4 Steps To An Organized Home

Strategies for Organizing

Organizing your home can feel like a daunting task, but with the right strategies, it can be a manageable and even enjoyable process. Even if you have children, struggle with ADHD, or are a naturally messy person, here are some effective tips to help you get started:

1. Declutter Systematically

Organizing without decluttering is like sweeping the sand at high tide: you might feel productive, but end up right back where you started. Decluttering can seem overwhelming, so start small and declutter your living spaces one room at a time (or even one drawer at a time!). This systematic approach allows you to focus on one area without feeling overwhelmed. Sort through items and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Let go of things that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy.

2. Create a “Home” For Everything

Having a container or permanent place (“home”) for your items means things are more likely to be put away, thereby allowing less messes to accumulate. Invest in or use storage solutions you already have on hand to help keep everything contained. Labeled baskets, shelves, and containers can keep similar items together and make finding things easier.

3. Maintain/Manage Your Spaces

By following steps 1 and 2, maintaining your home will be much more manageable. Keep in mind, though, that you will need to be conscious or what you bring in and out of your home. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it's necessary or if it will truly add value to your life. Practice the "one in, one out" rule. If you bring a new item into your space, commit to removing one existing item to maintain balance. Regularly declutter by having a donation box and/or “to sell” box in a place you regularly pass by (such as the garage) to easily place items no longer needed. This not only clears physical space but also relieves mental clutter.

4. Don’t Expect Perfection

Having an organized home is not the same as a mess-free house. The Instagram “worthy” home where people reside is unrealistic. You will have messes every day your home is lived in (especially if you have children or a loved one with ADHD), but an organized home is simply easier to manage and keep tidy.

By adopting these practices and resisting the urge to fill up our spaces with more things, we can create an organized home that can actually feel manageable. With time, managing an organized home will become second nature, promoting a sense of peace in your daily life. And if you become stuck on a step or need someone to help you through the process, enlist the help of a professional organizer who can guide you through it all.