You Can Achieve an Organized Space
Does the mere thought of organizing make you feel anxious or irritable? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the sight of clutter, leaving you feeling hopeless? What if I told you that with just five straightforward steps, you could transform any space into a well-organized haven? When we envision organized spaces, we often think of stunning images from Pinterest or the impeccable designs of Martha Stewart—perfectly labeled containers, harmoniously arranged items, and color-coordinated closets. You might sigh, thinking that you’ll never reach that level of organization because your spaces are too cramped, your belongings too numerous, and the cost of stylish containers too high.
On top of that, juggling a demanding 50-hour work week, weekend overtime, and the never-ending household chores makes it hard to see how you could ever organize your home, let alone every room. But don’t lose hope just yet! If I can do it, there’s no doubt that you can too!
I’ve always preferred a clean and organized home, but I haven’t always succeeded in maintaining that ideal. As life would have it, things can get chaotic. We get swept up in our daily routines, and before we know it, clutter begins to accumulate, dust settles, and our once serene spaces turn into chaotic messes. My office was particularly bad; it had become a dumping ground for items without a designated home. The day I had to shove aside a pile of blankets just to reach the window was the moment I realized I had to take action. While it wasn’t at hoarder levels, it represented a tipping point I was uncomfortable with.
I needed a plan, but I didn’t have the time or space to empty the entire room and start anew. What I required was a strategy that allowed me to tackle it piece by piece. With these five simple steps, I managed to organize every single room in my home. I believe you can do the same! You are capable!
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5 Steps to Organize Any Space
There are various methods for organizing, but this approach allows you to transform an entire room or simply a section of that room. Follow these steps in order, and you’ll be well on your way to effortlessly organizing any space.
- Choose a Space
- Create a Problem List
- Devise Possible Solutions
- Formulate a Plan
- Take Action
You might be thinking, ‘Nice plan, but how do I tackle each step?’ Stick with me, and I’ll provide all the necessary details.
1. Choose a Space to Organize
The first step in the organizing process is to select a specific space. Depending on how much time you have, this could be an entire room or just a section of it—it’s entirely your choice. There’s no secret formula or right or wrong answer. I promise, I won’t pop out from behind a piece of furniture to say, “Wrong choice—try again!”
Starting with one area allows you to break the task into smaller, more manageable pieces. These bite-sized tasks can easily fit into your busy schedule without overwhelming you. For example, if you return home from work 15 minutes before your family, that time can be utilized to tackle a small organizational task. You might be surprised at what you can achieve in such a short period.
Where to Begin?
If you’re still unsure about where to start, consider what prompted your need to get organized. Was there a specific incident that pushed you over the edge? Perhaps it was the frustration of a cluttered counter that left no room for anything else, or the pile of shoes that tripped you up when you opened the door, or maybe the embarrassment of moving a heap of clean clothes to make space for a friend to sit.
Regardless of the triggering event, it brought you to this point, and while the specifics aren’t crucial, choosing a space and taking action is. Use that trigger as a compass to identify where you should begin.
Downloadable Resource
Great! You’ve chosen your space. You can download the Organize My Space Worksheet below to assist you in this journey.
2. Create a Problem List
Yes, I know—a list? Absolutely! And this time, you’re going to keep it handy instead of letting it sit on the counter amidst a pile of other papers. This list will help you pinpoint the various issues within your selected space. We’ll call it the Problem List.
Stand at the entrance of the area you’ve chosen, take a deep breath, and observe your surroundings. Write down what doesn’t belong, what’s obstructing pathways, and what simply isn’t working. Leave spaces between each entry for additional notes later on.
Walk through the area as you usually would, but take a moment to truly consider the challenges you face. Continue jotting down notes and ensure you don’t overlook anything. If your ideal vision involves moving a wall to gain extra space—though you know that’s not feasible—write it down anyway. Perhaps there’s a clever organizing trick or a different furniture arrangement that can create a more spacious feel.
Determining the Issues
If you find yourself stuck or staring blankly, try asking yourself these questions:
- What items don’t belong in this space?
- What do I constantly trip over or knock down?
- Which areas tend to accumulate clutter?
- Why do items tend to pile up in this spot?
- What else about this space is not functioning for me?
- How do I envision this space should operate?
- What would make this space ideal?
