Organization brings peace of mind.

When my living space is clean and organized, I feel more focused and productive. Interestingly, my husband, who is less inclined towards organization, echoes the same sentiment – he enjoys being in a tidy home. It truly clears his mind!

While organizing comes naturally to me, I recognize that many are seeking effective solutions for organizing their homes and maintaining that order. I took some time to outline the steps I regularly follow when organizing a space, and I’ve discovered it’s a consistent process regardless of the task at hand. Whether tackling a small drawer, a large closet, or an entire room, these steps yield the best results.

If you’re ready to begin your organization journey, start small—choose a drawer or a tiny closet. Follow these steps, and before you know it, you might feel inspired to take on larger projects! Let’s dive in!

1. Take Everything Out

This may seem tedious, but it truly sets the stage for success. Emptying the space completely allows for a fresh start and makes the reorganization process significantly easier.

Completely clear the area.

If you’re organizing a drawer or closet, make sure to remove every item. If you’re tackling a larger room, aim to clear as much as possible. Once the space is empty, move on to the cleaning phase.

2. Clean All Surfaces and Areas

After removing everything, it’s essential to clean every surface thoroughly. Wipe down shelves with a multi-surface cleaner for a fresh start.

For stubborn stains on shelves, a magic eraser works wonders—just be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first!

Ensure the entire area is well-cleaned.

Once you finish this step, the fun part begins!

3. Separate Like Items into Groups

Now it’s time to group similar items together. Organize items into logical categories that suit your needs and usage.

For example, in a playroom, you can group similar toys together. In a pantry, sort items into categories like baking supplies, canned goods, grains, etc. This is also the perfect time to create piles for broken, unusable items and for items you no longer need.

4. Get Rid of Stuff!

This is one of the most crucial steps!

If skipped, all your hard work could be undone. You must be ruthless in this phase! If you don’t purge effectively, the area you’re organizing will quickly become cluttered again.

If it’s broken, toss it.
If it doesn’t work, toss it.
If it’s expired, please dispose of it!
Donate any usable items that you no longer require.

Consider donating things your children have outgrown. If you’re cleaning your wardrobe, donate anything unworn for a year (unless it’s an occasional fancy outfit). Dispose of your trash pile and drop off donations at Goodwill or any organization that can put them to good use.

5. Place Items Together in Containers

I’m a huge fan of baskets!

They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials; I love them all! Baskets simplify cleanup and are perfect for maintaining order.

We have baskets for shoes, toys, remotes, toiletries, pantry items, and more. The kids understand where everything belongs, making it easy for them to find what they need.

Here’s a tip: let the basket or container dictate how many items you keep. If a basket overflows, don’t upgrade to a larger one. Only keep items that comfortably fit within the container.

Label the baskets or containers for easy identification. It’s a great way to maintain organization!

6. Put Everything Back

The final step is at hand!

You’re nearly there! As you return items to their designated spaces, remember to organize them based on frequency of use.

Items you use often should be easily accessible, while those you use infrequently can be stored higher up. Feel free to experiment with arrangements initially and adjust over time based on what works best.

FAQs

1. What is the first step in organizing a space?

The first step is to take everything out of the space to start fresh.

2. How do I decide what to keep and what to throw away?

If an item is broken, expired, or not used in a year, it’s best to toss it. Consider donating items that are still in good condition.

3. Is it helpful to use containers for organization?

Yes! Baskets and containers help keep items in designated areas and make cleanup easier.

4. How can I effectively group items?

Group items into categories that make sense for their use, like toys in a playroom or baking supplies in a pantry.

5. What should I do if I feel overwhelmed while organizing?

Start small! Focus on one drawer or shelf at a time, and gradually work your way up to larger areas.