Hiring an organizer is well worth the cost. An organizer has a keen eye and also an innate talent to determine what works best for their individual client’s needs. They do not easily get overwhelmed and this helps the process of customizing a client’s home. Each client has individual needs based on their stage in life. Once your organizer leaves and everything has a place, it is time to adopt some habits that will keep your home organized.
Each client will need to determine what habits to set in place. Here are some suggested habits:
Kitchen
Determine where your habits need to change.
Place utensils, dishes and glasses directly in the dishwasher, not the sink.
Buy a magnet that indicates if the dishes are dirty or clean.
If you wash the dishes by hand, wash immediately after eating. On days where you have no energy, make a deadline for the next day.
Purge your kitchen supplies down to three items per person living in home. Three dishes, three spoons, etc.
If something comes into the kitchen, something must leave.
It’s okay to have a junk drawer, just keep it organized “junk”. No tossing stuff in the drawer.
Bedroom
If you buy an item, take an item out.
Always take an inventory of what you have before shopping.
Remember fashion changes quickly. Purge often.
Purge when the seasons change. If you didn’t wear it last season it’s time to donate.
Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean it’s a bargain. You’re still spending money.
When you change clothes, immediately put them away. Put shoes and jewelry away immediately. If you’re too tired, make a deadline for the next day.
Do your laundry when you know you will complete all of it. Yes, folding and hanging up right out of the dryer! It will become a habit.
Make a “no drop zone” rule.
If you live with someone, create these habits together.
Bathroom
Makeup expires. Keep only one of each item to avoid clutter and spoilage.
Keep one of each styling solutions and replace as it gets low (gel, conditioner, shampoo, mousse, etc.)
Only buy items as they are about to run out or have only one backup. Keep backup items out of the bathroom if possible.
Family Room
At the end of the day put away or fold blankets you used to watch tv.
Put all toys away in a designated place before going to bed. Children can learn to do this by 5 or 6 years old.
Fluff you pillows and put any dirty dishes, mail, etc. in its proper place before going to bed. If you’re too tired, then do it first thing the next morning.
Playroom
If your child/children have not touch it in over 6 months it’s time to donate.
Keep stuffed animals from overtaking the area. If one comes in, one goes out.
Watch for sentimentality thinking. Your child’s favorite “stuffy” is okay but be picky on what you keep for when they are grown. I have my favorite stuffy and a couple blankets and I’m okay with just those as an adult. Don’t overthink it.
Make a rule that at the end of playing, all toys go back into their designated spots. Create a cleanup game. Don’t bribe.
Children can become overwhelmed by too many toys. Keep a minimal amount to help them value their possessions.
Adopt a “less is more” mentality.
Home Office
Do not print out everything. Very little is “print worthy”.
Manuals are now accessible online. Chuck them.
Use the organizational trays in your drawers as the organizer designated.
Keep labeling new cords that come into the office. Give a disposal deadline for any unknown cords you found in your organization session.
Be very picky when creating new hanging files after an organization. Again, there is very little worthy of filing. Your organizer most likely helped you create the files you need such as birth certificates, passports, social security cards, etc. Keep your files to a minimum to avoid overload.
Clean the top of your desk after every use.
Garage
Keep items on the perimeter of the garage to enable parking cars. A $22,000 car is worth more than the Christmas decorations. Hail storms happen.
For anything new after an organization, use plastic bins that are labeled, not cardboard. This will help keep the items protected from water, bugs, and mice.
Switch out machines as you would clothes. When winter is over, place the snow blower in the back corner. Do the same with the lawnmower when winter is arriving.
By keeping the middle of the garage clear it will be easier for extermination of spiders, blowing out grass and leaves, and accessing what you have or need.
Basement
Keep seasonal items in the basement. Use plastic bins for any new items so that if it floods, your items may stay dry.
Make the basement a "no drop zone". The item must be of functional use.
Do not store furniture. If the furniture cannot be used in the home immediately, donate the items.
Say "NO" to free items or storing relatives items. If you cannot use it immediately, it's probably going to just be junk your keeping.
Purge often.
If your children are now grown get rid of the baby items. They will want new items when they start their families.
Use the perimeter of the basement and shelving to store items. This will keep the basement accessible and looking tidy. If things start to accumulate in the middle it's time to purge and move those items to a shelf.
Don't keep things due to sentimentality. Losing a loved one is hard, but keeping their favorite vase in the basement for dust and spiders to live is not doing their beloved items justice. Donate to someone who will love it just as much.
May your journey into organization be filled with peace and joy.
For more tips on organizing visit my website at www.beautifulhomeorganizing.com.
*All pictures in this article are the actual organizations of Beautiful Home Organizing, LLC. For more before and after pictures visit my website above.
