Organizing Tips
There are so many reasons to get organized, the benefits are endless! Some methods of organizing recommend going through your home item by item, while others recommend going room-by-room. No matter what method you choose there are more than enough organizing tips out there, choose what works best for you! We’ve gathered a few great organization tips that you can easily incorporate in your home.
photo: the organized housewife
Measure Before You Buy
Everyone loves a tote or storage container, but don’t purchase those bins first. This can end up wasting time and money because the items you have don’t end up working or don’t fit in the space. Wait to buy containers until you know exactly what you need to contain.
photo: signature maids
Use the "One In - One Out Rule"
Using the one in - one out rule can help you have the right mindset while organizing. The idea behind the one in - one out rule is that if something new comes into your home, then it is time to get rid of something old that you don’t use anymore. This will help you from having too much stuff.
photo: istock
Extra Consideration Before Buying
When something new comes into your house, it may feel counterintuitive. So, use extra consideration with every new item you bring home. If you struggle with impulse shopping, this tip could really help cut down on clutter. Rather than impulsively buying something new, think about whether or not you really need the item. If that item doesn’t have a place in your home, turn it down.
photo: where learning meets play
A Place for Everything and Everything in it's Place
Something that may seem obvious is: everything needs a place. This is key to having an organized home. While this may take time to get in the habit of putting everything where it belongs, it will eventually become second nature. Creating a center for specific items can also help create a place for everything in your home. Create a station for specific themes of items like: work, homework, command centers. Using this technique encourages you to have everything you need where you need it.
photo: studio 5
Don’t Keep Things Out of Obligation
Something that can cause stress while trying to stay organized is the pressure to keep something you don’t want. You’re not required to keep gifts or items people have given to you. Thank the person for the item and then send it on its way. Allow yourself to let it go.
photo: create and babble
Label Your Storage Containers
Everyone knows storage containers make staying organized much easier, but the containers aren’t always enough. Labeling containers allows you to see what is inside. Even if your container is going into storage, the basement, or attic the label helps you see what is inside without having to pull out the container. This strategy can also stop you from overbuying, if you know what you have already.
photo: istock
Get Your Family on Board
Help your family understand that your home needs to be reset, where items go back into their designated spots. Set a designated time each day for you, your partner, and your children to do a reset. Make chores you include your children in fun! Kids enjoy feeling grownup when they use items like dusters, vacuums, or a broom. The Ayla Vac is the perfect size for your child! Try using words other than “clean up”, children will interpret those words as “make it look pretty” this can lead to items being tossed into the nearest container rather than keeping things organized. If your goal is tidying up, then the term “clean up” works. However, if you’re looking to help teach your children that everything has a place, in order to easily be found for the next use, then try reframing your language. Including your children in this process helps them understand the usefulness of organization.
photo: west elm
Drop Zone
While this may sound counterintuitive to keeping you organized, create a place where you leave piles of items. Put a container of some kind in your designated spot, this helps your clutter stick to one designated area! Think about what tends to be in your clutter whether it is mail, kids school items, or shoes. For example, if it is mail, put a recycling bin near your drop zone so you can file your papers immediately. The drop zone container also makes it simple to pick up all the clutter and put it away. While your clutter will never completely go away, however, a well placed container can help even the most random clutter look much nicer.
Getting organized is hard work, that’s no secret. Focus on what you and your home need. When you focus on necessary items, you can eliminate a lot of unnecessary items. Make sure you’re asking yourself if you’re happy with the home you’ve created, if you can answer yes then you’ve been successful in your organizing journey.