organizing 101

As many of us remain indoors more-so during winter, we tend to feather our nests with more “stuff” to create a cozy, snug setting. Once spring arrives however, nearly everyone has an inborn desire to clear things out, clean things up and make way for the warm months that follow. With summer just a warm breeze away, perhaps you have done some of your spring evaluating and purging. This may leave you with items you use and love, but may not leave you with an overall order to everything. Now is a great time to get focused and organized.

Organizing is a popular theme today, because it helps us save our valuable time, allows us to easily access what we have, and ensures all similar products are in the same place. This also lends itself to saving money, as duplicate purchases are not made and we use what we have before getting more.

Ask Three Simple Questions…

The basic principles of organizing are similar for many areas of our home and are as relevant for large items as small ones.

Does it cost or contribute?

The first step is confirming that those things you want to organize are items you value and will be used now and in the future. Be diligent when going through your existing possessions. If you have not used it, worn it or looked at it for a year ask yourself if it is really contributing to making your life better or is it costing your time and energy by holding on to it. Be very honest with yourself. What you choose not to keep can be resold, given away or recycled. The process will most likely be time consuming, but will have great rewards, lighten your load and feel very freeing.

Is it in the best location?

Once you have the items that you really want to keep, you are better equipped to deal with how to store them. Look at how each space you live in is used, and store relevant items within that space. Take into account built-ins (cupboards and closets) and free-standing pieces as places to initially use. Locate towels near the bathroom, sheets near the bedrooms, magazines where you read them, photos where you look at them, board games where they are played, stamps and envelopes where bills are paid, keys near the door, remotes near the television and so on. The fewer steps required to gain access to what is needed, the better.

Does it have a home?

Group similar items together and find a “home” for them; some place that they are always stored and retrieved from. There are a multitude of baskets, racks, files and boxes on the market to help contain what you want to organize. By using containers within larger spaces, this enables you to group items very specifically. In a bathroom you would perhaps have small baskets in the vanity for haircare, nailcare, oral hygiene, make-up and shaving supplies etc. It is best to have each “home” with some breathing space, so you do not become frustrated putting things away in a confined area.

Children of any age can grasp these same principles as well and feel a sense of accomplishment when they know where their toys/books/clothes are to be put away. These are skills they will keep with them into adulthood and it fosters responsibility and respect.

Organizing your possessions can clarify what you value and ultimately creates more time to do what you enjoy.