Organizing 101: Organizing Basics for Decluttering Your Home

​Why do so many people feel paralyzed when they try to get organized? One reason is that they are overwhelmed by all the decisions involved. Where do I start? What space is my biggest priority when the whole house makes me anxious? Where do I take my donations? What should I keep?

The list is infinitely long. People often feel overwhelmed and shut down, and the clutter continues bothering them. That’s when it is ideal to wave the white flag and call in a professional organizer.

Organizing Basics

Before diving headfirst into decluttering, take a moment to define your goals. What do you hope to achieve by organizing your home? Are you looking to create more space, reduce stress, or simply streamline your belongings? A clear understanding of your objectives will guide your decluttering process and keep you focused on what's important. Professional organizers can help identify goals and priorities and guide you in the decision-making process. 
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Are you curious to know how a professional organizer tackles a project? Although every project is different, our methods are consistent. Here are the basic steps we take with our clients.

​4 Simple Steps to Organizing Any Space

1. Pick a Starting Place

Now, there are a few factors to consider here. Are you about to host out-of-town guests, and you can’t see the floor of the guest room? That might be a good place to start. Is winter coming, and you want to park your car in the garage? Let’s get the garage cleared out. Is your pantry overflowing with expired foods, and you can’t close the doors of your kitchen cabinets and want to spend more time cooking healthy meals? I’d say we give your kitchen an overhaul.

2. Stay Focused!

Once you decide where to start, stay focused on that space until it’s done! This is so hard to do, and it's the reason why so many organizing projects fail. Why? Because we get so distracted.

As we sort through the contents of a room, we inevitably come across something that belongs in another room. So what happens? We head down the hall to take it to its proper home, and along the way, we notice so many other piles that need our attention.
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We put the item down and start looking through said piles, reminiscing and forgetting about the original task! If you stay focused on one room or space at a time, you will see progress and be motivated to keep moving forward.

3. Use a Timer

If you have a hard time staying focused, use a timer. Set a timer for 20-30 minutes, turn off your phone notifications, put your head down, and get to work. It’s incredible how much can be accomplished with short, focused spurts of time. When the timer goes off, take a five-minute break and then do it again. You will be amazed at the progress!

4. Categoritze Each Item: Keep, Donate, Trash

You may ask, “But what should I do during that focused time?” This is where decision-making starts to play a role. 

First, gather three boxes, baskets, or trash bags and label them as "keep," "donate," and "trash." It might be a good idea to keep an additional container for recycling. I recommend starting with the piles on the floor. Pick up each item individually, decide on the appropriate category, and put them in the baskets. Some decisions will be straightforward, and others, not so much. Depending on the volume of items, you may need to switch out baskets when they get full.

• Once the floor is clear, work on items on the furniture, counter space, or other surfaces.
• ​Repeat the process on every item. ​

Yes, it feels redundant. But trust me. Once you haul off loads of trash and boxes of donations, you will feel relief. Just paring down all the excess is such a huge feat!
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Establish Daily Habits

Maintaining a clutter-free home requires ongoing effort, so establish daily habits to help you stay organized. Spend a few minutes daily tidying up, putting items back in their designated places, and tackling any accumulated clutter. Consistency is vital, so make organizing a part of your daily routine to ensure long-term success.

A Few Maintenance Tips

• Daily Decluttering - Spend a few minutes each day tidying up and putting items back in their designated places to prevent clutter from accumulating.
• Create a routine - Establish a daily, weekly, or monthly routine that includes removing unwanted items, throwing away trash, and running them to a donation center.
• A place for every item - Make sure every item in your home has a designated place it belongs. 
• Use storage solutions - Invest in bins, baskets, shelves, and organizers to keep items neatly stored and easily accessible. Make sure to label containers to help you remember what goes where.
• One-in, one-out rule - Implement a one-in, one-out rule for items that tend to accumulate quickly, like clothing, books, or toys. For every new item you bring into your home, consider donating something you no longer need.
• Stay mindful of new purchases - Before making a new purchase, ask yourself if the item is something you truly need and have space for. Avoid impulse buying and only bring items into your home that serve a purpose and bring joy.
• Be flexible - Be willing to adjust your organizational systems as needed. What works for you now may not work forever, so don't be afraid to tweak your approach to suit your needs and lifestyle better.

Celebrate Your Progress

When you set aside some dedicated time and work through these steps, you will make progress. Remember to celebrate your progress along the way. Organizing your home is no small feat, and every step you take towards a clutter-free environment is worthy of celebration. Treat yourself to something special, or take a moment to revel in the sense of accomplishment that comes from reclaiming control of your living space.
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Professional Home Organizers In Nashville, TN

Still feeling stuck? Nashville Home Organizers can help! Let our team of professional organizers help you reclaim your space and your peace of mind! Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards a more organized home. ​

Editor's Note: This blog was originally published on February 27, 2023, and has been updated with fresh content.