Decide WHY. Before you dive into an organizational project, determine why organization is important to you. Set some goals, write them down, and share them with those around you. Spending time exploring how organization is going to improve your life increases the chances that you’ll actually do it. Will organization save you time? Reduce stress? Save money? All of the above?

Determine WHERE to start. I suggest that you start with the place that has the greatest impact on your every day life. That could be the place where you spend the most time, or it could be the place that causes you the most stress.

Gather your TOOLS. An organizer’s tool kit may include garbage bags for trash and donations, index cards or sticky notes for categorizing items and labeling what stays and what goes, permanent markers, a note pad for follow-up action items, a tape measure, and plastic totes for storage or moving items.

Use organizational SYSTEMS that work for you! An organizational system is only worthwhile if it makes sense to you, is clear to others who will have access to it, and is maintainable on a regular basis. Are you an out of sight out of mind person? Then consider using clear or open containers so you can see what you’re storing. If you need color to help you categorize, build that into your system. If you’re a piler, not a filer, go with it…but recognize that your piles need a rhyme and reason to truly function.

Look for HIDDEN STORAGE. Oftentimes the most un-utilized space is vertical wall space. Use organizational tools that take advantage of your wall space such as wall mounted paper sorters, shelving and containers. Online retailers such as The Container Store and Organized A to Z are great resources for organizational tools that make the most of your space. A great way to take advantage of hidden storage space in your attic is a new product called the AtticMaxx Shelving System. This system uses the often wasted space between attic trusses to store infrequently accessed items such as holiday décor or seasonal gear.

Create organizational RULES to live by. If you don’t need it, don’t use it, or don’t love it, let it go. Live by a one-in, one-out policy—letting something old go before something new can come in. Set a deadline for periodicals—if they’re not read in a certain period of time, they go straight to the recycling bin. If you haven’t worn a clothing item in a year, donate it to someone who will enjoy it.  

Starting is easy, but continuing is hard. Crossing the organization finish line is amazing…celebrate it! But to maintain change, our work is never done. Once you get organized, you’ve got to maintain it. Daily, weekly, annually—you’ve got to keep reminding yourself why you want to be organized and how it makes your life more extraordinary. And really…that’s what it’s all about!

As a professional organizer, I rarely hear clients complain that they have too much storage space. However, in my experience, if you have it, you will fill it! Having storage space and making the most of it do not always go hand in hand. Below is part three in a three part series that includes clever tips for maximizing storage so you can store what you need, find what you want, and enjoy stress-free storage that meets the needs of your whole family.

THE BASEMENT

Function

Basements can serve many functions ranging from raw storage to laundry rooms to playrooms, home gyms or home offices. Depending on how finished your space is and what your family truly needs, your basement can offer huge storage potential and functionality. Discuss your basement goals with your family and make a list of all the ways you’d like to use it.

Elements

Because of the underground location, basements are always at risk for being damp or suffering water damage. Consider what and how you’re storing items in your basement with water constantly in mind. Use shelving to keeps items off the ground (preferably 1 foot above ground level) and consider a de-humidifier if your basement is always damp. Sensitive items that need to stay completely dry or can’t hold up to humidity should be stored elsewhere.

Access

Shelving is key to providing easy access to basement items. When boxes are stacked on the floor, they risk getting wet and inevitably, you need something in the box on the bottom and that just wastes time! Use shelving that holds up in a damp environment and can withstand the weight of the items you need to store. Metal shelving is ideal if you have even floors and finished walls. For unfinished spaces, AtticMaxx shelves are great tools for storing boxes and bins and keeping them off the ground and easy to reach.

Zones

Similar to the garage, group like with like. If you use your basement to store exercise equipment, keep it all together so you’re more likely to use it during your workouts. If you’re storing memorabilia, keep it in clear plastic bins to protect it and allow you to see what you have. If your basement storage area is large, consider creating an inventory of what you’re storing so you know where to look to find a particular item.

Using your home’s storage space well can certainly help minimize clutter in your living space. And while tackling a big job such as the basement may seem overwhelming, the benefits are huge! Less stress, easier access to important items, and the peace of mind that you will use what you have and can find what you need. Annual maintenance is also an important part of getting the job done and keeping it that way. Happy organizing!

THE GARAGE

Function

First and foremost, garages are meant for cars! (yes, it’s true…you really are supposed to park your vehicle in that space!). But garages can hold so much more—seasonal yard items, tools, paint, toys, sports equipment. Assess your family’s needs and the equipment you want easy access to outside to determine the function of your garage space.

Elements

Heat, humidity, and creepy-crawly things are often an issue in the garage. It’s best to store items in your garage that can hold up to these elements, or protect items by storing them in clean, clear containers to keep unwanted insects out. It’s also recommended that, as much as possible, you keep items up and off the ground. This makes it much easier to sweep or even hose out your garage periodically to keep it clean.

Access

If getting your car in it’s rightful home is a goal, clear out everything that is currently in your garage. Then park your vehicle in the garage and put masking tape around it so you know how much space you need. What is left around (or above!) your car is what you have to work with when it comes to storage.

Vertical space along walls can be a great source of garage storage space. Utility shelving or wall mounted hooks, baskets and bins can hold everything from rakes and ladders to baseball bats and bicycles. If your garage walls are unfinished, AtticMaxx shelves offer excellent storage for boxes and bins and other household goods. Rubbermaid’s Fast Track system offers flexibility and easily mounts to most flat surfaces. Simple pegboard can also be used to hang tools and smaller items. And don’t overlook the space above—your local home improvement store offers several options for ceiling mounted storage that is ideal for less frequently accessed items such as seasonal décor or camping gear.

