Getting organized isn’t a one-time task; it’s something that has to be done every day. It’s something that is built upon constantly. As I try to keep my home more organized, I’ve noticed that if I don’t build on the progress that I make one day, everything will be for not the next! Clutter just keeps coming back unless we take a few steps.

1. Clear Clutter. This step might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important. You get to decide what can stay in your home and what needs to go. Go room by room and make decisions as to whether or not the items inside deserve to stay. Make three piles; keep, donate/sell, trash. The items that you no longer need, want or use, but could be used by someone else can be easily donated or sold. Items beyond repair or simply no longer useful to anyone could be thrown away. Double check with your local dump to make sure that the items you plan on throwing away will be accepted there. Some items must be disposed of in unique ways, like paint and batteries.
2. Reevaluate Your Storage Plan. How are you storing the items you decided to keep? Are they on shelves, in boxes, bins or closets? Find a storage solution that works for your space and the items you want to store. Storing items in appropriate containers is important for the longevity of those items. You don’t want to store family heirlooms in cardboard boxes in the garage because they could be easily damaged by pests or water.
3. Daily Tasks. Giving yourself daily tasks to keep yourself organized is key. Taking the time to complete small organization jobs helps you avoid clutter buildup that can quickly become overwhelming. For example, paper clutter is my biggest struggle. I’ve found that if I take the time to sort mail as I receive it (file, shred and toss) the amount of paper clutter in my home is drastically reduced. Many homeowners also institute a policy of not letting mail sit unopened on flat surfaces, like a table or counter for more than one day.
4. Adopt a One-Touch Rule. How many times have you come home after a long day at work only to take your coat off and toss it on a chair? I know I’m guilty. Later, I have to return to that carelessly discarded coat and put it away properly. Had I returned the coat to its proper place the first time, I could spend my evening relaxing, instead of putting away an item. The one-touch rule works the same way; you only touch an item one time in order to put it away. In the previous example, I had to touch the coat twice before it was properly put away. You’ll be surprised how much time you save if you adopt this rule!

Getting organized takes effort and time, but it is one of the most rewarding improvements you can make in your home. Not only will you be able to find items, your home will feel clean and crisp.