Tips + Tricks for getting (and staying) organized this Spring.

Spring is just around the corner, and many people are probably starting to feel that familiar itch… time to finally tackle that clutter! With shows like “Get Organized” and “Tidying Up” growing in popularity, it’s easy to be inspired…. And just as easy to get overwhelmed. Below are my top 5 tips for whipping that closet into shape.

*disclaimer; I’ve learned many of these tips from popular accounts (like The Home Edit) – this is just the tip of the iceberg. I’ll include some more resources down below!

1.      Cut out the clutter

The first step is both the easiest to start and the hardest to finish… the purge. Before you try to organize your items, you’ve got to edit what you have! I usually start by removing everything from the area and laying it somewhere with space to spread out (pro tip: find somewhere that won’t interfere with your life if you don’t finish in one day)

Start with 3 piles: keep it, maybe, and let go (this can mean donate, trash, or sell). 

A few starter rules that work for me when sorting:

• Toss anything that is damaged or expired (look up those makeup expiration dates!)

• Clear out non-sentimental items that haven’t been used in recent memory. Bought a blazer for that one interview 3 years ago? Been waiting for those pants from college to fit again? Probably time to donate.

• Look at repeat items and consider if all are necessary. Do you use all those different shampoos? Do you wear all 3 of those gray t-shirts?

• Start with keeps/let-gos, these are usually easier. Once you’ve done that, take another look at the maybes and re-evaluate based on the rules you used with the others. For example, if you’ve already decided to keep 2 blue sweaters, the 3rd one sitting in the maybe pile might be easier to let go!

2.      Create a system

Once you’ve thinned the herd, it should be easier to create clear and intuitive categories for your items. If you are sorting clothes, this could be by color, by season, by style, or even a combination.  (for example, I have my clothes hung by category, then by color). This system should align with your routine; whatever is easiest for you to remember and stick to is best.

3.      Divide and conquer (your drawers)

Finally, we get to put everything back! One of the best and most important tips I’ve learned is to divide your space. Shelves, drawers, hanging rods…. Wherever you can add a bin, a divider, a compartment; do it. You’ll be surprised what you can fit when you group and sort your drawers with a few simple dividers – a jumble of shirts becomes a structured system that keeps its shape, is easy to navigate, and is easier to keep in place.

4.      Keep everything visible

In a good system, items should be easy to find, use, and replace. Using clear bins, turntables and shelf dividers are just a few ways to keep everything at the forefront of your space - and off your mind! When items are out of the boxes you can see what you have. You avoid buying duplicate items and can easily take stock of what you actually need. When the kids ask “are there any more chips?” You can happily say “look in the bin labeled chips!”  This strategy saves time, money, and (let’s be honest) sanity.

5.      Stick to the plan

This last tip is as simple (and difficult) as it sounds. You’ve done the work to edit your items, you’ve created a system that is easy to understand and simple to maintain. Now, all you have to do is use it. Put things back where they go, keep your dividers… divided… and enjoy the benefits of what a clean and simple space can do for you!

Need help getting started? Don’t want to do it alone? We can help!

Some additional tips tricks + resources:

• The Home Edit (https://www.instagram.com/thehomeedit/)

• HGTV (https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/quick-tips-for-home-organization)

• Marie Kondo (https://konmari.com/about-the-konmari-method/)

• The Container Store (https://www.containerstore.com/organization-projects/all/tip)