Where Classic Structures Struggle
Wait. Classic Structures struggle? With anything? Impossible. They are the geniuses behind a well-run household! …. Aren’t they?
As it turns out, Classic Structures, although they excel at so many things, have their peccadillos just like the rest of us. If you keep reading, you’ll understand why this type needs help, too.
Classic Structures: A Quick Overview
Before we talk about where Classic Structures run into their own problems, let’s get a quick picture of the type. One of the hallmarks of a Classic Structure is that he/she tends to place logic in front of feelings when making decisions. This can make them seem slightly cold and calculating, but they aren’t — they are merely operating in the only way that they know how to. Some words that come to mind with Classic Structures:
-plan
-structure (duh)
-routinized
-’tight ship’
-logical
-punctual
-order
-purpose
In our book, we describe the Classic Structure as a ‘modern-day June Cleaver’. Without the saccharin, thanks. When it comes to organizational style, Classic Structures are traditional. They like things hidden (put away). They hate clutter. They like what IS visible to be in order. They are extremely detail oriented and schedule everything (efficiently). They create and maintain routines, operate a filing system with ease and regularity, make ‘to do’ lists consistently, and always plan in advance (not a lot of spontaneity in this type). So if all these things are true, what’s the beef?
Classic Structures Ain’t Perfect
We know that a real Classic Structure would cringe at our use of the word ain’t, but there it is. Where do they struggle? Three areas:
- Their need to have things out of sight: This often creates ‘crammed’ situations in storage areas like closets and such. Because visual clutter is such a pet peeve of this type, they tend to stuff any and all of it into spaces where it may belong, but doesn’t fit. This leads to things like difficult-to-impossible to close doors and drawers.
- Being industrious, Type A personalities, they are often too busy with either high-stress jobs or a demanding and hectic home schedule to declutter, which they need to do every so often in order to keep these designated spaces clean and orderly, and not overrun.
- Delegating is difficult for this type, as they want things done a certain way (their way) every (and for all) time. They would almost rather take the time out of their hectic schedules to do something exactly the way they want it done than to allow someone else to do it in a different (or less tidy) way.
- Some of the ways this type organizes can be too functional and pragmatic, thus excluding the aesthetic aspect of a certain living space.
How Classic Structures Can Overcome Obstacles
Purge Seasonally: If you want to keep those designated spaces tidy, purging often is ESSENTIAL. However, be sure to be considerate when purging someone else’s stuff. Try for teamwork. Keep a bunch of plastic labeled bins out of sight and use them for storage for all the visual clutter. Just make sure you label them very well, so that other members of the household will know where each thing goes.
Let Go a Little: This goes along with the purging thing. Even if you have two good-quality Burberry raincoats, it doesn’t mean you have to keep both of them. Set one aside for consignment and ultimately, that will feel better than to keep something that will only take up (needed) space.
Cubbies = OFF LIMITS!
Cubbies seem like a cute idea, particularly when you’re trying to keep track of little mittens and booties. However, they will end up driving you totally bonkers, as they are OPEN and you will be able to SEE all of the clutter inside. If you must get cubbies, get them with doors that you can shut.
Keep Surfaces Sparse: Take the kitchen as an example. Used water glasses that another member of the household is ‘saving’ to re-use? Excess tomatoes that don’t fit into the fruit bowl? The dreaded blender that won’t fit into the cabinet? These are all a Classic Structure’s worst nightmare. If you want to get on a CS’s bad side, leave a water glass out to ‘re-use’. Sparse surfaces are like the equivalent to taking a long yin yoga class for Classic Structures. They breathe a sigh of relief, and feel that all’s right with the world. Sounds dramatic, but that is how much this type thrives on things looking orderly and ‘clean’. If you live with a Classic Structure, help them along with this one, and put your water glass in the sink or dishwasher directly after using it. Yowzas.
Use the FIFO Method: This is an accounting method. It stands for First In, First Out, and we find it helps Classic Structures keep their kitchens tidy and up to date. Use the method for cleaning the fridge as well as the spice drawer (first of all, spices DO go bad, second, you know you love this stuff).
Shoutout to the Men: Classic Structure men have a tough time purging clothing. If it’s still ‘good’, why throw it out or get rid of it? The thing is, men’s fashion does cycle, just like women’s fashion does. There are appropriate and stylish clothes to wear, and there are those that have gone out of style. Donate these, as you never wear them anyway (we hope).
Becoming a ‘better’ Classic Structure
We might have seemed like we were denigrating this type — however, that is far from the truth. We merely wanted to shed some light on their humanity (less than perfect aspects) that might potentially prove a roadblock when it comes to good organization. Our motto — No Shame, No Blame — still holds when it comes to Classic Structures. Be Type A and be proud of it! No one can organize like you. But remember that no one can organize like you. Get it? Don’t expect others to toe your exacting line constantly — or chaos and resentment will most certainly result.