Zones

A little planning goes a long way in the garage. As you’re clearing out your space, group items into categories (e.g. landscaping/lawn tools, car wash tools, sports equipment, home maintenance, etc.). As you replace items on shelving, hooks or hangers, keep like with like so it’s easy to find what you need. You might also want to have a “kid zone” where kids can easily access toys or equipment independently. Just remind them to return things to where they found them!

Using your home’s storage space well can certainly help minimize clutter in your living space. And while tackling a big job such as the garage may seem overwhelming, the benefits are huge! Less stress, easier access to important items, and the peace of mind that you will use what you have and can find what you need. Annual maintenance is also an important part of getting the job done and keeping it that way. Happy organizing!

THE ATTIC

Function

Determine what function the attic is going to serve. What will you keep there? How long will you store it? How frequently will you access it? Set limits on what can go up—e.g. off season clothes are okay, clothes that you haven’t worn in 3 years but just can’t part with, not okay.

Elements

Heat is always a factor in an attic. Consider the temperature and how your items will hold up. Keep electronics, photographs, vinyl albums, fragile fabrics, and any other heat (or cold!) sensitive items elsewhere. Attics can be 40+ degrees hotter than the rest of the home in the summer and quite chilly in the winter. If the stuff you’re storing is truly a treasure, you don’t want to risk ruining it.

Access

Always consider access in your attic. Use the eaves and sides of the attic so that you maintain a clear path down the middle. Get creative with your truss system by using Attic Maxx shelving to maximize your vertical space and avoid chaotic towers of boxes and bins.

Zones

Think in “zones” so you know what’s up there. Something is only worth saving if you can get your hands on it again…otherwise it’s just taking up space. Keep holiday décor in one spot (color coordinated totes make this so easy…black & orange, red & green, pink & yellow), off season clothing in another, luggage together and easily accessible, memorabilia you’re storing for children or loved ones in yet another. Consider keeping an inventory of what is stored where in the attic so it’s easy for you, and everyone else in the household, to find what they’re looking for.

Using your home’s storage space well can certainly help minimize clutter in your living space. And while tackling a big job such as the attic may seem overwhelming, the benefits are huge! Less stress, easier access to important items, and the peace of mind that you will use what you have and can find what you need. Annual maintenance is also an important part of getting the job done and keeping it that way. Happy organizing!

For many, the thought of moving (the boxes, the packing, the chaos, the sore muscles, the unpacking, etc.) might be right up there with a root canal in the realm of good times. However, the process of moving can provide you with an ideal opportunity to de-clutter and get organized. Ask any military family who moves frequently and they’ll tell you…it’s hard to hold on to clutter when you’re constantly on the move.

Here are a few suggestions for embracing the move process: packing, unpacking and creating systems that give you the organized house of your dreams!

1. Hire as much help as you can afford. If it’s in your move budget, have professionals pack and move your items. It will save time collecting boxes and supplies and save energy for unpacking and setting up your new home. Plus, no one can wrap up your fine china like a pro!

2. Purge prior to packing. Set aside enough time to tackle each space (including your attic, basement and garage) and rid your home of items that won’t work in your new house, or things you don’t currently need, use or love. Remember that each item you move costs you energy and money to pack and take with you.

3. Label each box with the name of the room or space it should be moved to in your new home. If you hire movers, be sure to label each room in your new home so as they’re unloading, they can easily put items where they belong.

4. Don’t forget to eat and stay hydrated throughout the process. Moving is more of a marathon than a sprint. Stockpile healthy snacks and lots of water so you can be at the top of your game and make it across the finish line.

5. When unpacking, consider focusing on rooms in the following order:

• Bedrooms: put together beds and make them. You’ll be tired and sleeping in your own bed is a great way to feel at home in your new place.
• Kitchen: unpack food and serving dishes, then move on to pots and pans, utensils, and finish with less frequently used items. (hint: consider putting sticky notes on cabinets as you make decisions about what goes where. You might leave them on for the first week or two so everyone in the household can find things!)
• Hang your shower curtain and a few clean towels so you can shower and feel fresh for more days of unpacking
• Focus on your home office. If you work from home, you’ll need at a minimum your computer/printer and phone in working order.
• Set up your living and dining space.
• Focus on storage spaces such as closets, the attic, basement and garage. Temporarily these spaces may become dumping grounds for empty boxes and packing materials or items without a permanent home. Set a deadline for dealing with these spaces so they don’t become a black hole of clutter.
• Finally, hang pictures, arrange decorative pieces, and make your house a real home.

6. Once boxes are unpacked, flatten all packing materials to make sure you’ve gotten out even the smallest items. (And YES, I recommend unpacking every single box!). Cardboard can attract unwanted pests, so don’t leave it sitting around for too long. Freecycle, sell on Craigslist or offer moving materials to a friend.

7. After the dust has literally settled, make decisions about how best to use your storage space and make a list of additional organizational tools you may need. Holiday and seasonal items are best stored in attics or on shelves in a garage or basement. More frequently accessed items such as sporting goods, tools and play gear should be kept within arms reach in a garage or storage closet. Clear plastic bins are best for storing items so you know what you have and can find items when you need them.

A move always offers a fresh start and an opportunity to atone for your cluttered ways in the past. Imagine how you want your life in your home to look and use your move as an opportunity to make that dream a reality! After all of your hard work, take a step back, pat yourself on the back, and tell yourself “Welcome Home.”

• Archive (I really need to keep this paper for important legal or financial reasons);
• Action (I need to do something with this paper or the information on it then let it go); or
• Capture (there is information on here that is important that I can capture then let the paper go).

The rest can be shredded or recycled. Just do it!