Marie Kondo has inspired those near and far to give up what does not “spark joy.” You’ve watched the hit show on Netflix, you admitted you have too much, and you are inspired, but where is Marie Kondo when you need her IRL? We’ve talked to local organizers for real-life tips and ideas to get your home in tip-top organized shape- and keep it that way.
Benefits of an Organized Home
What’s with the craze to be organized? There are more benefits than meet the eye. Think about: mornings are nuts. Coffee in hand, throwing breakfast at the kids, and getting all you need for work ready before you head out the door- but wait, where are those papers you signed and need to take in? Who knows with this cluttered mess. Simplifying what you have helps to give you peace of mind, body, and, spirit.
Lisa Greene Smith of Simplify Studios says, “Having a curated, clean and organized home has many benefits to one’s overall health and well-being. Starting the day with the ability to easily make decisions, rather than searching through chaos to find things, starts the day on a calm and positive note.”
Make a Plan
We all know the time old tale of “I’ll do that tomorrow. I’ll start that tomorrow.” Well, tomorrow starts today. The only way to ensure something gets done within your busy schedule is to make it a prioroty.
Sarah Rodgers of Your Life Well Organized suggests, “Schedule your project and block your calendar (at least 2 hours for a small project). Double your estimate to complete, thorough organizing often takes longer than you think. Better to finish early, feeling positive about the experience rather than frustrated.“
Celebrate Small Victories
If you are in the thick of organizing and just feel like you can’t go on or you aren’t doing it right then rethink your plan. Brittany Amann of Perfect Fit Organizing suggests, “The best way to start is by eliminating anything in your home you no longer use, need, or want. There’s no point in organizing things you don’t need to keep in the first place. The pantry is an easy place to begin, since eliminating food doesn’t involve an emotional decision and most items have a defined expiration date.” By starting somewhere easy like the pantry, it will give you the boost in confidence to keep going.
Love it or Lose It
Or in the words of Kondo, “Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest.” Bethany Mann of NEAT Method suggests, “Take regular inventory of the things you own. Whether it is your collection of bags or serving platters, we should love everything we own and be willing to give up the stuff we don’t. Make sure that the valuable real estate in your cabinets and closets is only outfitted with your favorite pieces and nothing more. “
Don’t forget to Label
The art of organizing what you’ve organized is another key step. “Labeling really takes your organization to the next level. It helps make your “behind the scenes” as beautiful as your perfectly styled home and will ensure that anyone in your home will know where to find everything as well as where to put it away,” explains Mann.
Maintenance
“Staying organized requires maintenance,” Lisa Greene Smith of Simplify Studios says. “On a regular basis, and at least two times per year, go through and reevaluate belongings and reset your home. Most importantly, the fewer items you own the easier it will be to keep your home organized. If the only items in your home are ones that are loved and used frequently, it will be easier to maintain organizational systems. Be ruthless with the one item in and one out rule – keep a basket in a closet or garage to collect things that are no longer needed or loved. Decluttering is a continual process!“
Get Your Family Involved
Sometimes our family just isn’t as committed to organizing as us. This can be frustrating and leave us feeling like all of our hard work has gone to waste. Rodgers suggests explaining things may help the maintenance go smoother. “If you organized a space that is accessed by others, take a few minutes to walk the individual(s) through the area, showing them where to find (and put away) everything. This will go a long way toward maintaining the area.”
Still feeling overwhelmed? Call in the professionals. Professional organizers help to take the guesswork out of organizing. They know exactly where to start, what should go where, and they pass on their invaluable knowledge to you. They work with you to understand your goals and create a space that is organized in the best way possible for you.
Featured Professional Organizers:
Sarah Rodgers- Your Life Well Organized
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Lisa Greene Smith- Simplify Studio
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Brittany Amann- Perfect Fit Organizing
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Bethany Mann- NEAT Method
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