One of the most common questions I hear is: How do I motivate the people around me to be
more organized?
This might be your spouse, kids, coworkers, employees, a boss, or even a well-meaning friend who’s always late or perpetually overwhelmed.
The short
answer? You can’t force anyone to change. But you can create an environment where being organized feels doable, worthwhile, and even appealing.
What Does It Really Mean to Motivate Someone?
To motivate means to give a reason for action.
People are far more likely to change when they can clearly see:
What’s in it for them
How it will make life easier
What the end result looks like
1. Be the Example
The most effective way to motivate others is to
model the behavior yourself. It’s tough to expect others to follow systems or routines that you don’t follow consistently. Whether it’s putting mail where it belongs, returning items to their homes, or sticking to shared routines, your actions quietly set the standard. People notice what you do, even when they don’t say it.
2.
Model the Behavior You Want to See
Rules only work when they’re lived, not just stated.
For example, if the household rule is that everyone rinses their plate and puts it in the dishwasher, but you regularly leave yours on the table, the message is clear: the rule is optional. Consistency matters far more than
perfection.
3. Delegate, Without Micromanaging
Delegating tasks is essential, but so is accepting that others may do things differently than you would.
Different does not mean wrong. As long as the end result meets the agreed-upon goal, allow flexibility in how the task gets done. This is especially important with:
Spouses and partners
Teenagers
Coworkers and employees
When working with kids, make sure responsibilities are
age-appropriate and realistic. Clear instructions and simple expectations go a long way.
4. Make Rewards Meaningful (Not Complicated)
Rewards don’t have to be expensive, or constant, to be effective.
For kids, rewards might include:
Extra one-on-one time
Choosing a family activity
Staying up a little later on weekends
For adults, rewards could
be:
Time for a hobby
A quiet evening to unwind
A new book or favorite show
A relaxed morning or guilt-free downtime
The best rewards reinforce the idea that
organization creates more time and ease, not more pressure.
5. Use Visual Tools (Chore Charts Still Work!)Chore charts and project trackers are still incredibly useful, especially when expectations need to be clear. At home, they help everyone see: Who’s responsible for
what
What’s already done
What still needs attention
In work settings, they’re helpful for breaking large projects into manageable steps so progress feels visible and achievable.
For younger kids, visuals matter. Pictures, color coding, or simple icons can be far more effective than words
alone.
6. Talk It Through and Build Systems Together
People are much more receptive to change when they:
Understand why something is changing
Have input into how it’s done
Whether it’s setting up a filing system at work or
reorganizing a shared space at home, involve the people who will be using it. Ask questions like:
Where would this make the most sense?
What feels easiest to
maintain?
What has or hasn’t worked before?
When people feel heard, they’re more invested.
7. Keep Systems Simple or They Won’t Stick
The best organizing systems are:
Logical
Easy to access
Simple to maintain
If supplies are scattered in multiple places, systems fall apart. If storage is hard to reach, items won’t get put away. If expectations are too complicated, people stop trying.
Think ease, not perfection.
When the people around you are more organized, your life becomes easier too. Whether it’s helping a friend manage their time so you’re not late to every movie, supporting a coworker with a clearer filing system, or giving your kids simple routines that reduce daily stress, organization is a skill that ripples outward.
We influence our environments, and the people in them, more than we realize.
On another
note...
10 Bed & Bath Essentials You're Going to Adore
Turn your home into a retreat with my specially curated bed and bath picks. From crisp sheets
and plush towels to a cozy robe and spa-inspired extras, these favorites bring hotel-style comfort right into your own space. Every item is designed to make your bedroom and bathroom feel like a personal getaway! Click to access
