Let’s get organized!
Organizing can be overwhelming to a lot of people, especially if there is a lot to organize. I hear quite a lot of people saying, “I don’t even know where to start.” In this post, I am will try to break it down step by step to make the process a little more manageable.
It’s going to get messier before it gets better! Take everything out one by one. As you are taking out each item, truly assess if each item is still needed. Ask yourself a couple of questions before putting the item into a “keep” pile.
Do you need this item?
Does it hold sentimental value? (Try to keep the number of sentimental items to a minimum)
How many of the same item do I actually need?
Does this item need to be updated? (Example: rusty old pair of scissors- need to buy a new pair)
Has this item expired? (Make sure you check all expiration dates – you will be surprised at how fast items expire)
Finally, if you haven’t used this item in a year OR two, chances are – you won’t ever use it again. Get rid of it!
Keep in mind you can separate items into multiple piles:
Keep Pile (Items you are keeping)
Sell Pile (Items you plan on putting into a garage sale, Posh mark, Ebay, Plato’s Closet, etc.)
Donate Pile (Items that you are donating to charity)
Trash Pile (Items you are throwing away)
Sentimental Pile (Items you want to keep, but store elsewhere)
Once you have filtered through the items and are only left with the items that you are keeping in this space, place like items in groups or piles. An example of this would be to gather all the pens in your office drawer together, or in your pantry gather all the cereal boxes together. This will help determine what size containers are needed, as well as where we can place the items.
Take pictures! Taking pictures of how items are grouped will help when going out to buy the containers needed. It will help show you, how many containers of each size and shape are needed as well.
Big thing here! When organizing, you shouldn’t put items back into a dirty space. Be sure to wipe down and clean the counter/cabinet(s)/floor/area that the items will be returning to. When putting the items back, try to keep the labels facing outward so that you can see each item. You are more likely to use an item if you can see it and access it.
Side note – each time you return from the grocery store, make sure you:
Purge your refrigerator of all old leftovers or expired items
Any items that were discarded that need to be replaced, put onto the grocery list
Wipe down the refrigerator before putting new items in
Great job! You have are now a master organizer! Finally, just a little reminder that we are constantly growing and changing. Our tastes and interests are always shifting. Purging each space on a frequent basis will help ensure that the items you have in your home are a true reflection of you and your family. Purging and organizing will help to create a peaceful place you love to be in. Enjoy!
