Money, Mess and Motherhood: Finding Balance Beyond Organising

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Ever wondered if organised people were just born that way? My journey proves otherwise. Twelve years ago, I was drowning in debt with zero money management skills and a home full of clutter. Today, I manage investments, run a business and maintain a functional home while raising four children. The transformation wasn't overnight, nor was it straightforward.

My organising odyssey began with finances after my husband graciously cleared my pre-marriage debt. Rather than learning my lesson, I continued struggling with budgeting and spending, creating uncomfortable conversations and feelings of inequality in our marriage. The breakthrough came when instead of judgment, my husband offered partnership, acknowledging we needed to tackle our financial chaos together. This collaborative approach became the foundation for all future organising efforts.

What surprised me most was how organising one area created ripple effects throughout my life. As I decluttered our bathroom (chosen strategically for its lack of sentimental items), I discovered I'd been spending money to "solve" problems actually caused by excess stuff. With less physical clutter, my financial decisions improved, eventually leading us out of debt completely. When motherhood arrived, time management naturally followed as I adapted to the reality that "just running to the shops" now involved multiple steps with a baby.

The most valuable lesson came from going too far: becoming so organised that perfection became the enemy of peace. I'd snap at family members for "messing up" what I'd just cleaned, not recognising how my excessive standards were stealing our joy. This led to developing what I call the "4D Filter": Delete (remove what's unnecessary), Delegate (assign tasks to others), Delay (postpone non-urgent tasks), and Do Differently (create simpler systems).

Finding your personal organisational sweet spot (where you function well without sacrificing happiness) is the true goal. Whether you're just beginning to tackle clutter or you've gone too far into perfectionism, there's a middle ground where organisation serves your life rather than consuming it. Connect with me on Instagram @shes.organised or grab free resources at beyondorganised.com/toolkit to continue your journey.

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Remember, organising is a tool to live the purposeful life beyond it.

See you next time!