The Perfect Organizational System: Maintenance is Key

“I can get organized, but I can’t keep it that way. It isn’t working”

I hear this so often from my clients before we work together. They feel that they work so hard to create their perfect organizational systems that they think will work wonderfully, then it falls apart soon after. It’s very discouraging.

Sound familiar?

Let’s fix that.

This is part 1 of a 3-part series that I’m writing on maintaining organization in your home.

My favorite organizational tips and tricks

Here are my favorite “rules” that I try to follow in my head in order to maintain the organization that I already put in place.

• Put things where you naturally need or use them. Place coat hooks over the door or at a reachable height for kids. Laundry basket goes where you take off your clothes (bathroom, bedroom, or closet).
• Make it the least amount of steps possible to put away. 1 step is onto a hook. 2 steps is open the coat closet then hang it on a hanger. 3 steps would be to open the coat closet, open a drawer, then put it in a closed box inside the drawer. Frequently used items need to be in one step or less.
• Surfaces are either for workspace or decoration. Workspaces such as a counter, desk, or table should be kept clear except when a project is actively happening there. When the project isn’t being worked on, it should go in a place away from your workspace. I know some of you think you’ll forget to do it then…this leads to the next tip.
• Use a to-do list and reminders on your phone instead of a physical reminder. If we use too many physical reminders, there is clutter everywhere. Instead, a project can be stored away so you don’t feel guilt every time you see it. Then put that project on your to-do list with only the next step you need to do whether that be consult someone, make that phone call, go online, or another action.
• Plan ahead by setting a big project on a surface that isn’t a frequently used workspace. You might need spread something out on a folding table or in a spare room but try to avoid the dining table or kitchen counter.
• Don’t put it down, put it away. I use the rule of “if it takes 2 minutes or less, do it now.” Go through the mail as soon as it comes in the house, dispose of junk mail, open all the bills, and get the important things to my desk.
• Decide enough stock for your house. Figure out what your pantry and closets can hold that is reasonable without overflowing or running out. Is it 2 tubes of toothpaste? 2 pairs of tennis shoes? How often do you go to the store?
• Stop subscriptions (magazines, crafts, makeup etc) if you have 2-3 months of boxes or magazines you haven’t opened. You can cancel or put them on hold.
• Use shopping lists that the whole family adds to. Stick to the list when shopping so you aren’t guessing and then overbuy.
• Items need to have a home before purchased. Where is that really cool furniture going to go? Where are all the snacks that are on an amazing sale going to go? I love a good deal, but it has to have a destination or it becomes clutter.
• One in-one out rule. If I buy 1 pair of pants, then 1 needs to go. If I buy a new chair, the previous needs to go. If you have an overwhelming amount of stuff, this could be modified to be 1 in-3 out.
• Remember the good enough principle. Don’t be a perfectionist. Allow things to be in their place, but not so neat that too much time is spent getting it there. The key to organization is to find something fast. (The perfect organizational system doesn’t exist. It will be ever evolving) Don’t spend 8 hours on your linen closet that no one but you sees.

This is part 1 so I’ll link part 2 and part 3 as soon as they are published.

I’m here for you if you have any questions on any of these tips. The next parts will discuss getting your family on board and resetting your space.

Are you ready to get your space or schedule organized? Let me know how I can help you get to a more Peaceful Place.