Write down your responses. Once you’ve completed your list of issues to address, it’s time to shift your focus to brainstorming solutions.
3. Devise Possible Organization Solutions
Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Take a deep breath; this is the enjoyable part! Grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine—I promise not to judge) and put on your thinking cap. This is where the extra lines on your list become useful.
Using your Problem List, jot down as many potential solutions as you can think of for each issue. Some solutions will be quick and easy, while others may be more complex and take longer to implement.
Quick Fixes
Quick fixes are those immediate solutions that can resolve a problem right away. These tasks will give you a sense of accomplishment almost instantly. For instance, simply putting away a pile of shoes is a quick fix that you can check off your list. However, creating a dedicated, organized space for shoes is a more permanent solution that requires planning and possibly a trip to the store for a shoe rack.
Don’t get bogged down in the details just yet; focus on getting your ideas down. Once you’ve completed your brainstorming, circle the quick fixes and draw rectangles around the more complex solutions. If you hit a wall, spend some time on Pinterest for inspiration. See? I told you this part could be fun! Just remember to stay focused on brainstorming organization ideas, not on planning your next vacation.
4. Formulate a Plan
Your plan will consist of two distinct to-do lists. The first will include your Simple Solutions, which will help you quickly clear out and clean up the space. The second will be your Permanent Fix list, aimed at preventing future clutter.
Go back to your Problem List and review the solutions you circled. Choose one solution for each problem and write it down on your Simple Solutions list. Do the same for the rectangle solutions and add them to your Permanent Fix list.
Remember the thrill of instant gratification? That sense of accomplishment will motivate you to keep moving forward. This is why having two lists is beneficial; the Simple Solutions provide that immediate sense of completion.
Short on Time?
If you feel pressed for time and doubt you can complete everything in one go, consider breaking each list into manageable time blocks. For example, if you can dedicate just 15 minutes each day to work on this space, segment your tasks in a way that fits into those 15-minute increments. If a task takes less time than anticipated, you can either stop for the day or move on to the next task.
This method creates a logical timeline for your project and provides convenient stopping points, should something arise that requires your attention. Now that you have your plan set, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.
5. Take Action to Organize Your Space
This is where the real work begins, so put on some motivating music and get started. It’s time to break the cycle and reclaim your space.
Executing Simple Solutions
Start with your Simple Solutions list and work through each task from beginning to end. As you complete each task, cross it off your list and move on to the next one. Since these tasks mostly involve decluttering, having a trash can and a couple of baskets handy can be beneficial.
I typically use one large basket for items that need to be relocated to another room and another for items I plan to sell or donate. Before placing items in the ‘put away’ basket, consider where they truly belong.
Purge, Purge, Purge
There it is! I’ve finally said it. You need to purge, declutter, simplify—whatever term resonates with you. I didn’t want to scare you off, but this step is crucial for organizing any space. If you need more guidance on how to declutter, check out these related posts:
- How to Quickly Declutter Your Living Room
- Strategies for Decluttering Your Kitchen
- Effective Methods for Decluttering Your Bathroom
Consider this: either the items you possess are significant enough to warrant their own designated spaces, or they aren’t important enough to keep. If you struggle to find a proper place for certain items but can’t bear to part with them, place them in a storage bin and mark the date on it. Revisit that bin six months later and see if your feelings have changed.
Once you complete your Simple Solutions list, take another look at your space and review your Permanent Fix list.
Implementing Permanent Fixes
Seeing your space without clutter may spark new or improved ideas for your long-term solutions. If your original plan still feels right, continue with it. Your permanent solutions will likely need more time and additional storage solutions, so remain committed to your plan and keep the 15-minute time blocks in mind.
When both lists are completed, you should have an organized space! To maintain this newfound order, it’s essential to cultivate new habits and routines to prevent clutter from reaccumulating.
Final Thoughts
Life can throw us curveballs, and when that happens, our routines can become disheveled. Organizing a home that has spiraled into chaos may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking a systematic approach to tackle the disorder and following logical steps, you can organize any space.
Begin by selecting your space or room, then create a list of the challenges you face in that area. Brainstorm quick and long-term solutions for each issue, develop a clear plan of action, and finally, take the necessary steps to implement your vision. By following these five straightforward steps, I am confident you can break the task into manageable pieces and organize any space without disrupting your life. You absolutely can do this!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your transformations—feel free to share in the comments!
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