How To Start Organizing Your Home

Today is Why Not Organize Something Wednesday. I’ve received a lot of e-mails from readers about not knowing where to start organizing their homes, so that’s what we’re focusing on today. So, where do you start? What’s bugging you the most? Where does it take you the longest to find what you want? What slows you down in the morning when you’re trying to hurry out of the house? Start there.

First, think about how you want that area to function. If it’s a room, what are you going to be doing in there? If it’s a closet, what needs to be stored in there? If it’s a drawer, what needs to be kept in there because it’s used close by? I would recommend starting small when starting to organize an area. Start with a small closet or a few drawers instead of a whole room. That way you won’t get overwhelmed and just quit.

Then take everything out of the area. By taking everything out you have a clean slate and can look at the area from a different perspective. Maybe the reason why the area’s disorganized is because storage containers weren’t right or shelves were in the wrong place or shelves need to be added.

This is a good time to remove things from the area that don’t belong there, or that need to be thrown out or donated. If something needs to be repaired, do it or pass it onto someone who will. If you haven’t used something within the last year, you’re probably not going too. It’s just taking up valuable space, so get rid of it so you have room for something you will use. Think of the spaces in you home as prime real estate. Make things earn a spot in your home.  Also, while everything’s out of the area, clean the area. Wash the drawers or walls, clean the floor and maybe paint the area with a splash of color.

Before you start putting anything back, take an inventory of the items that will be going there. How do they relate to one another? Is this the best place for an item to be kept?  What kind of containers do you need? Look around your home for containers. You might already have some that can be used. Shoe boxes covered with pretty fabric of scrapbook paper work great because you can coordinate the colors and patterns.

Once you start putting things back use this rule: Put the most used items right in front of you for easy access. The next most used items below or above that and the least used items can be stored out of reach, on a high shelf.

Once it’s organized use labels. Label, label, label everything. You might know where things go, but do the rest of your family? Believe me, labels work. Kids even like the labels, so they’re more likely to use them.

By having things organized you’re going to be able to find what you want faster, thus saving yourself time. To keep things organized you’re going to have to put things back where they go instead of just opening the door and throwing something in. It’s not going to stay organized itself. It does take some effort, but it’s worth it if  you know where something is and don’t have to hunt for it. I’m all for hide-and-seek but not when I’m trying to get out the door in a hurry.

I hope these suggestions have helped. If you have any questions, leave a comment or e-mail me. Send me more Organizing Dilemma’s through comments or e-mail www.organizeyourstuffnow.com and I’ll answer them as soon as possible.

Have a Happy, Organized Day!

Oh, and I’m linking this to Works For Me Wednesday at We Are That Family. Sorry that it’s so late. I forgot to link, because I’m new at this. Go over there and check out other great ideas in blogland.

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