So often we hear from our clients that their biggest challenge when organizing, is knowing where to start. We get it. It can feel debilitating when you're staring at a closet full of clutter. So, we're walking you through how to organize any space in your home, step-by-step, so you can take on the clutter with confidence.
Before you get started, make sure you've set aside enough time to fully tackle the space. Just to be safe, take the amount of time you think it will take, and double it. Organizing projects always take longer than you think, and giving yourself a realistic time frame is the best way to set yourself up for success. Take a look at our list of projects you can tackle in one hour or less as a starting off point.
1. Pull everything out
Yes, everything! Whether you're organizing a bathroom or kitchen there's only one way to effectively get organized and that's by starting fresh. Empty every last cupboard, shelf and drawer. This will also give you the opportunity to rearrange placement, if necessary.
2. Categorize
Once everything is out, it's time to place like items together. In a closet, you might use categories like dresses, pants, tees, blouses. In a kitchen, maybe dishes, flatware, gadgets, utensils. If a category is on the large side, sub-categorize.
3. Edit
Now that everything is categorized, you can easily see what you own and access what should be tossed or donated. Don't hold onto duplicates, unless you use both at the same time. For example, you don't need two pizza cutters. Pick your favorite and set aside the other for donation.
4. Place
Place your items back into the space, making sure to keep each category together. The most important part of placement is locating items based on frequency of use. Eye level shelves and top drawers should always hold your most frequently used categories.
5. Measure
In many cases, organizing products help keep systems in place and provide a more streamlined visual. Before purchasing any bins or baskets, make sure you measure the space first! This step gets missed a lot but it's super important, if you want to avoid returning products that don't fit.
6. Contain & Label
Contain each category as needed using dividers, bins, baskets, and canisters. Don't forget to label. This will keep everyone in your family on the same page and make it super easy to find things and put them away.
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Now that you have all the steps, its time to get NEAT! Share your project with us by tagging #neatmethod and @neatmethod on Instagram so we can celebrate your win. And if time is your challenge, get in touch with your local NEAT Method team for help.
xx,
the NEAT team
