Top 10 Tips for Staying Organized

1. “A place for everything and everything in its place”

If something goes back to the same place every time, it’s easy to avoid a mess. 

​

Example: The kitchen.  Those cupboards and drawers are there for storage!  Keep items on the counters at a minimum – even if you are using something frequently.

6. Hangers.

Streamlining hangers makes a space look tended to and neat.

Example: Place wooden hangers in front hall closet, plastic hangers in laundry area, and felt hangers in bedroom closets.

2. Get into a routine.

Reset a room when you’re done using it. Make a habit and it will become 2nd nature.

​

Example: After-dinner activities.  If you’re in the family room and playing games, watching a movie with snacks/drinks, etc. on a cold night with blankets for everyone, pick everything up before you go to bed.  Or if you’re just too tired, do it first thing in the morning.

7.  Paperwork.

Daily mail, school forms, papers that need your attention should have a specific home for you to go through.  

​

Example: Bills, to do lists, school forms should be placed on a desk to be dealt with that day/week.   A good filing system is important to have in this area.

3. Purge.

If spaces in your home are getting too crowded, it’s time to clear out.

Example: If your t-shirt drawer is overflowing, keep the best and donate the rest.  If you purchase 2 new pairs of shoes and there’s not enough room for them, discard of 2 pairs of old shoes.  

8. Roll your clothes.

I fought this one for a while and now I have everyone in my family hooked!

​

Example:  All dresser drawers should have all clothing rolled.  This way you can see exactly what you own, and you have more space.

4. Annual sweep.

Once a year, go through home room by room, and do an assessment.​

​

Example: Go through all closets, cabinets, drawers, etc. and discard, donate, and reorganize.   Update password lists.  Organize basement & garage

9. Avoid Duplicates.

Most of us don’t have enough room in our homes to store additional items. Especially when buying in bulk.

​

Example: Determine a place in your home (garage, basement), where you keep back-up items.  This is where you can store the bulk paper towels, as well as additional pasta, sauce, laundry detergent, etc.

5. Adult children.

If your kids aren’t living at home anymore, neither should their belongings!

​

Example: Create a “special bin” for each child and put special memories, keepsakes, etc. in for safekeeping.   When they come home to visit, have them go through their bedrooms and decide what they’d like to keep. 

10. Bins.

Bins of all shapes, sizes, and materials are a huge help to anyone who is trying to get more organized.

​

Example: Pantries and closets can become black holes if we’re not careful.  Utilize bins to coordinate like-items and this will encourage you to put something back where you found it.