Start Small
Choose one area that is most frustrating to begin organizing. Begin with 15 minutes a day to organize. What can you do in 15 minutes? Organize a drawer, sort mail, return phone calls, weed out a file folder, or simply apply that 15 minutes to the same area everyday and see how much progress you have made after a week!

Always assign a “home” to items.
Have you heard of the saying “a place for everything and everything in its place”? Items need a specific place to be stored – where they are always located to find them, where they are always returned after being used. A “home” can be something conventional – like a shoe rack for your shoes, placed in an unconventional spot – by your back door!

Store items at their point of use
Wherever you use an item the most, is where its home should be. If there is not already a storage space nearby, create one specifically with that use in mind. If you use the same item in multiple locations (like scissors or tape), place that item conveniently in each room.

Categorize as you organize
Think of categories when you start to organize. Items that are similar, used in a similar way or for a certain job should be grouped together. For example, to pay bills, you need stamps, envelopes, and your checkbook, so keep these together. Keep all types of glue or tape in a basket in the garage. This way you know what you have and where to find it all!

Decisions, decisions
Decisions are the basis of all organizing! Whether categorizing items for use, or deciding whether you will use the item or paper again, be ready to make decisions about its use, how frequently you will use it and where to store it! In addition, be ready to decide to toss items! Remember that saying – “less is more”!

Visual clues
If you can’t see it, you don’t know if you have it! As you organize, arrange your items so that you can easily view what you have. Clear containers available at any discount store in a variety of shapes and sizes make this easy. Separate items so that each container holds one type of item. Use labels on the containers too! And you do not need a label maker – just a good set of sharpie pens and labels of uniform size. Label the container and label the home on the shelf where it will return.

Ellen R. Delap, CPO®

Professional-Organizer.com

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edelap@professional-organizer.com

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Making Time and Space for what's important to you!

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Certified Professional Organizer®

Certified Family Manager Coach™

Member/Past President NAPO Houston

Member National Association of Professional Organizers

ADD and CD Certificate/National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization