How to Organize your Home Like a Professional Organizer
Home organization can be both pretty and practical, you just need to follow the 5-step system.
I’ve been a professional organizer for the past fifteen years, and in that time, I’ve organized hundreds of homes. I’ve discovered that making your home both pretty and practical really comes down to one simple mantra: “Always organize for the space, not the stuff”.
What I mean by this is, instead of sorting your items into piles of like items and then trying to create “homes” for those piles, instead zone “homes” for things based on the space you have and then organize into those zoned “homes”.
Sound confusing? It’s actual very simple once you see this process in action. I think the best way to really understand this concept is to watch me SHOW you how it’s done!
I have a quick YouTube video that walks you through how to organize for your space, not your stuff. It also breaks down the five steps you’ll need to follow in order to organize your home like a Professional Organizer!
Watch the video HERE to learn my five step process now!
Step # 1 Make a Plan
Map out the space on paper so you can get a rough idea of the flow, function and zoning of the space.
If this is an office, where will the desk go? Where do the office supplies get stored? Where do the books belong? What will the closet be used for? Where will the paper storage go? Zone each area.
Having a plan on paper will allow you to get a better understanding of the space, the storage and how the room will function as a whole.
Step # 2 Declutter
Go through the items in the room and only sort into “Keep” or “Go”. Sorting into many different piles and categories makes decluttering really difficult, only hunting for items that can leave your home forever simplifies the process.
A fast and easy way to declutter is to grab and trash bag and look for garbage first. Expired items, broken things and empty packaging is the perfect way to get started.
Professional Organizers always declutter with the homeowners before they begin sorting and categorizing items. This “first pass” through the items is critical before any real organizing can begin.
You may find even more items that can be sold, donated or trashed during the actual organization process as well.
Remember: Organization does not create more space in your home, only decluttering can do that.
Step # 3 Buy Containers
Once the space has been decluttered, it’s time to purchase items for organization. This step comes BEFORE the sorting and categorizing because we can buying containers and storage to fit the SPACE, not the STUFF.
How many baskets will fit in the closet? How many dividers can you fit in the drawer?
You will need to have a rough idea of what will be stored in the space, so you can determine what size container you will need, but ultimately it comes down to what is going to fit in the space.
Measure, plan and then shop for organizing solutions that will work best and fit into the space you have.
Step # 4 Sort Into Containers
Once you have purchased or gathered your organizing containers and supplies, stage the space with the containers empty. If there are items going to this space NOT in a container, you can move these items into the space now.
Once all the empty containers are arranged how you like them, now it’s time to sort your items INTO the containers. If you have 8 baskets, you can sort your items into 8 categories and place them directly into the containers.
You can move items around and play with combing different categories until everything fits nicely and feels logical and practical.
Here is an example: If you are organizing a bathroom closet and you find you have anti-aging creams, makeup, body lotions, loofahs, bubble bath, makeup sponges and soaps (and you only have two baskets that fit onto the shelf), you can make one basket for FACE and one basket for BODY.
Letting the space and containers determine the number of categories is what makes sorting and organizing fast, easy and it gives it that professional look.
Note: If you want a more detailed organizing system, you can access your items before you go to the store and determine if you would prefer smaller, stacking items for the space. Use a piece or wrapping or craft paper and cut it to the size of the shelf, drawer or cabinet. Be sure to measure the height of the space too.
Take the paper that is cut to size to the store and lay the containers on top to ensure the perfect size before you buy.
Step # 5 Label
Labeling is magic! Once you have decided on your categories and everything is in place, it’s time to make it official with a beautoful label.
Not only do labels make it easier to see what you have and find things, but they send a subconscious reminder to your brain to put things away properly.
Basically, labels keep your home tidier!
You can create custom labels on your computer, using a Cricut, using a label maker or handwriting the labels on chalk labels! The sky is the limit!
Become an Organizing Expert
Do you want to become a Professional Organizer? It’s easier then you think and only $149!
Would you like to BECOME a Professional Organizer?!
I have an online course that will teach you EVERYTHING you need to know to start and run a successful business as a Professional Organizer.
This course includes video tutorials, printables, step-by-step instructions, biweekly live training sessions, customizable marketing tools and strategies and a certification as a “Certified Organizational Specialist” – all for a one-time payment of just $149 USD.
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Click HERE to learn more.
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