How To Get Organized And Stay That Way

For The Home
Written By Kristen Renee

Keeping your home clutter-free and organized can be difficult and sometimes might seem like a daunting task.

I’ve been there. Having piles of papers on your desk and kitchen table and kids toys in every room, and never where their supposed to be. Having so much stuff you don’t know where to put it all.

In this blog, I am sharing with you what it takes to have a clutter-free, organized home.

  • HOW I GOT MYSELF ORGANIZED

  • WHY SHOULD I BOTHER

  • KNOW YOUR WHY

  • WHERE TO START

  • CHOOSE YOUR PROCESS

  • THE “FOUR-BOX METHOD”

  • WHAT TO DO AFTER DECLUTTERING

So, if you're tired of tripping over your stuff and feeling constantly overwhelmed, then you’re in the right place! All of that is about to change for good!

HOW I GOT MYSELF ORGANIZED

Not to ago, I found myself overwhelmed by the clutter and disorganization in my home. Piles of unused items, papers, and the constant hunt for misplaced belongings left me feeling stressed and anxious. It was clear that something needed to change. I decided to embark on a journey towards a more organized and clutter-free life.

My first step was to educate myself on effective decluttering methods. I read books, followed blogs, and watched videos on minimalism and organization. Armed with new knowledge and inspiration, I started with small, manageable tasks. I decluttered one room at a time, sorting items into categories of keep, donate, trash, or maybe. The process was liberating, and I began to feel the weight of unnecessary possessions lifting.

As the clutter began to disappear, I experienced a sense of liberation and clarity. I found that an organized space translated to a more organized mind. It became easier to concentrate, be productive, and enjoy my living environment. I also discovered the joy of minimalism and the freedom that comes with owning only what truly matters.

WHY should I BOTHER

Having an organized home is like having your life on easy mode. It's all about making your daily hustle and bustle less of a crazy maze.

You'll find stuff when you need it, without going on a scavenger hunt every time. Plus, it's a mood booster – no one likes tripping over stuff or feeling like they live in a perpetual episode of "Hoarders."

An organized home gives you mental clarity and helps you get more done in less time, so you can kick back and enjoy the things that really matter.

know your why

Understanding your 'why' is a fundamental aspect of effective decluttering. Knowing the reasons behind your desire to simplify and organize your space provides you with a powerful motivation and a clear sense of purpose. Whether you aim to create a serene home environment, regain control over your life, or make room for what truly matters, identifying your 'why' keeps you focused and resilient during the decluttering process.

It not only helps you make informed decisions about what to keep or let go but also acts as a source of inspiration, reinforcing your commitment to decluttering and ensuring that the changes you make align with your personal goals and aspirations. When you know your 'why,' decluttering becomes a transformative journey rather than just a chore, offering a sense of fulfillment and lasting positive change.

This is why it is helpful to set goals when you are planning your decluttering and organization. You can also make a vision board to give you some inspiration.

WHERE TO START

The first step to organization is to declutter. Don’t buy storage containers yet. Start by picking one area or room, like your bedroom or that pesky junk drawer. Be ruthless – if you haven't used it in eons, it's time to let go. As you tackle each area, don't rush it.

Evaluate your spaces and make a plan. Make a list of your rooms and a goal for each room, and make note of your messiest places and high-traffic areas. Start with one room at a time, one task at a time. Remember, Rome wasn't organized in a day. Add your decluttering and organizing tasks to your schedule to help you stay on track.

Plan ahead, and have all your supplies on hand before you start decluttering. Some supplies that will come in handy, before you start decluttering, are black trash bags, bins or boxes for sorting, and labels (you can use a label maker, but just some masking tape and a marker work just as well). You don’t need to plan everything, but having the essentials will save time.

CHOOSE YOUR PROCESS

Decide which process you want to use before you start to help give you some direction. There are many ways to go about decluttering, a few popular processes include the KonMari Method by Marie Kondo, the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule), and the Four-Box Method (“Keep,” “Donate,” “Trash,” and “Maybe"). The point is to have a guide and point of reference so you’re not overwhelmed. My favorite is the Four-Box Method (more on that below).

