Don’t Be Spooked by These Disorganization Mistakes!
It’s a festive time of year with Halloween right around the corner. No need to feel spooked, though, when it comes to figuring out home organization. We want you to clear the cobwebs, attack the disorganization and prepare for the peace and calm you deserve before the holiday season sets in. Here are a few problems and solutions to consider:
Problem: There’s Too Much Stuff. Let’s face it, we are creatures of consumption and habit; it’s far easier to purchase things we don’t need than it is to what we can truly use (and need!) in our homes. The result of our impulsive purchases can be a chaotic, cluttered home. Like a Halloween pail full of too much candy, we rarely consume everything and wind up throwing much out. It’s no different than the way we accumulate unnecessary objects – clothes, knickknacks, and other non-essentials.
Solution: Declutter and Donate. This approach takes determination and a get-busy attitude, but look hard at the objects that are cluttering your space. Designate a day or a week for sorting and decluttering. Make a list of what is used and what isn’t. Separate into piles of what you actually need/use and what you rarely use. If something has little to no value to you, it’s time to donate it or give it away. This is one of the most mentally freeing acts you can do towards resolving clutter. And for the items you use often, but don’t have a proper home, skip to the next step.
Problem: You Can’t Find it When You Need it. How many times have you needed something – a particular cleaning tool, a favorite pair of shoes, or an important document? It’s easy to just let our belongings grow in piles around our house. If you’ve truly taken a hard look at the essentials and paired down from the non-essentials, the next step is finding an organization system that works for you. Give your home a clean sweep and put items where they belong.
Solution: Logically organize in a system where items are easy to access. Decide which items you use most frequently and then choose an organization system that fits those items. For example, having cleaning supplies handy is important and there are ways to achieve this. Place them at eye level and in a frequented storage space so you have quick access. Don’t forget to return the supply/item/object to its designated location. Once you develop this pattern of using and returning items, the organization mindset gets easier.
Problem: Mistaking Clean Areas with Organized Areas. Sometimes we trick ourselves into thinking that because we’ve cleaned our homes, this also takes care of organization. There’s a big difference between clean and decluttered. How many times have you cleaned and literally shoved stacks of papers, objects, or random items into closets and under beds? These choices come back to haunt you in the long run! It’s nice to have a clean space, but if you know what’s behind the clean (more clutter), you still have work to do.
Solution: Understand the difference between cleaning, organization, and decluttering. They are not the same thing. A good first step is to declutter and conquer the mess. This may result in creating a what goes/what stays pile that you will next decide further how to organize. For example, important papers, mail, and office supplies need to be separated and located in easy-to-find spots in your office space. Meanwhile, old sticky notes, pens that don’t always work, and last year’s calendar should be thrown away.
Problem: You Don’t Know How to Organize. When faced with the task of clearing clutter and figuring out how to organize, it can be an overwhelming feat. Many of us have attempted and failed to keep up with the daily barrage of our own belongings. We want our homes to feel comfortable, yet too often they become a place where our things get caught in a web of disarray. What’s worse, we talk ourselves into the notion that we have no idea how to begin such a large task as getting organized once and for all.
Solution: If you’re overwhelmed at the very thought of organizing, we are here to help, every step of the way. We have a number of wonderful quick tips for organization. Most importantly, you don’t have to feel alone in the monumental task of organizing and tidying up your space!
At The Closet Works, our team of professionals can assess and assist you to find the right solution for your organizational needs. To learn more about organization and how an effective custom storage solution can transform your home, reach out to us for a free in-home design consultation. Qualified personnel with years of industry experience are waiting to help answer any questions you may have.
