I understand that many people have experienced what I am about to describe, as I have myself.
Picture this: you are shopping at Target, searching for a child's swimsuit, when you decide to grab some groceries while you're there. As you wander through the store, you pass the Hearth & Hand and Threshold sections and spot an adorable wicker basket that perfectly matches your home decor.
You bring the basket home with excitement, hoping to find a good use for it. However, you quickly realize that it doesn't quite fit in your space, and you struggle to find a suitable purpose for it. It's too tiny for blankets, too deep for books, too awkward for board games, too big for magazines, and even stuffed animals don't fit correctly. After attempting to use it in various rooms, you eventually move the basket to the guest bedroom, where it becomes a place for forgotten items.
Organizing Products Are Helpful, But...
While purchasing products is undoubtedly helpful, more is needed to create long-lasting organizing systems. To truly get organized, you must go beyond buying cute products. Here are four steps to ensure that the products you choose will lead to long-term success in staying organized.
1. Determine the purpose of your space
If you're feeling stressed out by a disorganized and overwhelming room in your home, there's a simple solution: give the space an intentional theme and evaluate what you want to keep and what can be removed. By considering the room's primary function and your daily routines and habits, you can confidently decide which items to keep and which to get rid of.
For instance, when organizing a pantry, you should consider whether household utilities and tools belong in the same space or if they would be better off stored elsewhere, such as in the garage or laundry room. By taking a confident approach to organization, you'll be able to create a more cohesive and stress-free home.
2. Sort through your belongings & categorize like-items together
It's essential to thoroughly review the items in the room and simplify your current inventory. Take the time to determine what is truly necessary to keep in the space and what can be removed. Additionally, consider if there are any items from other areas in the house that would be better suited in this room.
For example, when you're sorting a playroom, search for paints and paintbrushes in that area and other places like the pantry or TV cabinets. Bringing all similar items together will assist you in keeping track of what you possess. You'll also come across duplicates or find things you previously forgot about.
3. Declutter
Organizing involves clearing out clutter, which can feel like a daunting task. But by letting go of things that no longer serve a purpose or bring joy, you'll free up space for what truly matters. Additionally, having fewer items makes the organizing process easier.
If you struggle with decluttering, consider asking yourself the following questions to decide if an item should be kept in your space:
Do you genuinely love it?
Is there enough room for it?
How frequently do you use it?
When was the last time you used it?
Will you use it again?
Where should it be stored?
Could someone else benefit from it more?
Would you rebuy it?
And, most importantly, why are you keeping it?
Our decluttering checklist is the ultimate resource for those fully committed to achieving long-term organizational success and determined to declutter their home. Our checklist is expertly arranged by room and provides a comprehensive list of over 100 household items that can be decluttered.
4. Take inventory and measure
Accurate measurements are crucial for finding the best organizing products for your space. After decluttering, note how many items you have in each category. For instance, if you have six blankets that you want to store in your TV room, measure them to determine the fitting basket size.
When measuring for drawers and cabinets, make sure to take into account the length, width, and height. If you have adjustable shelving in your cupboards, pantry, or cabinets, we HIGHLY recommend you space them out to match your individual storage needs.
Organizing Is Ongoing
It's important to realize that staying organized requires consistent effort, but it can be made much easier with the right tools. Investing time and research into finding products that meet your unique needs and align with your organizational goals is a worthwhile endeavor. By doing so, you can maintain a clean and tidy space with confidence.