Pandemic or not, it’s always great to come home to a house that allows you to breathe. A space that is free from clutter and organized where everything is stored where they should be. In theory, we all would love that.
But for some, actually starting and doing the work feels like such a daunting task. Since we know that a major declutter and home organizing can be overwhelming, we’ve come up with simple, doable steps, to help you get started.
Get Inspiration
Don’t start right away. Find inspiration on the web by watching decluttering and organizing videos on Youtube. Tidying Up With Marie Kondo and Get Organized with Home Edit are some Netflix shows that are also great for finding inspo. This also serves as research for your own space.
Many people start right away and then give up halfway through because they get too overwhelmed. By watching other people’s decluttering journeys first, you will see their challenges, mistakes, and wins from which you can learn from and apply to your own journey.
One Section at A Time
You do not have to do everything all at once! We repeat, you do not have to do everything all at once! Take a look at your calendar and schedule the sections you will be working on for specific dates, then create sub-sections. For example, on the day you plan to organize your room, the sub-sections would be your closet, your dresser, your work station, your shelves, and what not. A section may need more than a day, and that’s okay! Rome wasn’t built in a day.
By managing your expectations on time, you are also able to manage your anxiety over the project.
Plan Before You Execute…
… and always start by decluttering! Don’t start organizing a section blindly. Envision what you want for it so that all the steps you will take will lead to the fulfillment of that vision. If you plan to shop for containers and bins, measure your space first so that you buy the right-sized ones at the store. And then start decluttering. Be bold and brave when you do so. When keeping sentimental items, really choose the ones that have value, and toss those that no longer serve your purpose. As Marie Kondo would ask, “Does this item still spark joy?”
Categorize and Contain
You know how when you go to a store or the grocery, you know where to find things because there are categories? You can do that in your home too!
Categorize them from the highest touchpoint (meaning the ones you use often) to the lowest touchpoint. Choose the ideal containers for them too. Acrylic organizers allow you to see everything, turntable containers are perfect for round-bottomed items like cans and bottles, and baskets give the space a charming aesthetic. Again, the previous step helps big time here. Planning things ahead will be a huge help in this area.
Category examples for your dresser can be skincare, make-up, accessories, toiletries. Your pantry categories can be, baking items, coffee and tea, canned goods, packaged food, etc. Label them because a visual label always helps. This is how stores do it, by the way. You see a label, you know where to go.
Sustainable Systems
Hiding the mess doesn’t make your home organized, it will only make it look like it is. Sustainable systems will allow you to keep things organized in the long term. Sure, you’ll continue to declutter every now and then, but the system will keep things consistent. You can even teach your family members to follow the system. If a particular one does not work; you can always change or improve it. You are your own space manager, always go with what works best for you.