Tips from Professional Organizers
Interior design and professional organization is a career choice in itself, so we have gathered some insightful tips from the professionals on home organization. Read on to find out how to save money and time, as well as reduce clutter and stress from your life…
1. Easily put things away
According to Kate Brown, the owner of Impact Organizing LLC., and a certified professional organizer, she says to make everything a “one handed” operation. For instance, don’t use lids, if possible (for example: garbage can and should have a foot pedal), and don’t hide your laundry basket in the back of your closet. Basically, she is saying that the fewer steps involved in putting something away, the better any organizing system will be.
2. Don’t purchase storage containers first
Too often when people get ready to store items, the first step they take is to run out and spend money on storage containers. Julie Isaacs, the founder of Unclutter Home, and also a professional organizer, says that you must purge first, and that will give you a better idea of the types of storage bins to purchase. You want to spend your hard earned money on items that will actually be put to use, and not add more clutter to your home. Clean your home of items you no longer need or use by donating or garage selling, then store those that you need to hold onto.
3. Realize your current system is not working
If your space still looks messy, even after you have cleaned, it is time to re-think your current organizing system.
4. Use containers and baskets to your advantage
Many professional organizers suggest keeping an 11 x 14 inch container or basket; that is no more than six inches deep, next to your couch to store newspapers and magazines. Once that basket is full, you have plenty of reading material, and as you complete something, toss it. You can also use something more appealing to the eye such as a basket, crate, or case about the same size, depending on your reading material need.
5. “Junk” drawers should not exist
Christopher Lowell,interior decorator, and author of “Seven Layers of Organization” says that each and every drawer in your home should have small containers, or any type of material (such as wire mesh, wood or clear plastic) to section your drawers. There should be a place for everything, and everything should have their place. Having too much open space (especially in a drawer) can and will lead to disorganization and lost items.
6. Keep a bag in your closet
How many times have you tried something on and it doesn’t fit? Is unflattering? Or out of date? Keep a shopping bag in your closet so you can just toss an outfit into this bag when you find it doesn’t fit, and when the bag is full – donate it to the local shelter or have a “swap party” with some friends that are doing the same thing.
7. Eliminate clutter hot spots
Flat surfaces, like a living room table, kitchen counter or end tables are notorious places that accumulate piles of stuff. It is recommended to clean off these areas as part of your daily nightly routine. But, if this trick does not work and falls to the way side, try to set a beautiful bouquet of flowers in the center of the table. This can serve as a visual clue that this area is no longer a dumping ground and it can also contribute to the environment of your home.
Bonus Tip
Items that you use every day should be easily accessible and stored at eye-level.
Items that you use once in a while should require a step stool to get it.
Items used once a year should require a ladder to get to (such as the attic).