Organizing Tips
At this writing, an online search for ‘organizing tips’ revealed 287 million results—no wonder people feel overwhelmed when it comes to home organization! At Strickland’s Home, we know how to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of organization, no matter what area you’re organizing or how much space you have.
Here are 9 simple tips that work for any space in need of an organizational system:
1. Visualize the end result. Instead beginning with the intent to conquer clutter, obliterate a certain number of objects or perform the perfect purge, start with a kinder, gentler objective. Spend some time envisioning the lifestyle you desire. What are the goals you have for the space? Will you use it to relax, to entertain, or both? Once you’ve established a clear vision for how you want your space to look, feel and function, the rest will follow.
2. Look for wasted space. Often, people don’t need more space; they just need to use their existing space more efficiently. Think creatively about all of the space in your home. Skyscrapers dot big city skylines because densely populated areas build “up” to maximize space; you can do the same by taking shelving to the ceiling in areas where you need lots of storage. Add storage under upper cabinets. Create pull-outs in corners and deep drawers. Nooks, crannies and odd-shaped spaces can also be valuable real estate for smart storage solutions.
3. Put like things together. It’s difficult to get organized if the things you use don’t live together. Imagine, for example, trying to pay a bill if the invoice is in your car’s glove compartment, your checkbook is in the desk drawer of your home office, and the stamps are in the kitchen. You’d spend a good fifteen minutes running from the garage to the office to the kitchen! Based on their function, divide your objects into ‘families’ and create ‘homes’ for them where they can all live together.
4. Make it accessible. Be sure you can easily get to the things you frequently use. If you have to climb a step ladder every time you need the laundry detergent, chances are you’ll do the laundry less often. When items are visible and easy to reach, you’re more apt to use them.
5. Divide and conquer. Shelf and drawer dividers are a genius way to cheat more space in your closet or cabinetry. We have plenty of options like our stacking jewelry trays that double the usable space in a drawer.
6. Simply simplify. Often the most elegant solutions are the simplest ones: hang coats and bags on hooks; use belt, tie and scarf racks for accessories; and tidy up your tools by placing them on magnetic bars.
7. Think like a chameleon. Your needs and your environment will change over time. Make sure your storage systems can evolve and adapt with them. Adjustable racks and shelves may cost a little more initially, but they pay off long-term.
8. Work with a professional. Because our designers have years of training and experience, they can see possibilities you wouldn’t even think to consider. By collaborating with someone who can offer a professional, objective, third-party perspective, you’re guaranteed a better organizational system that if you go it alone.
9. Do it now. Ask anybody who is a natural at organizing their schedule, their office or their closet, and they’ll tell you the Golden Rule is “Don’t put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.” After using something, put it away—right away. And, if you can do it now, don’t add it to your To Do list. It will take less than a minute to schedule an appointment with us now. We look forward to helping you change the way you think about organization.
For more organization tips, visit our blog and the ORG Home website.