Key To Being Organized

Storage

• Everything should have a place. Keep in mind the future, how will the items be used and where. Leave some room for future items, if items are overstuffed in the present, it won’t work in the future.
• Find storage that fits the items well.
• The more things look alike, the more organized they are.
• Multiple containers of the same size look better and stack well.

Labeling

• Find things faster.
• Spending less time digging, keeps spaces neater.
• Labels that all look alike, look very clean and neat.
• Use generic names on folder labels for household bills (i.e. Phone instead of AT&T). If the name changes, you won't need to redo the folder.

Accessibility

• Place items near where they are used.
• Make sure it is easy to get them in and out.
• Don’t make things too heavy, too high, or too low.
• Make sure they are easily recognizable.

Buy ONLY what you need NOW

• Sales are good, but clutter is worse.
• Only buy gifts in advance when you have a specific person or event in mind. Be careful not to fall into the “this is such a great deal and it will make a good gift some day” frame of mind.
• Be realistic about how long it takes to use up the bulk sized items. You can use the same space for other things. You may also want to try a new product at some point and have a long way to go before finishing the one you have. Some things may also perish.
• Buy clothes that fit, buying clothes in anticipation that they will fit often means they sit around for a long time and may never be used. Save the money and the storage space.

• Don’t feel guilty about getting rid of something you never use. Newly found space can alleviate stress, makes it easier to locate things, and leaves room for the new things.
• Don’t feel guilty about having never returned something you borrowed. Don’t let the guilt add to your stress level and your clutter. Return it or donate it.
• With the change in seasons, go through your closets and remove clothes that don’t fit, are worn out, or stained. If you haven’t used them in 3-5 seasons, clear them out.
• Needs in the kitchen change over time. Every couple of years, review what you have in the cabinets to make sure they are items you use. If a food item was purchased years ago when you had children around or when your diet was different, get rid of it.