Day 18: Begin Organizationish

Back when I was fully capable of any and all everyday activity, I loved organizing things. I would organize our pantry every month or so, ensuring that all the cans and boxes of food were facing out, the shelves looked freshly-painted white, even labeling things (clearly I needed a life).

Organization, when you deal with a chronic condition that limits your ability is much more practical. I mean, I'm pretty sure I can figure out where the boxed pasta is, without a label directing me, you know?

So today, we'll start becoming organized in ways that are super helpful for life in our circumstances.

First thing we'll tackle is what I call condition-related organizers. These organizers are not for those without physical difficulties, they wouldn't know what to do with them. They are for those of us who need things like medications, tissues, activities to do, pain journals, etc.

To begin, think about where you spend the most time, and where you do different things. Maybe it's the kitchen, maybe you're like me and there is a couch or recliner where you often are, maybe it's your bed. Wherever the majority of living happens when your condition is at it's worse is where we're working today.

To organize this space, you'll first need to determine everything you'd like to have within hands reach. Here's my list to help you formulate your own (with explanations as needed).

List of Items for Condition-Related Organizer (next to recliner)

• Medications
• Lotion
• Hairspray, spray-bottle, brush (to do hair with)
• Mascara, lip gloss, hand mirror (to get ready) 
• Tissues
• Journal, pens and pencils (to help record life)
• Scissors (Surprisingly always handy)
• A couple grocery sacks (for quick garbage containers)
• Sunblock (so I can put it on the kiddos when they want to play in the back) 
• TV remote
• Water bottle

My laptop also could be added, although it's kept separate from everything else. 

Other ideas could include wet wipes, non-perishable snacks, other medical supplies, etc. 

So, all of this stuff is SUPER handy to have within hands reach. Having it already set-up for me ensures that if I wake up in the morning and start feeling weak, I can get to the couch and not have to worry about whether or not I have what I need. I basically have everything I need to survive several hours (except maybe a toilet...). 

All this stuff is also a total mess just left out on the end table, but it makes life so much more efficient. Today we'll ensure our life is efficient AND organized by finding a simple organizer for our items. Desk organizers work GREAT for this purpose. I found one that's pockets fit my medicine bottles perfectly! You can find basic ones inexpensive, or splurge a bit on a decorative organizer that goes with the space you love (keep in mind, you will be using this frequently!). Just be sure that everything fits easily, with a bit of excess room for that item you are sure to want to add later. 

Depending on your circumstance, you may have two condition-related (or more) spaces. Perhaps there are a million things you use in the bathroom, or when you wake up. Wherever you need a lot of random items to make life work smoothly with as little extra effort as necessary, set-up an organizer and get everything you need, right where you need it. 

It's just another way we can make ourselves more independent, and save our energy for the important things in life :) 

31 Days to a Chronic Clean