeing small parts of my house at a time, as my house definitely isn’t super clean and neat 100% of the time!
Tara says
You know, I don’t know that I’ve ever felt too bad my house wasn’t as clean as yours, but I’ve always looked up to people who are very organized like yourself and figured I should try to emulate you and strive to be like you. But the real truth is, I should learn techniques from you to help me streamline organization so that I can spend more time doing the things that draw me in and fulfill me. You may reward yourself for cooking from scratch by cleaning and organizing. I typically work the other way around. I reward myself with a particularly intricate or creative cooking session after cleaning and organizing my kitchen or scrubbing the bathrooms. Haha! 🙂
Tracey says
What an awesome “one thing” to have! Something that is soothing, makes you happy, and also helps your family is definitely a win-win.
I think when people comment on your organization, they’re just marveling at it and in awe of what you’ve accomplished, since it’s not everyone’s strong suit and lots of moms seem to be feeling like they can’t keep it all together these days – myself included.
Your blog has become an inspiring daily read for me, and I hope to get back into organizing like I once was.
Meg says
I just re-read what you wrote and wanted to say please do not ever feel embarrassed when people comment on your clean home!!! I think people are jealous when others do something really well. I know I would love to see your home and I know I would compliment how organized you are…I would truly mean it as a compliment!!! I would loooooove to have the energy and motivation that you do….but I would never criticize you for being organized! Keep doing what you’re doing!! You’re great at it! And then please hop on a plane and come help me organize my house!!! 🙂
Andrea says
haha — well, I think I have enough organizing work to do at my own house, so I probably won’t be coming to visit you any time soon 🙂 But thanks so much for your kind words Meg!
Meg says
I think it’s great you have such a love for organizing and you don’t need to defend yourself for it! I wish I got such enjoyment from organizing…I like the thought of it, reading about it and all of the Pinterest boards dedicated to organizing. I need to do a major, major decluttering before I can do any organizing. Sadly, I can’t think of what my “thing” is right now 🙁
Heidi says
My “one thing” is definitely planning. Family vacations, meals, events…..I LOVE the planning! Fortunately my family doesn’t mind. 🙂 Although, I’m sure my husband wishes I remembered to clean as much as I remember the details of planning a vacation or event.
Niki Blake says
Andrea….I don’t think I have ever commented (maybe I have but don’t think so) but I love your blog. And the funny thing? I am messy. M.E.S.S.Y. So….I am actually surprised that I LOVE your blog (HA!) but it is just so insightful without being condescending! 🙂 This makes so much sense to me and definitely makes me feel better about YOUR organizing! ha! Because I’m not and that is okay…..because it is not my ONE thing……it makes so much SENSE! My one thing is “being creative”. I have to “be creative” in some way every day. It rings true to me to me now when my hubby sees me painting/crafting/redecorating something and he is confused as to why when things around me are slightly haphazard I am not worried about doing that! Yet….he does know after my “moment” i can do what needs to be done. Some also wonder why I have the time “to paint and run my ETSY business” with three boys and teaching full-time. Why? Because I make time….b/c it’s my one thing! Oh I learned so much today! Thank you,thank you, thank you!!
Andrea says
Thanks Niki — so glad to have a first-time commenter!
And you are not alone in your “creative yet messy” personality. I’ve found that many creative people tend to be much less organized — I think it has something to do with the difference between left-brained and right-brained people 🙂
Elyse @ The Benefits of Balance says
This is such a refreshing way of looking at things! I often find myself feeling inferior because my mom’s “one thing” was to always have beautiful presentation on EVERYTHING! Her gifts, her baked goods, her house, everything was always presented beautifully. I often find myself feeling bad because I don’t spend 20 minutes wrapping a gift or painting individual designs on cookies but I DO spent time working out every day and I DO spend time planning healthy meals for myself and my fiance. This post made me realize that I wasn’t lacking in any aspect of my life, I just choose to divert my energy elsewhere. As always, you’re opening new doors for me! Thank you!
Carmen N says
I’d have to say my one thing is crafting. It’s rare I go a full day without having a knitting needle, crochet hook or some other craft too in my hands. I once commented to a friend how I was envious how neat and tidy her home was … and she replied that she always looked up me and how I was able to accomplish so many things – like making sweaters for my daughter, etc. We all have different talents and things that inspire us.
Andrea says
yes, I totally agree — and I have to smile because crafting is one thing that often stresses me out, so I rarely ever do it!
Laurel says
My one thing would probably be spending time and playing with my kids. I just loved doing that when they were younger and still would do that except the youngest is a freshman in high school! I love to clean and organize too and find that very relaxing and energizing. So while I would choose spending time with my kids first, they may not always choose that as their first thing so I have to go to my close second choice!
