Getting organized can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. By starting small and gradually implementing new habits, anyone can transform into an organizing pro. Here are 7 smart organizing habits recommended by professional organizers that you can embrace to declutter your home, office, and life:
1. Declutter 15 Minutes Per Day
Decluttering your entire home or workspace all at once is not realistic or sustainable. A better approach is to declutter for 15 minutes every day. Set a timer and focus on one area, surface, drawer, etc. only. Toss out obvious trash and items you no longer need or use. Having a regular decluttering habit prevents clutter from accumulating again.
Some examples of what you can tackle in 15 minutes:
- One kitchen or bathroom drawer
- A pile of papers on your desk
- Your purse, backpack or briefcase
- A junk drawer
- One shelf or tabletop
- Your inbox and delete old emails
Pro Tip: Don’t get sidetracked. Resist the urge to start organizing items you want to keep while decluttering. Just focus on removing what you don’t need to make space. You can organize later.
2. Give Every Item a Home
Once you’ve decluttered an area, give every remaining item “a home.” This is one of the golden rules of organization. Designate a spot for items you use frequently so you always know exactly where to find them when needed. This prevents searching and rummaging for things.
Some ideas for giving items a home:
- Use baskets, bins and organizers to corral like items. Label them.
- Install hooks, shelves and storage containers so everything has an assigned spot.
- Purge kitchen cabinets and drawers. Organize dishes, cooking tools and food.
- Arrange closet with dividers, racks, shelves and hangers for different types of clothing.
Giving each item a dedicated home establishes order immediately. You’ll be able to locate belongings quickly and return them back to their spot.
3. Apply the “One In, One Out” Rule
Clutter often accumulates from an imbalance between stuff flowing into our homes and stuff flowing out. When bringing in any new items, make a habit of removing an equal number of things to maintain equilibrium. If 5 new books come in, 5 old books should go out.
Make this rule second nature by asking yourself:
- Do I really need this new thing or is it just a wants?
- What can I get rid of to make room for this?
- Are there things I’m holding onto that I never actually use?
Sticking to “one in, one out” forces you to evaluate each acquisition. It prevents the gradual buildup of excess. Periodically do a purge to remove unused belongings.
4. Tackle Paper Clutter
Paper clutter like junk mail, old bills, magazines and documents often piles up quickly. Stay on top of it by sorting papers daily. Recycle obvious trash immediately. For papers or documents you need to keep, establish a filing system with folders, binders or storage boxes.
- Designate a spot near your front door for incoming papers like mail. Sort them ASAP.
- Use a shredder to destroy any papers with personal/sensitive info before recycling.
- Unsubscribe from junk mail lists to reduce paperwork.
- Scan and backup important documents to store digitally.
- File away any papers you need to retain for tax or reference purposes.
Don’t let paper clutter accumulate in stacks around your home. Sort, purge and organize it right away. This habit prevents piles from taking over.
5. Schedule Regular Cleaning Sessions
While decluttering and organizing removes excess belongings, cleaning keeps your home tidy by removing dirt, dust and grime regularly. Don’t wait until things are visibly dirty. Establish a cleaning routine.
- Vacuum carpets/mop floors 1-2 times per week.
- Wipe kitchen and bathroom counters daily.
- Dust furniture and decor weekly.
- Scrub toilets, showers, sinks each week.
- Wash bedding and towels every 1-2 weeks.
Setting a schedule for major tasks makes cleaning feel automatic versus a dreaded chore. Break bigger jobs into daily/weekly routines so it never feels overwhelming. Keep cleaning supplies readily accessible.
6. Do a “10 Minute Tidy” Daily
In addition to regular cleaning sessions, get in the habit of a quick daily tidy of your home. Spend just 10 minutes before bed restoring order by:
- Returning stray items to their home.
- Putting away dishes and food.
- Straightening up clutter-prone areas.
- Quickly dusting shelves, surfaces.
- Wiping down kitchen and bathrooms.
- Running vacuum over high traffic areas.
Setting aside a few minutes to reset rooms before bed prevents waking up to a messy home. The peace of mind you’ll get from this habit is invaluable. No more scrambling to clean up unexpected messes.
7. Design With Organization in Mind
When buying furniture, storage items, office supplies and more, always evaluate how well they will help you stay organized. Seek pieces and products designed to hold specific items in their proper places.
Some examples:
- Shelving units with adjustable compartments or dividers
- Storage ottomans that hold blankets inside
- Shoe racks to tame messy entryways
- Drawer organizers for utensils, tools, makeup, etc.
- Wall-mounted files/sorters for paperwork
- Whiteboards/pinboards to arrange reminders
The right organizational tools suited for your space and belongings can make a huge impact. Look beyond aesthetic appeal and choose efficient function.
Frequently Asked Questions About Organizing Habits
Here are answers to some common questions people have about developing better organizing habits:
How do I stay motivated to keep decluttering and organizing?
The motivation comes from the peace of mind and reduced stress you’ll feel after tidying and organizing an area. Take before and after photos so you can visually see your progress. Have a friend or family member hold you accountable. Decluttering for just 10-15 minutes a day makes it manageable versus tackling everything all at once.
What do I do if others in my household aren’t as organized?
Lead by example. Show family members how much easier life is when you always put items back in their designated spots. Offer to help them organize their things or give suggestions. Provide organizational tools as gifts. Over time your habits will rub off on them. But you can only control your own space and belongings.
How often should I “purge” my home and get rid of unused stuff?
Aim to do a purge of each area in your home at least twice a year – spring and fall. Be merciless about getting rid of items you haven’t used in over a year, along with clutter like broken items, old paperwork, single socks, etc.
What are the best ways to declutter quickly?
Work in short bursts, like 15 minute daily tidying sessions focusing only on tossing out obvious trash and things you clearly don’t need. Don’t start organizing remaining items yet. Just quickly purge what’s obvious. Have trash bags and donation boxes ready to toss items immediately so they don’t pile up again.
What should I do if decluttering triggers my anxiety?
Take breaks as needed. Only work in short intervals at first. Have a friend help you. Start with areas that are easiest like clearing expired food from the pantry or deleting old emails. Build confidence with small victories first before tackling bigger challenges.
Conclusion
Developing better home organization habits takes effort at first, but quickly becomes second nature. By decluttering just a few minutes a day, giving items a proper home, applying “one in one out”, tackling paper clutter promptly, cleaning regularly, quick daily tidying, and using functional organizational tools, you’ll be able to maintain order. Embracing these smart habits recommended by professional organizers can transform even the messiest home into a model of efficiency.
Try implementing one tip at a time instead of doing everything at once. As the habits stick, homes naturally become neater, cleaner and clutter-free. No more frustrating searches for lost items or tripping over mess. The benefits of organization extend beyond just a tidy home – you’ll find yourself feeling calmer and more productive each day.