Since having a child my views on organizing have been altered a bit. I still prefer an organized space where I can find what I need. However, I have become more relaxed about what my version of “organized” looks like. My life has changed, and my organizing systems have had to change too.

Accepting this change in reality had me anxious at times. I don’t like looking into a bathroom drawer and seeing the q-tips dumped out of the box. Then I remember that the q-tips were dumped as a result of my child entertaining himself while I attempted to get myself ready one morning. The dumped box was worth the five minutes I was able to focus on me.

There have been many times where I have contemplated cleaning up the bathroom drawer, however other household tasks have always taken priority. Additionally, if I’m honest with myself, my child will get in the drawer again sometime and it will look different …again. My focus is on having him help me put items away that he has pulled out. I have decided that skill is more important than how the aesthetics of the drawer are.

I’m sure this is only one of many modifications to come in my home organizing adventure. I am trying to embrace the changes and use them as teaching opportunities rather than being upset with my child for messing up my system (as difficult as that can be at times).

What organizational systems changed in your home after having a major life change such as having a child? How do you cope with the changes?