How to Systematically Declutter And Organize Your Home

The steps are sorted clearly and will give you results right from the start. The system is spaced out so you can fit it into your daily routine (no need to stop everything else you are doing to get this done). You can take the 'day by day' steps all at once (just change the terms from 'day to day' to 'hour to hour') if you want to dedicate a chunk of time to it. But, if all all possible you will benefit more doing it in the 'day by day' paced way (as shown) will give you a process you can live with over time and become a constant part of your lifestyle so the problem will never again be overwhelming.

Begin with the Room by Room Sweep...

Make a list of every room (and closet) in your home. Closets will count as a separate room for this system.

Now buy a batch of 'containers' such as the folding containers below.

You will need one for each of the items on your list.

Label each container with the name of the room (or closet)

Do the Day by Day process... (see next section)

Day One: Put all of the containers in the first room on the list

Look at each item in the room and determine if it needs to be moved to another room

Sort everything into the containers marked with the appropriate room

DAY TWO: Take one container to the room indicated and unpack it.

DAY THREE: Put all of the containers in the next room on the list

Look at each item in the room and determine if it needs to be moved to another room

Repeat this process until all of the items are in the designated rooms (room by room according to your list)

Let's start in the Kitchen as an example of the Corner by Corner step in the process. The kitchen may be the most challenging because there are so many aspects to consider. The process is a guideline. To get you started. As you move forward you are going to find parts of the process you would like to adjust to your own personal workflow...but keep in mind to keep the organization consistent with the workflow so you are taking less steps while using the space.

Coffee, Filters, Cups, Everything Coffee...

Think of each 'space' in your kitchen and make a list of things you do at each 'spot' you use

Where do you chop vegetables? You should have knife, cutting board, grater... in relatively the same area of the room

Where do you make coffee? You should have the coffee, filters, cups, condiments, etc. in the same area.

If you buy in bulk , then, have small containers with small quantities (a week supply or two for example) in the closest possible location to the coffee maker or other appliance.

Spices Near the Stove?

Garbage bags near the can (even a couple back up under the bag you are using)

Pots and pans near the stove

Appliances you rarely use out of sight

Grocery pantry organized -- Easy to see what you have and what you need to put on the grocery list

Utensils in order and easy to find

What type of storage organizing system would help you to make keeping organized easier? Sometimes the problem is we do not have, as many mother's call it, "a place for everything and everything in its place" so things get disorganized and often then become lost.

How often have you bought an item you know you already have one but couldn't find it? That isn't going to happen when you know where everything is because everything has a place. You might even discover you have eight of something you really only need three or four.

Scissors... For example:

Have a pair of kitchen scissors (with the knives) and have a pair of craft scissors (in the sewing kit or craft table-workspace), then have a pair of grooming scissors (in the dressing table -- clearly marked). To avoid the possibility of your grooming scissors being used for crafts (which would reduce their effectiveness for cutting your bangs) you can mark them (I use a hair tie).

Room Organizing Systems

Work Area System and Storage

Modular Storage Cubes

In Closet or Wall Storage Units