The keep piles are spread across counters, beds, chairs and every other bare space in my path.
In fact, we were stepping over a trail of small appliances left behind on the floor like bread crumbs as we maneuvered our way around the kitchen to make dinner last night.
It’s easy to discouraged at this point in the organizing process, but I’ve got some helpful organizing tips for your home.
This post contains affiliate links. Ready my full disclosure and privacy policy here.
4 Professional Organizing Tips for Your Home
The Best Way to Organize
- Sort your “keep” pile by like items – The donate, recycle and trash piles have been taken care of. Once your left with the keep pile, it’s very helpful to sort it by like items. For example, my kitchen keep pile is separated into organizers, cookbooks, and condiments (These are the things that I haven’t figured out how to use or store yet.)
- Then, I ‘go with what I know’ as I start putting away the items that have a for sure spot get put away first.
- Which leads me to compromise. My original plan was to make space in the pantry for extra paper towel rolls, napkins and distilled water. But I also wanted room for a few of my small appliances. Confronted with a lack of space for my original plan, I had to prioritize. Small appliances won.
- Once I’m left with the items I haven’t quite figured out where to store, I stop; stepping away from the project to either do something completely unrelated or to look through Pinterest for inspiration. This always works! In fact, I had an aha moment and finally figured out where to store my entertaining and serving pieces.
Home Organization Hacks
Space Plan Before You Buy Organizers
The key to getting organized at home is keeping the function of the space at the forefront of the design. I’m continually asking myself, “How do I use (or want to use) this space?”
What I’ve discovered in this process is not every item is suited to go back into the same space. Sometimes it gets moved to another room where I think it will better serve my household. Other times I repurpose the item altogether.
For example, with this kitchen organization project I’ve decided I can make better use of the unused tiered step organizers in another space. The spin table works better in the refrigerator. Vintage plates will become dining room decor. And instead of cramming every empty glass jar I’ve saved for someday back in the kitchen cabinet, I found ways to repurpose them.
Make a Shopping List
After I’ve exhausted every possible idea and resource within my home, I make a shopping list.
But before you buy any home organization products, be sure you know exactly what you’re storing and take the measurements of your space.
Test Our Your Organization System
The best organization systems are result of trial and error. Once you’ve put your home organization systems in place, try them for a week or two. Then, adjust what isn’t working.
For more professional organizing tips, read:
Declutter Your Home in 7 Practical Steps
Donnamae says
Great post! I might add, that my organization changed as my family changed. What I required as a mom to littles, has changed to life now as an empty nester. The important thing I’ve found at any age…is to keep on sorting…..and purging…..and upcycling! 😉
Mrs. Hines says
Thank you, Donnamae! I’m learning that as we enter a new season of our lives… my daughter is about to graduate high school!!