How to Organize Your Home

Practice Patience- This clutter didn’t happen overnight and it won’t go away overnight! Give yourself some time to go through things at a slow and steady pase. Be realistic and make sure to break down projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Each step success will boost your confidence and gain the motivation you need to keep you going.

How Do You Want to Live-What is important to you? What do you want from your home, the mood, the energy? After you answer these questions answered you can start looking at your stuff and get organized by asking each item “Does this thing move me closer or further away from the life I want?”

Make Tough Decisions-too much “stuff” in too small of a space can never to organized, so….  The less you have the less you have to maintain.”  That means that both trash and treasure have to go! Think hard about your real needs and habits as you go about the purging process.

Keep it Simple-De-clutter things such as stylish storage pieces and fancy display items; such as decanters and kitchen utensils holders. Take into account ergonomics when you are planning your kitchen set up. Keep glasses next to the refrigerator, knives near your prepping area, etc.  This is true for your office as well.

Perfect Your Pantry-An untidy kitchen is more than unattractive it’s unappetizing.  So first, throw out all expired foods, then group and store boxes, cans and other like items together.  You can use labeled baskets and clear canisters for things like cereal, cookies and other packaged items.

Use It or Lose It-Not sure what you use and don’t use in your kitchen, office or closet? Try this one month cardboard box test. Empty out the contents of your room you hardly use into a box. Put items back in if they are used throughout the month. At the end of the month seriously consider discarding everything that is still in the box.  If it’s still in the box after four weeks – you don’t need it!

Master the Master-A mess in your bedroom can actually mess with your head! Really…. A cluttered space often translates to a clutter mind and can profoundly affect a person’s ability to relax, unwind and sleep. Aim to keep bedrooms as clean, organized and as clutter free as possible, even the rest of the house is less than perfect.  If nothing else, commit to making your bed each morning. It takes 3 minutes, and you’ll start the day feeling fresh and organized.

Get Rid of the Fluff-Just say no to mountains of plus throws cushions.  They may be pretty, but there’s nothing worse than having to spend precious time putting all those pillows on your bed each morning when you make it only to then take them off again each night.  Essentially it’s all about streamlining surfaces. So also add night tables with drawers and shelves to hide books and other personal items, and consider opting for wall mounted sconces over space-taking table lamps.

Rotate Seasonal Wear-Each summer, move mid-winter clothing to a side closet or a soft under-bed storage tote.  In the winter, do the same with the summer apparel. I’m talking true mid-season apparel, like bikinis, sandals, snow boots and down jackets.

Easy Access is Easy Clean up-Make sure shelves are low enough to allow kids to take toys out and put them back without help, and line up books in size order at the edge of the shelf. This make your child’s (or your) book collection look tidy and inviting.  Stash small items in clear plastic drawers or containers, and label.

Set Your Self Time Limits-Timing your task is an excellent way to get things done! After all, there’s nothing even die-hard procrastinators can’t stomach for a few short minutes. Plus, once you get started you’ll most likely find yourself inspired to keep going.  Time limits are especially important for kids. Parents should keep tasks to no more than half hour at a time, and only assign projects that can be completed from start to finish. Otherwise it’s not gratifying for anyone. Make it fun by setting the timer and racing to see who can do the most.