Decluttering and getting organized can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. There’s always something more interesting to do, and let’s be honest—when no one’s watching, it’s easy to give up halfway through. That’s where an organizing buddy comes in!
Unlike a professional organizer or a friend physically helping you sort through piles of stuff, an organizing buddy is someone who shares similar goals and helps you stay accountable. They don’t need to be in your
house (or even in the same city)—they just need to be on board with checking in and keeping each other motivated.
How an Organizing Buddy Works
The idea is
simple: You and your buddy set a time to work on a task separately but simultaneously. You tackle your own clutter, they tackle theirs, and then you check in with each other to celebrate progress and set new goals.
For example:
You decide you’ll both spend 10 minutes organizing your clothes closet. When time’s up, you send each other a quick message: “Got through my shoes—felt great!” or “Tossed five shirts I never wear!”
Next, you pick a new task, like organizing a junk drawer or sorting
through old papers.
You hold each other accountable with check-ins and encouragement.
It’s like having a workout partner—except instead of sweating at the gym, you’re
conquering clutter.
Why It Works
1. Instant Accountability
It’s easy to put off organizing when no one’s holding you to it. But if you know someone else is expecting an update, you’re more likely to follow through.
2. Small Wins Add Up
Since you’re only committing to
short bursts of organizing, it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Yet those little sessions add up, and soon you’ll see major progress.
3. Motivation Boost
Seeing your buddy’s progress can push you to keep going. If they tell you, “I finally
cleaned off my kitchen counters.” it might inspire you to tackle yours, too.
4. No Judgment, Just Support
Sometimes, it’s hard to let go of things. An organizing buddy won’t tell you what to keep or toss, but they can offer encouragement:
“You haven’t worn that sweater in years—maybe it’s time to donate it?”
How to Find an Organizing Buddy
Not sure who to ask? Here are a few
ideas:
A friend or family member who also wants to get organized
A neighbor, especially if you can set up a regular check-in time
A co-worker who wants to declutter their desk at the same time you tackle your home office
An online accountability partner—there are plenty of organizing groups where you can find someone with similar
goals.
Make It Fun!
To keep things interesting, try these ideas:
Set a timer and see how much progress you can both make in 10 minutes.
Share before-and-after photos for extra motivation.
Make it a team goal—when you both complete your weekly organizing goals, celebrate with a coffee date (virtual or in person!).
Do a “Swap Challenge”—one of you picks a task for the other, like “Organize your sock drawer today!”
Get Started Today
If you’ve been struggling to stay consistent with your organizing efforts, an organizing buddy might be just the push you need. Send a quick message to a friend who might be interested, set a time for your first
organizing session, and see how much you can accomplish together—even from a distance!
Who would you choose as your organizing buddy? It’s time to team up and tackle that clutter!
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