The Buddy System

Two months ago I began a 365 Day De-Cluttering Challenge and invited all those interested to join me via Facebook. Within a day I had 10 people and then 40 the next and so on.  I was initially surprised at the response level and especially to having people I never met join as well. It quickly confirmed what I have encouraged my clients to do and that is to find a buddy to help facilitate the organizing process. Just having others available for moral support and encouragement, even virtually, kept participants motivated and committed. Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind about inviting a buddy:

1. Buddy, friend, colleague, mirror; whatever your term, what matters most is choosing someone you trust, someone committed to your process and someone who will act as your accountability partner and won't let you off the hook so easily.

2. Before you schedule your first organizing session, sit down with your buddy and share your vision for your space, the areas you believe are okay as is and the areas you want to work on. You should also share your strengths and weaknesses when going through the process so your buddy knows where to support you.

3. Make it fun - lighten up the atmosphere by playing music, having a casual meal and even a glass of wine, when appropriate.

4. Create an organizing group; I read a wonderful article not long ago about a group of friends who meet once a month and rotate from one home to the other, helping each other organize their homes one room/space at a time. They created a safe and trusting environment where they can work together, bond as friends and have fun in the process.

Having a buddy to help your get organized is a powerful way to support you, whether you've hired a professional or not. It's another way of keeping you focused on your goals.