First Step: Clearing the Clutter

Attempting to “get organized” before clearing out clutter is like putting the cart before the horse. It’s likely to waste a lot of energy and money on unnecessary storage containers. Always begin by seeing what you can let go of and physically remove it from the space before you move on to organizing what’s left.

The Garage Principle

Think of the garage principle as a prime example of why decluttering must precede organizing. Picture a garage so packed with items that you can barely step inside, much less park a car. If you were to organize this space without first removing any items, you might achieve a more orderly appearance, with everything categorized and stored in stylish containers. However, the containers would still stack up to the ceiling, and the garage would remain unusable as anything other than a storage unit. By first eliminating unnecessary items, you free up space, making it much easier to organize what’s left.

Where to Start?

It doesn’t matter where you begin, as long as you start somewhere. Think about which area of your home would bring the most significant positive change to your daily life once decluttered and organized, and begin there. Are your mornings hectic? Consider starting in the entryway so you can easily locate essential items as you head out the door. If cooking dinner is a challenge, organizing the kitchen could streamline the process. Reflect on your daily routine, pinpoint a troublesome area, and start there.

Organizing Basics

Once you’ve removed the excess items (the clutter), organizing becomes much more straightforward. The approach to organizing depends largely on the type of storage available. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Group similar items together: Keep all cutlery together, all papers together, etc.
• Use drawer organizers: Fit drawers with organizers suited to the type of items you plan to store.
• Organize shelves: Use stackable storage boxes or bins for small items and shelf dividers to prevent stacks of clothes from toppling over.
• Optimize cabinet space: Use risers for dishes and lazy Susans for condiments and other small items.
• Tidy surfaces with trays: Use trays to keep surface items organized.
• Use clear containers: Clear containers make it easier to locate items.
• Label non-transparent containers: If a container isn’t see-through, be sure to label its contents.

By understanding and applying these cleaning and organizing essentials, you can create a space that is not only tidy but also functional and enjoyable to live in. Clearview Cleaning and Organizing is here to help you every step of the way, ensuring that your home is both clean and well-organized.