Let’s get real:
My house is not perfectly organized.
I have three young kids at home with me all day long, and- like so many of you- I am just doing the best that I can.
That’s the truth.
Which means that my house is sometimes really messy. My husband and I are both currently recovering from mono. Trust me, right now there are toys and laundry everywhere.
But I still make an effort to work towards organization in my home every day.
Why?
Because when every item has a home, and when I have great routines and systems in place that work, then I can spend less time cleaning and searching for things, and more time enjoying my family.
So when I notice that a certain area of our home has gotten a little bit out of control (I’m looking at you, pantry!) I know that I need to dedicate some time to getting it organized so that it won’t steal my time, little by little, in the future.
Here’s how to do it, step by step:
1. Pick a space to organize.
Start small. Think the pantry cabinet instead of the entire middle floor of my house.
2. Take out every single item. Purge like crazy.
This is the most important step. Nothing will make you more organized than having less stuff.
I like to have 3 labeled boxes or bags nearby when I’m organizing, for items that I no longer need:
- Trash
- Donate/Give away
- Sell
3. Group similar items before putting them back.
When you’re left with what you actually want to store in this area, group similar things together before you put them back.
Try to use boxes or baskets that you already have in order to store like items together. (You can always splurge on adorable storage containers later, after you’re sure that you have a system that works.)
Put the things that you use the most in the places that are the easiest to access.
4. Leave empty space
Don’t be afraid to leave extra space in bins, on shelves, and in drawers.
Trying to fit too much into a space will cause it to feel cluttered.
Plus, you’ll inevitably find a few more things to add to this space after you’ve finished organizing.
Give yourself a little wiggle room.
5. Label, as needed.
Labels can be very helpful, but you don’t have to go crazy here.
Don’t spend all your money on fancy labels.
Instead, live with your newly organized space for a few weeks first, and see what works and what doesn’t.
Don’t be afraid to make changes as you go.
6. Teach your family how the new space works
For kids’ spaces, I’ve found that the best way to do this is to clean the area with your kids.
When it gets messy again (which it will!) explain to your kids that you are going to clean up together.
Pick up an item and say, “Do you know where this belongs?” If they don’t know, show them, and have them return the item to its home.
As long as every item really does have a home, they will (eventually!) be able to do this on their own.
I promise.
Really. 😉
So that’s it!
That’s how I reclaim an area once I realize that it’s gotten hopelessly disorganized. I try to go through this process with at least one small area every week. Even if it’s just one drawer or cabinet. Because organizing is always a process.
And it’s worth it. 😉
Happy organizing!
-Laura
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