Cindy says
Not sure I have a favorite thing to do, but organizing and recreating a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere is one of my most favorite things to do. So glad to know that I am not alone in this.
Heart and Haven says
For me, my “one thing” is efficiency. I don’t necessarily like organizing, but I like organization. I like to create simple systems that are easy for the entire family to keep up with. I try to automate things as much as possible (ie. bill paying, etc.). I try to keep things decluttered because I prefer to not spend as much time cleaning, although I function better in a clean/organized house. I only do bulk grocery shopping once a month (but will buy eggs, milk, bread, fresh fruits as needed throughout the week). I keep meals very simple (usually not much more than 20-30 min. to make). I try to clean/maintain the house a little bit everyday so things don’t get out of control.
With my “spare time” from not constantly organizing, cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, paying bills, etc….I like to spend time with my family 🙂
Andrea says
I like that — I guess that by being organized, I am naturally more efficient. It’s just the act of organizing that I love so much!
Heart and Haven says
Yes, I get some “time efficient” tips from your website too…which is one reason I enjoy it so much! 😉
Amy says
I too love organizing (and purging!) it’s my favorite thing to do. However, I also get the comments from other people that make me feel uncomfortable about how clean and organized my home is. I feel like I have to defend myself or make them feel better about themselves and their homes. As mothers we all have areas where we are strong and other that we are weak in. We shouldn’t make each other feel bad for that! For example: My house is super clean and organized, but I hate to cook. Where another mother might have a messier house, but creates yummy homemade meals. It’s ALL GOOD!
Kelly says
I am the same way about organizing. I hate clutter! Things have a place, so put them there. People judge me too. But they don’t realize that once you are organized the up keep is so much easier. Things don’t take as long to clean. I am a stay at home mom of 3. My house stays clean and organized because I don’t want to look at clutter all day. I also don’t want someone to come over and have a messy house and them think, “What does she do all day at home? Her house is a mess!” I thrive on organized!
Nicky says
Cinema. I go to see a film and for ninety minutes or so my world and its problems are on pause I can disappear into another one. Films challenge emotions, perceptions and comfort but they also inspire, delight and educate me. I like most genre but stay away from war and gore. Perhaps you should make a film on organising Andrea!
Andrea says
haha — I’m not sure many other people would want to watch a movie about organization… probably just you and me 🙂
Chris says
I like to watch youtubes on organizing. 🙂
Debbie says
Andrea, I also want to encourage you to take those comments as a good thing. Friends also comment that our house looks like a model home. When they see things organized they say they wish they can do the exact thing but their kids will eventually take things apart. Since we don’t have kids I can just imagine how much more challenging it is for them to get organized. I could also translate those comments as because we don’t have kids our house are always put together, but if kids are in the picture it wouldn’t look the same. For the most part I just like hearing them say it looks like a model home
Sharon H says
Even though I also love organization, but am one of those people who admittedly will sit and touch every single item in a drawer or closet and think about what it is used for, where it came from or who it represents. Eegads! I have to say that my one thing would be spending time in the kitchen prearing for the week or month. I will spend hours baking, dividing, freezing, making smoothies for the week, boiling eggs, etc. My husband knows that when I get in that zone it’s time to stay out of the kitchen and keep the dogs away too. Sometimes I’m like a wild woman in there, but I tell ya what, it’s REALLY relaxing!
Thank you for continuing to inspire and share your life with us!
Debbie says
I like this post because it gets me lto look deep into myself. Flashes of me during my younger years flood back that helped me really assess what my One thing is. Memories in my first apartment, my bedroom at my parent’s home, and now our own home reminds me I function better if things around me are organized. I can think of a few times ironing were stacking up, or the bathroom cleaning was missed, but it doesn’t take too long until I can no longer stand it and have to take it off my list. I also often open the drawers, look into our closet, extra bedrooms and get satisfaction from seeing it organized and clean. Right now though I wish my one thing could be exercise. I’ve let myself get out of this good habit and not only feeling the guilt eating me up but I’m feeling more tired often. How can we have just a little more than One thing?
Verity says
My grandpa was an artist. He used to say that everyone needs one special thing which they NEED to do every day. That they NEED to do because it what they love. For him it was his art.
Leo Barbatoa talks about having only four or five top priorities in his 72 point list on simplifying. Once the average person picks God, spouse, children, job, there really is only one thing for yourself left.
I think that that is okay as long as you know what you’re ‘one thing’ is.
For me it is writing-whether it is writing stories for my children, journaling, or writing out goals, if I can get a few hours of alone time to write each week my whole mind and life are more clear and focused.
Great article!
Tracey says
Is that Leo Babauta from zenhabits?
He’s on my short list of most-helpful blogs…along with Andrea!
