Since everyone has different organizing needs, there is not a “one size fits all” as to where to put each category. But there are some guidelines that can help. Determine the space needed for each category or item. Items that are used often should be kept in a handy location while the items used less often should be stored in the harder to reach places. Use containers to keep small items together. Be inventive and use containers that you have on hand, for example, shoe boxes, jars, baskets, etc.  Most importantly, have fun. Play around with different ideas to find the best options that fit your needs. Imagine you are putting a puzzle together. It may take a couple tries but you will find the best fit with a little imagination.

  Creating your own organization system in your home and office will reduce stress and save time and money.  Organizing the space is just the beginning.  The challenge that lies ahead is maintaining organization. My next artice will give you some tips on how to live the organized life.

Every single item in the space is a small detail in the space. The details need to be coordinated with like items so that when you need to use an item, it’s easily found. This is not to say that every like item in your home or office should be put together. For example, a pair of scissor.  Not all scissors should be kept together in one drawer.  There are kitchen shears that belong in the kitchen (maybe kept with knives), sowing shears (maybe kept with your sowing basket), hair trimmers (kept with a grooming kit), or craft scissors (maybe kept in a desk with craft supplies). All items that have been left in the space should belong there, not in anther room (refer to step 1)

 We begin organizing the items by categorizing them with other like items into stacks. They can be spread out into stacks on a table or be be divided into boxes. This step can be tricky. So ask yourself these simple questions so that you can arrive to the correct conclusion as to how to categorize the items: “How is this item used? When do I use this item? With what does it belong? 

For example, let’s say you are working in your kitchen cabinets and drawers. You will put all bakeware together, all pots together, all serving dishes together, all dinnerware together, etc.. Sometimes you will come across an item that is solo, like a gravy bowl. With what other items does it belong? Well, when do you use it?  You will use it when setting the dinner table.  So it belongs with serving dishes. Maybe it goes with everyday serving dishes or maybe it goes with your formal serving  dishes.

Now your space should be empty and all items categorized together. So now your thinking, “Wow, what a mess!” So take a deep breath and maybe a glass of wine and get ready for the final step in the organizing process.

Since everyone has different personality types and work styles, the organizational systems that work best for one person may not work well for another. Nevertheless, there are organizational principles that apply to everyone. When we implement them into our life we will be more productive.

Appling these 3 Tiny Tips will give you big results.

#1 Simplify.  Most people have too much stuff and are in the process of getting more. The new stuff continues to accumulate, adding to the never-ending list of projects and clutter that can fill your home taking away your tranquility. It is exciting to make a new purchase. When you are in the process of making the decision to purchase, ask yourself:

Do I already own something similar? Do I truly need this item or am I buying this because it’s a “good deal”? Could I manage without it? Do I have enough time to use or fix this item, or do I have more important priorities?

#2 Turn Piles into Files. Piles of paper tend to get taller and taller which creates stress. Recycle papers that need to be discarded and file the papers you need in your filing cabinet or bill paying system. Every home needs a filing system in place.

#3 Tidy Up. Create a routine so that uncluttering becomes a habit. Each evening have a ten-minute pickup session in which all family members put away their belongings from the evening activities. Set a timer and when the ringer goes off everyone will be surprised with how much they accomplished. Reward yourself and your other family members for doing a great job.

If you take the time to be organized, you’ll save time and money. For more organizing tips check out my web-site at OrganizeAndThrive.com.

Stephanie Riner

Organize & Thrive

360.420.8001