Organizing Basics

Here are some tips to help you make decisions about how to organize your house or apartment, and keep your things in order.

Tip 1: If it isn’t used in that room, chances are it doesn’t belong in that room.

Tip 2: When you bring home something new, take it out of the bag and put it with others like it or of the same category. For example:  cosmetics – with other make-up; sleeping bag – with camping supplies; scrapbook paper – with crafting/school supplies; clothing – in your closet.

Tip 3: If something will potentially be returned to the store, take it out of the bag and put the receipt in your wallet with a note written on it to help you remember why you have that receipt. Store the item wherever it will be used, so that you remember to use it. If you decide it will be returned, staple or tape the receipt to the item and put it in your “return” bin. That can simply be an empty clear box. Keep that return bin some place you will see regularly so you remember to make returns, otherwise you will forget your returns, and that is money lost!

Tip 4: If you have too many of something, i.e., clothes, shoes, craft supplies, consider the one in – one out rule. If you’re bringing something new in, and you already have limited space, then something should be donated or trashed if it is unusable.

Tip 5: Too many clothes in your closet? Turn all of your hangers backwards. Once you wear a piece of clothing, hang it back up with the hanger facing forward. At the end of the year, purge any items that are still on hangers facing backwards. If you haven’t worn it in a year, you probably won’t miss it.

Tip 6: If you have something that has been floating around the house for a while ask yourself these questions:

• Does it have a home? If it doesn’t, think about what it would logically be associated with.
• Is it something I am avoiding making a decision about? Why?
• Can I delegate this task to someone else?
• Do I need to keep it? Can I find the information again elsewhere (the internet)?

Tip 7: Get into a new habit of putting things away on a regular basis. Once a week sweep through the house carrying a box and scoop up everything that is out of place. Then divvy it up by room, and deliver it to that room. If you have time, put it away or delegate it to someone else to put away. A pleasing, calm environment is easier to maintain than to fix it after clutter and disorganization have gotten too out of control.

Tip 8: If a space isn’t functioning for you, take a moment and reflect as to why. Listen to your instincts.

Tip 9: Always group like items together. It makes things easier to find them or put them away even when you aren’t sure where something goes, you can logically conclude it will go with things similar to it.

Tip 10: Modify as needed. Organizing is ongoing and can change as needs change, or as better ideas come to mind.

What tips can you share that help you keep your sanity?