MrsD says
I love organizing as well. Nothing makes me happier than looking at an organized drawer or closet, like Kristin! I love jumping into big organizing projects and rearranging everything. It’s been the biggest challenge for me as far as having kids goes. I MISS all that time I used to have. Now…if I was a good girl like Andrea, I would sacrifice some sleep and get more done these days 🙂 Sleep seems to be a necessity to me…as in 8 or 9 hours. Hmmm…maybe if I’m honest, sleep is my one thing! Lol!
–I must say…I am trying some new tactics with the kids bedtime this week as Andrea inspired me to adjust things a bit to get more done with the great post this week! She’s my hero!–
Andrea says
Thanks MrsD! I need my sleep too (about 6-7 hours) which is why I’m ALWAYS tweaking things to help me get more sleep and still accomplish the same amount!
Rebecca says
Andrea,
I’m sooo glad you mentioned how much sleep you get. I’m a 9-10 hour sleep person… Wish I could get by on less! I find it so frustrating to need that much sleep. There have been several occasions when I have been amazed at someone’s productivity – and in every case, it has turned out that they need less sleep (sometimes, very little sleep). I often feel bad that I don’t accomplish as much, but when I consider the sleep difference, I find it’s a significant factor. 7 hours vs 9 hours is a difference of 14 hours per week!!! Guess it’s all the more important for me to keep things simple! That’s where your blog is so helpful! I’m learning a lot! Thank you
Andrea says
yes, I guess I’ve never thought of that — but if you’re seriously getting 9-10 hours of sleep each night, you would definitely have less time to get things done during the day. How are you able to get so much sleep? Do you have kids who sleep really well? 🙂
if I’m really honest, I probably only get 5-6 hours of sleep each night — 7 hours on a really good night. I used to need a lot more sleep, but I think I’ve trained myself to thrive on less sleep (out of sheer necessity after Nora was born!)
Rebecca says
Some nights I get less sleep than I need to be fully rested & functional. I have a child who is a great nighttime sleeper (sorry to admit, since I know you had a hard time with Nora). I think it’s something in the genes… Most of my family is the same way…. We need a lot of sleep, but live into our 90’s!!!! I would lovvvvveeeee to get by on 5-6 hours of sleep, or even 7. I have always admired those who are able to do so!!!!! How I wish I had those extra hours in the day!!!!! With 5-6 hours, I would crash & burn within 2 days! With 7 hours, I’m cranky & irritable until I get back to a full nights sleep. How I wish things were different!!! Your blog & lifestyle has made me realize I have to be ok doing less than others may be able to accomplish, since I have less waking hours to work with.
Rebecca says
When my mom was raising 4 kids, she went to bed at 7pm – left my dad in charge- and woke up at 5am. She was a hard worker, but had a large sleep requirement.
julie says
I’m so happy you wrote this! Although i would never in a million years refer to myself as organized or clean-happy, i’ve finally come to the conclusion that those things are really important to my well-being. Every year i take a day off from work for my birthday and i completely clean out and re-organize my closet. People look at me like i’m crazy, but it is soooo therapeutic!
Even if i only have time to run through the house with the vacuum and do a quick pick-up, i find myself in a MUCH better mood. (And having a clean car? Oh my gosh, best gift my husband can give me!)
I think it’s something about having control over your environment when there are so many things in life we have absolutely no control over. It also frees you up both mentally and time-wise to move on to other activities or to-do list items.
Kristin says
The concept “one thing” really hit the nail on the head for me. We can’t do it all – impossible – and me trying to do it all has lead to the things I love to do organizing and memory keeping (I still can’t decide on one!) don’t get the full attention I wish they did and it frustrates me. I totally get how organizing relaxes you! I stare at my baking drawer for example and it stressed me out! But looking at my newly organized Tupperware drawer one month later still makes me happy!!!
Amy Martin says
I grew up messy! However, after the first 11 years of marriage living in a 2 bedroom mobile home with 4 of my 7 children, i was forced into organizing and it became my “one thing” not only because I realized how my productivity & time with my kids increased when everything had a place and everyone knows the place, I just feel calm when i’m sorting and cleaning and making things more effecient! I love it so much that this past 6 months I’ve started organizing other peoples homes & offices!!
Julia K says
Not wishing to sound patronising Andrea – but you really are beyond your years !! And I fully mean that as a compliment ! Yet again – you have “hit the nail on the head”. We all have a passion and this is yet another lovely level headed post.
Go girl 🙂
Carrie says
I love to organize as well. In fact, when I’ve cleaned out a closet I will keep going back and opening the door just so I can see how nice it looks.
But, my one thing is definitely reading. I read three or four books a week, follow several blogs, read magazines, etc. I read all kinds of things, but I need to read.
Paulette Smith says
BRAVO! You read my mail. I also love organizing…it relaxes me and I have been judged and I have judged.