A PLAN OF ATTACK

* start with the area of your life that causes you the greatest pain
* create a list of the areas you want to work on in order of priority
* include a deadline for completing each project
* try to tackle one small area at a time — drawer, cabinet, shelf, etc.
* set aside some time each week to work on a different area
* move systematically throughout your home
* completely finish one area before beginning another
* find the organizing style and pace that suit you
* recruit some organizing “assistants” — friends, family, neighbors
* if no volunteers, consider hiring a professional organizer to help

ASKING THE HARD QUESTIONS

* When was the last time you used it?
* When will you (realistically) need it again?
* Why would you need it again?
* Who might ask for it?
* What would you need it for?
* Is it easily replaceable?
* What’s the worst thing that would happen if you got rid of it?
* Is it beautiful, useful, or loved?

BEFORE YOU START

* know what you want from your storage before beginning
* maximize space? see everything you own? cut down on cleaning?
* make sure each storage decision meets these goals
* collect up everything that needs a home before starting organizing

LETTING GO OF CLUTTER EXCUSES

* “It was expensive and I can’t stand to see it go to waste.”
* if you don’t use it, it’s still being wasted — even if you keep it
* “I might be need it someday.”
* if you haven’t used it in a year, will you use it in the next?
* “It was a gift.”
* once you receive a gift, it’s yours to do with as you see fit

SORTING THROUGH IT ALL

* set up several boxes as you go through each storage area
* “keep” (items you know you love and use)
* sort “keeps” into different boxes for each area of the house
* “get rid of” (items you know you don’t use and don’t want)
* throw items that can’t be repaired or used by others in the trash
* put serviceable items in a “give away” box to be donated
* put valuable items into a “sell” box to consign
* “not sure” (don’t know if you want it and aren’t ready to let go)
* tape up the “not sure” box and label with the date and contents
* put in the garage or basement
* make a note in your calendar to check back in 6-12 months
* if you haven’t needed anything in the box in that time, get rid of it
* “need to buy” (is missing parts or accessories)
* “need to repair” (requires some work before it can be used)
* “to return” (doesn’t belong to you and needs to go back)

STORAGE SOLUTIONS

* create a set home for everything you own — no halfway spots
* have a good reason for storing and item in a certain place
* store like items together according to purpose
* don’t forget accessories and related items
* ex: store travel alarm, A/C adapter, and toiletry bag with luggage
* store items nearest the point where you use them
* store items you use most often in more accessible spaces
* store items you use less in harder-to-reach areas
* keep climate in mind — heat, moisture, and insects
* don’t store things in an attic or garage if they will be damaged
* leave 15% of your space free for future additions
* plan to go through your spaces to “purge” once a year

THE RIGHT STORAGE PARAPHERNALIA

* use see-through containers whenever possible
* label every container so you know what’s in it without opening
* use drawer dividers, baskets, shelves to subdivide larger spaces
* make use of hanging space with hooks and racks
* make use of low space with under-bed boxes
* choose modular components that can adjust as your needs change

Content provided by OnlineOrganizing.com — offering “a world of organizing solutions!” Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau, get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you, or get some help starting and running your own organizing business.

Clutter Control Checklist, by Ramona Creel. Originally published at onlineorganizing.com and reprinted here according to reprint guidelines.

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