People ask me all the time how I keep my home so organized in spite of having two active and sometimes messy children. It’s not an easy task keeping my home organized and clean, but having a perfectly organized home is a form of self-care for me. Having less “stuff” is liberating and makes me feel less overwhelmed. During this time of quarantine, I wanted to share an organization method that has worked for me over the years. Whether I’m organizing a closet, garage or rummaging through old décor items I use this method to declutter and get rid of all the extra stuff. I live by this simple rule; Edit and Store away. I simply refuse to leave coats on the sofa, mail and keys on the table and laundry unfolded. I have a slight heart attack when any of these things occur in my home. Now let me preface this and state the obvious; I’m sort of a perfectionist, but at the same time I’m realistic and I let my kids mess up and play with toys and do all sorts of things. But I also believe in putting things back in place once you’re done using them. I encourage my 8-year old daughter to clean up behind herself, I show her where things go and reiterate what’s expected of her as far as keeping her room tidy. Its comical because she’s become so accustomed to my ways that she will quickly announce to guests to remove their shoes before I even have a chance to.
So today your home with nothing to do because unless you’re an essential worker your best bet is to #stayhome. Use this time to start organizing and get that spring cleaning started. I promise you will feel amazing and accomplished once you’re done.
Start by making 4 piles
1. Giveaway- these are the things you want to donate to charity, give to a friend or family member etc.
2. Throwaway- those worn-down shoes, that piece of tarnished and unrepairable costume jewelry, anything that basically is not worth giving away or is damaged beyond repair should be in this pile.
3. Deal- This is the pile where you put the things that need to be cleaned or fixed. So maybe the shoe tap on those expensive Louboutins needs to be replaced this is the pile to put them in.
4. Keep- now this is your “store” pile. These are the clothes and shoes you’re still actively wearing or plan to wear soon.
This technique seems simple enough right? Ahhh but it can be tricky especially if you’re a natural hoarder. Try not to keep things just because they’re associated with a particular memory. I know I know you want to keep that size 4 dress (even though you’re now a size 12) just because it’s what you wore on your first date with your significant other. But realistically it’s just taking up needed space for the clothes you can fit now. I had a hard time with this years ago, I would keep clothes for goal purposes hoping I would lose weight and fit into them later or keep things because they reminded me of a special event in my life. Then it got out of control because I was literally just buying clothes for the heck of it and keeping everything. My closet was busting at the seams. I challenge you all to tackle the task of editing and storing away. Take pictures of items you want memories of and assign them to a pile! Give me some feedback below on how my organizational method worked for you!
