It’s true – organizing can feel like an overwhelming, never-ending task for someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy it. Even for those who like their spaces decluttered and tidy, it can be a thankless job, especially on a long day. But here’s something from a professional organizer – it really shouldn’t feel that way if you have the right foundation and a positive attitude, to begin with. So, whether you’re a newbie organizer or a relentless one, I have words of advice that can change your life and your organizing style. Let’s take a look.
1. Don’t start with guilt
Yes, there is a problem with clutter or misplaced things; they take you on a guilt trip that is counterproductive to the process. Instead of feeling like you’re constantly failing, focus on how you keep coming back to it. With that positive spin to your story, start afresh. Understand and accept that it’s a step-by-step process. You may also feel it’s something you cannot do. Trust me, the snowball effect that comes from organizing something as small as a desk is incredible. The trick lies in kicking the process off.
2. Don’t assign decluttering to one day in a week/month
Pardon the cliché, but Rome wasn’t built in a day. Then how do you propose to declutter and organize your spaces in a single day? Tidying up your home, finding the right places for various items, and ensuring that they continue to come back to their assigned places is not a weekend job. When you accumulate something new, make sure you have a designated place for it. Throughout the day, even as you walk around the house, pick up what’s not in its place and put it back. These simple actions help keep your spaces organized in the long run.
3. Avoid holding onto unused things
We get sentimental about so many of our belongings that we hold onto them even when they take over precious real estate, in our homes and in our heads! Time to change that. Things you haven’t used or worn in a year should be reassessed for their relevance and discarded or donated as you feel right. Items that you’re emotionally attached to can be harder to let go of. Spend some time with them, perhaps click pictures and gradually relinquish them.
4. Be a practical organizer
Is it even home improvement if we don’t set big goals, right? Wrong! Big goals set you back. Imagine this – organizing the entire first floor of your home in one day, or decluttering every family member’s wardrobe over the weekend. Yes, these are unrealistic goals; and even if you manage to accomplish it once, it’s not a consistent method, not forget how exhausted you’re going to get. I suggest you aim at being practical, not perfectionist. Set smaller goals and mark them on a calendar if you must. Tick them off as you slowly but steadily achieve them.
5. Don’t make it only YOUR responsibility
When it comes to organizing your home, remember that every member of your family has a role to play. Even children can be included in keeping their spaces tidy and organized. I give my kids the freedom to organize their space. While I help them by showing the right techniques, I respect their decisions when it comes to their space. That gives them a sense of ownership and helps them feel more responsible. I understand that getting your family to do their bit can be challenging. However, refrain from nagging and blame game. Teach them by example. Show them how easy it can be to find things if they are put back in their places, and how every item must have a home. It may take time, but eventually, they will fit into the rhythm.
6. Explore different storage methods
It’s natural to feel that if you’ve one trusted method of storage, it would work for everything. But different things need different methods, so look beyond typical organizing methods. For instance, concealing everything may look neat on the outside, but makes it difficult to access day-to-day items; it’s a more suitable method for stuff like bulky items or cleaning supplies. Piling papers appears like a practical method to store paperwork, but it could lead to increased trash and lost paperwork. Instead, converting them to digital files and saving them in folders on your computer might be more accessible. Color coding is a visually appealing style of storage, but ensure you’ve sub-categories for easy accessibility. Remember that each family is different and will need a unique approach to home organization. Your success lies in finding storage methods that work for YOU.
7. Don’t underestimate the label maker
Personally, I’m a huge fan of the label maker. It’s such a convenient way to mark your containers, jars, boxes and so on, helping you spot grouped items with just one look! It’s especially useful in the kitchen, kids’ rooms, and even home offices. And if you have a big family, a label maker is a fabulous way to ensure everyone knows where their stuff is. Life becomes so much easier. Label makers are a sensible way to maintain the system you’ve put into place.
There you go! Seven words of wisdom from a professional organizer. If you want to become a master organizer of your home, follow these do’s and don’ts and you’ll do just fine.
If you still have questions, drop them to me at [email protected].
