12 Secrets Personal Organizers Would Never Tell You for Free
Are you sick and tired of drowning in clutter while struggling to manage your life? If you envision a perfectly organized home where all items are in place, then look no further! In this ultimate guide, I will uncover some of the best professional organizer tips for free to turn disorder into order and tranquility. Since these range from decluttering and sorting to optimizing storage and building effective systems, you will become a personal organizer in no time.
So whether you prefer coffee, tea or juice – have a cup while making notes and let’s get started!
1. Sort and Categorize Everything
The first step to personal organizing is sorting and categorization. This process makes you come to the understanding of what is actually yours and allows you to make informed decisions on keeping or discarding. As you go through each item, create five distinct piles: transfer into another space, give away to charity, or someone individual, throw in a trashcan and the "marinating” pile.
The concept of the “marinating pile” was introduced by personal organizers. Put all the things from this pile in a box and write a date which is between 6 months to one year later. If you haven’t unpacked the box yet, that is too clear a sign to discard those items. (Check out these 5 effective steps for decluttering and organizing.)
2. Establish Clear Rules for What to Keep and Discard
To make your organizing project go faster and avoid decision fatigue, it's crucial to establish clear rules for what you're keeping and what you're discarding. In your closet, for example, you can decide to give away any clothing that's not between a specific size range, stained, or in need of repair. Similarly, with periodicals, you can choose not to keep anything that's more than a year old. These rules provide a framework for decision-making and streamline the sorting process. 3. Avoid Lids on Containers
When it comes to choosing containers for organizing, I would recommend avoiding lids whenever possible. Lids on laundry baskets, bins, and other containers can make it harder to put things away and lead to a lack of organization. Instead, opt for clear sweater boxes. Not only do they hold sweaters in your closet, but they're also perfect for storing various items such as beans, rice, pasta, Legos, and trade show collectibles. These versatile boxes can fit on almost any shelf in your home and hold most of the stuff you need to organize.
4. Don’t Tidy Up by Making More Storage; Instead, Remove Clutter.
The tendency people have when trying to organize is going out and buying baskets, containers as well as hooks without having gone through their belongings. The idea is to eliminate the clutter, not provide additional storage areas. Don’t clutter your life with new containers. Instead, find what you really need to use and let go of everything else! Make your life simpler first by having a clear out, and then look at spending money on suitable storage solutions.
5. Tackle the Paper Problem
A number of people have a very big problem with their paper-related clutter. However much the notion of a paperless world is championed, most people are reluctant to discard paper. But, I always stress the need for de-cluttering oneself of paper each day. From magazines, catalogs to mail receipts and any other paper materials you need to check their relevance constantly and throw away what is unnecessary. If you need help with decluttering your office here are 5 simple tips to declutter your office space.
6. Let Go of Sentimental Items
Do you still have these sentimental goods that no longer fit in your place? One of the professional organizer tips from me is to understand that it’s the memory you value rather than a material possession. Photograph the artifact and give it away to someone who will enjoy its presence in a visible place. By displaying your favorite tokens rather than stuffing them away, you can appreciate the presence of these objects as well as declutter your space.
7. Consider Donating Rather Than Selling
Though selling items over the Internet may appear to be an enticing opportunity, personal organizers are against it unless you sell online on a regular basis or urgently need money. For this reason, focus on efficient decluttering through donations. By giving away your belongings, you don’t have to linger on the organizing process but can enjoy helping others. However, the ultimate goal is not to become a seller but only to declutter your place.
8. Keep Flat Surfaces Clutter-Free
Flat surfaces; for example, countertops and desks easily attract clutter. To avoid this, I would recommend introducing measures aimed at keeping these surfaces uncluttered. For instance, if the dining table is usually littered with junk, clear it; place a beautiful flower arrangement in the center and place it with settings. This simple measure can discourage you from dumping garbage on the surface.
9. Use Your Car as a Storage Solution
In order to keep the home in an organized state, it is necessary to have spaces where things that should be moved or returned are stored. Personal organizers advise you to store these items in your car. An organized car requires a clear folder with coupons, uses an errand basket for items to be returned and bases its strategies on the use of crates as storage spaces for kids’ toys and emergency supplies. Moreover, a car trash bin can go some way in keeping your car tidy and organized.
10. Put Everything on Your Calendar
To ensure that important tasks and activities don't fall through the cracks, personal organizers advise putting everything on your calendar. This includes not only appointments and deadlines but also everyday activities like errands, exercise, and cleaning. Prioritize the things that are most important to you and make sure they are included in your schedule. By doing so, you can stay organized and focused on your goals.
11. Don't Procrastinate
Procrastination is the enemy of organization. I always stress the importance of tackling tasks promptly and not postponing small tasks that only take a few minutes to complete. By addressing things immediately, such as opening mail right away, doing dishes after use, and putting things away when finished, you can prevent clutter from piling up and save yourself hours of organizing in the long run.
12. Say Goodbye to Storage Units
If you have a storage unit, please reconsider its necessity. Often, the cost of renting a storage unit, along with the expenses of moving and maintaining it, outweighs the value of the items stored inside. Rather than holding on to items you don't use, consider selling, donating, or repurposing them.
And There You Have It!
Congratulations! You've unlocked the secrets to becoming a personal organizing pro. By following these professional organizer tips, you can transform your home into a well-organized and clutter-free sanctuary. Remember, organizing is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Stay committed to decluttering regularly, establishing effective systems, and maintaining order. With a little effort and dedication, you can enjoy the peace and serenity that comes with a well-organized space.
So, what are you waiting for? Put these tips into action and start your personal organizing journey today. And remember, if you ever need additional assistance, you can always turn to Kim's Organizing Solutions for expert guidance and support. Happy organizing!
