Keeping organized is a legit gift to yourself. Time and again, science confirms that orderly spaces free up our mental energy, keep stress at bay, and allow us to be more present and intentional as we move about our days. Professional organizing expert, Shira Gill, wholeheartedly believes in the power of organizing to the point that she’s dedicated her entire career to the topic.
“For me, organization is more than just arranging things neatly—it’s a powerful wellness tool,” Gill tells Real Simple. “When we organize our spaces and create systems that support our goals, we feel more grounded and empowered on a daily basis. By taking control of our environment, we’re able to prioritize what truly matters and let go of the noise.”
In her new book, LifeStyled, Gill details numerous tried-and-true methods for keeping organized. Today, we’re zeroing in on one that’s positively foolproof: the “Call Your Mother” method.
What is the ‘Call Your Mother’ Organizing Method?
The “Call Your Mother” approach is all about making space in your schedule for things that matter, but often get lost in the shuffle.
“I worked with a client, Aviva, who felt guilty for not calling her mother more often. So, we set up a recurring calendar reminder to simplify it and eliminate the decision-making process each week,” Gill explains. “This strategy isn’t just for calls with loved ones—it’s about automating any task or routine you want to prioritize.”
The idea is that by literally scheduling something as a repeating event—whether it’s decluttering the fridge, cleaning out the car, or going through your closet every season— you don’t need to rely on memory or willpower. It becomes a non-negotiable task and part of your routine.
“This strategy can be applied to almost every area of life. Whether it’s laundry day, weekly meal prep, or monthly decluttering sessions, anything can be ‘baked in’ to your calendar as a routine,” Gill says. “The key is to approach your life with intentionality, deciding in advance what matters and making it easy for yourself to follow through. It’s about creating space for what you love by simplifying the mundane.”
Benefits of Following the ‘Call Your Mother’ Rule
Along with the inherent benefits of keeping organized, like enjoying a clutter-free home and being able to find things more easily, Gill says that the ‘Call Your Mother’ organizing method comes with some extra noteworthy perks.
Frees Up Mental Energy
Automated routines mean fewer things to remember, giving your brain more bandwidth for what’s important. Plus, because our basics are on autopilot, it makes it easier to plan for and respond to unexpected events.
The method also curbs decision fatigue. “Deciding in advance frees you from constantly deciding if or when to handle something,” Gill explains.
Prevents Pileups
Oh, the ways a neglected chore can morph from tiny task to daunting duty. Small, consistent efforts stop clutter and to-dos from accumulating over time.
Builds Consistency and Predictability
Regular routines become habits, making it easier to stay on top of things. Additionally, recurring routines give structure and reliability to your days. As humans, we thrive on routine and predictability over chaos.
Eases Guilt and Anxiety
“Knowing you have scheduled time for important tasks or people prevents the last-minute panic or guilt of neglect,” says Gill. On top of this, automated routines can also ensure time for personal care, rest, or activities that fuel your well-being.
Boosts Productivity
Repeating tasks allows us to become better and more efficient the more we do them, allowing you to accomplish more in less time.
