5 Steps to DIY Organizing Like a Professional Organizer

 

Looking at an entire space and deciding how to organize it can be overwhelming for anyone, even a professional! Utilizing small steps is what makes this large task possible. So begin by grabbing a trash bag and a recycling container, and let's get started!

1. REMOVE EASY ITEMS FIRST

Easy items include trash, recycling, boxes, product packaging, bubble wrap, newspapers, paper and plastic bags, etc.

Removing easy items first gives our brains a simple task to focus on as they are easily recognizable, and getting them out of the way gives us a dopamine dose from the immediate visual impact it makes. This feel-good chemical release in our brain gives us the confidence boost to move on to the next step!

2. RETURN OUTSIDE ITEMS TO THEIR PROPER HOMES

Depending on which space you are working in, there will likely be items that do not belong—for example, dishes outside the kitchen.

When you see a dish that needs to go back to the kitchen, look around the space and see if there is anything else that also needs to go back to the kitchen and take it with you as well. Utilizing a laundry basket or box to move items can be helpful.

Important Note: When you return the item to its home, do not worry if you cannot place it exactly where it should go. Organizing will create more items coming out temporarily; it's the nature of sorting through things.

However, if the item does have a home, put it where it belongs so you are not adding work for yourself later on when you get to that space. Your future self will thank you! 😁

Put away what you can and place any other item(s) as close to where they will go for now and return to the area being organized currently. Remember- do not get distracted, and do not leave anything in the basket!

Continue with the next category of items in the space that do not belong, such as clothes. Remove all clothing that goes to the laundry room, look for other things that also go in the laundry room, and take them with you. Return and repeat until there are no longer items that do not belong in the space being organized.

3. SORT

The remaining items should now only be what belongs in the space. Sort like items together, i.e., paperwork in a pile, books in a different stack, and so on. The point of this step is to categorize the things, so you know what you have. This is not the step to clean or declutter yet. However, if there is an item that you know you no longer want, don't hesitate to donate it!

4. DECLUTTER/DONATE

Now that you can see what you have, separate between what you need and what is no longer functional. Hold something once and decide- keep, donate, or toss. Don't take long to consider this- if an item is causing you to take longer, set it aside to come back to. Often we need more confidence before we can let go, which is why we start with the easy stuff!

Questions to ask as you declutter:

  • Does the current version of myself love this item?

  • Would I buy this again today?

  • Have I used this item in the last year?

  • If I needed this item, would I know I owned it?

  • Am I keeping this “just in case”?

  • Could I borrow it or use something else to get the job done?

  • Would it be possible to replace it?

  • Am I keeping this because it was a good deal, or because it cost a lot?

  • Could this item benefit someone else more than myself?

This is also a great time to wipe down the space to be utilized for a fresh start!

5. ORGANIZE & CREATE SYSTEMS

Now that you only have items you love, use and want to keep, we're at the best part in my humble opinion- ORGANIZATION! Organizing means finding a home for each item, so you always know where to look for it and where to return it to. Creating systems to maintain your organization ensures that this hard work lasts. (This is also a great time to clean the area for a fresh start.)

 
 

Organization is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Various factors will determine what kind of organizational style you prefer- do you like to see your items displayed at all times or available behind a closed door or drawer? Do you want a space for each item (detailed) or broader categories (simple organization)? Click the image above to find your organizing style.

Once you know your style, systems can be set up for the organization. Systems can look like containers, baskets, dividers, spinners, furniture, a shelf, a drawer, a cabinet, a closet, quantity limits, etc. I also strongly recommend utilizing labels for your system. Labels work like road maps for the other people in our homes while also giving our tired brains one less thing to think about. Remember that the system items need not be new, matching, or specialty to work. I highly encourage using what you already have at first, and once you know what is working for you, you can upgrade the system if you prefer. The most crucial part is that the system works for you, your family, and how you live so it can be maintained.

Congratulations on organizing your space. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me for assistance!

 
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