Organize Your Home for Good

BY KENDRA GEMMA

If you’re like most people in the U.S., you have more stuff than you know what to do with. In fact, the National Association of Professional Organizers found that 80% of the items we own never get used.

That means that unless you live in a sprawling mansion, you probably have a lot of clutter. Clearing it out can be overwhelming, especially without expert guidance.

“People think they need to have a gene or that if they don’t know how to do it, they’ll never learn,” said local professional organizer Ruth Preisser, owner of Organizing with Clarity. “We don’t even get started because we think we can’t do this.”

Organizing doesn’t require anything but a decision that you’re ready to let go of some items and to create new systems to organize what’s left.

Many people also believe they have to complete their organizational projects all at once, which can feel incapacitating, and that they worry that it will cost a lot of money. Neither of these concerns is valid.

You can break down the process into smaller segments of time and take breaks. Reusing storage products, like baskets and bins, that you might already have in your home, instead of buying all new organizational items will save you money.

Of course, you may want or need to purchase additional products, but you can often find inexpensive options at discount stores or even at garage sales.

When Preisser first meets a client, she looks to discover what type of organizer the client is. She separates people into two categories: those who like to see their things and those who prefer to hide them. That helps her determine what methods and products to use.

Figuring out your category is fairly simple. If you’re drawn to pretty boxes and labeled bins, you’re a visual organizer. If cabinets and drawers are your friends, you like to stow things away.

Armed with this self-knowledge, you can begin to tackle your home’s problem areas. Not sure where to start? The rooms that usually need the most organizational help are kitchens and closets. The garage, or any space that has become a “dumping ground,” is another good option.

If you decide to rearrange your pantry, Preisser offered specific advice. First, empty everything out. Then, look at labels and expiration dates. You’ll probably find things you didn’t realize you had, as well as items that should be tossed. Next, classify the items you’re keeping into categories, like baking ingredients, spices, and paper products. Identify where you want to store the items. Ask yourself questions like “Do I want to put snacks on the top shelf or where they are accessible?”

“The trick is to put everything back in a way that it will stay organized,” Preisser said. That might mean using bins or containers to corral like items together.

When you’re ready to reorganize one room or the entire house, recruit a friend or family member or hire a professional to help you. This will keep you accountable and guide your decisions, especially if there are sentimental items involved.

Remember to give yourself grace and time as you sort and arrange your things, and you’ll have an organized home that will serve you well for years to come.