Know what you will be decluttering in each room. Paperwork accumulates fast, making it essential to perform regular decluttering. Dispose of unnecessary old bills, receipts, and documents by shredding or recycling them. Donate books you are finished with and don't think you will read again. Toys come in much faster than they go out, these must also be decluttered regularly. Keeping clothes you no longer wear can take up a lot of space. Donate, throw away, or sell clothes that are too big, old, or unused. If you get stuck on what clothes to keep and what close to get rid of try using the reverse hanger method.

REVERSE HANGER METHOD
Take all of the hangers in your closet and turn them around so they are hanging backward. Every time you wear something, wash it, and put it back in your closet hand it up the right way. Set a reminder for 6 months, then check your closet. All hangers that are still backward haven't been used in at least 6 months. This may help you make the harder choices when deciding what to get rid of.

Don't be afraid to get rid of things. Often we are attached to things that have sentimental value. It may be time to make the hard choices and let go of things that no longer serve you. Don't forget to have realistic expectations, your house will not be clean and clutter-free all the time. And that's ok.

THE FOUR-BOX METHOD

The "Four-Box Method" of decluttering is a systematic and efficient approach to streamline your living space. To begin, designate four boxes or bins: one for items to "KEEP", one for items to "DONATE" (this can also be for items to sell), one for items to "TRASH" (I like using a black trash bag for this one), and one for 'MAYBE" (for items you just can't quite make your mind up about.

Start by assessing one area of your home at a time, such as a closet or a room, and systematically go through each item. As you handle each item, make a quick decision and place it into one of the designated boxes. The key to success with this method is to be decisive and avoid unnecessary hesitation. Items you decide to keep should be those that you genuinely need, use regularly, or hold sentimental value. Those you no longer require, or haven't used in a while, can be sorted into the donation or discard boxes. This method not only helps you declutter efficiently but also ensures that your items find a new purpose in someone else's life through donation or resale.

The "donate" items should be delivered to a local charity or organization, helping those in need (or sold). The "trash" items should be disposed of responsibly through recycling, composting, or trash removal. Getting rid of the "trash" items quickly with ensure none of those items make it back into the house.

Now for the "maybe" items. After you have put away all of your "keep" items, go through your "maybes" again. You may realize that the space you have left is more important than these items. After going through this box I recommend putting a date on it and storing it for 6 to 12 months. Any items you have not removed from the box to use after the date on the box should be donated, sold, or discarded.

The four-box method simplifies the decluttering process by breaking it down into manageable steps and ensuring that items are not just shuffled around but are dealt with effectively, making your space more organized and functional. I also like that if you have to stop in the middle of decluttering a room you have 4 neat boxes you can set to the side rather than random unmanageable piles that will be in the way until you can tackle them again.

WHAT TO DO AFTER DECLUTTERING?

Alright, let's dive into the magical world of home organization! After decluttering a space it’s time to plan your organization. Find an easy place to start. Whether you need to do your entire house or just one room it can feel overwhelming. If you start with an easy space it can help you get your feet wet and make the transition to the harder spaces easier. Some easy places to start can be small closets, refrigerators, and junk drawers.

A label maker can come in handy. A small simple label maker is perfect for labeling your containers and making storage more efficient, and they look great! You can also use a vinyl-cutting machine if you want to get fancy.

Look at what is left in your space and decide how you want to organize your things. Invest in some storage solutions like bins, baskets, and shelves to give everything a proper place. This is where your labels will come in handy. Don't forget about vertical storage, this can increase your available floor space. Floating shelves are great for displaying knickknacks and decorations.

Another way to get organized is to use digital storage and apps. Storing papers you don't need hard copies of on your computer or external hard drive will keep your paper clutter to a minimum.

Kristen Renee