Organization requires a system and habit of putting things away and ridding yourself of unnecessary clutter. To be really organized, you have to not only clear a path that allows you to establish organization systems and practices, but also commit to developing this habit for the long term. One long weekend of de-cluttering won't make you really organized. It may reduce the clutter and help set up your organizing system, but it takes creation of the habit of being organized to establish a really organized home.
Home Organization
Step 1
Evaluate what you have. Start by looking at every item and identify if it's something to keep, something to donate or something to throw away. Be tough during this step. In general, err on the side of getting rid of things as clutter is a major deterrent to organization.
Step 2
Take the items to be donated immediately to a charity drop-off. You can also set up a yard sale, but have it the next day after you've done your major sorting. Otherwise, items end up creeping back into your house, especially if you have children and they spy an old toy or game that they haven't seen for some time.
Step 3
Throw the clutter away that you don't need. Call your garbage company and arrange for an additional pick-up. Many waste companies offer either a free day once a year or one additional pick-up at your convenience for free each year.
Step 4
Evaluate what you have decided to keep. Walking through your house, determine the most efficient location for the item to be kept long-term. For example, shoes may best live in a basket near your main entry door, whether it's the garage, the front door or a mudroom. Backpacks may live best near where you can reach them, rather than in kids' bedrooms. You may find it's best to have a hamper per room per person in the house, or one centralized hamper for the entire family, depending on your family's needs.
Step 5
Determine systems that will help items stay in the room you've designated. For example, if you decide backpacks need to live near the door that the kids take to the bus or carpool, buy sturdy hooks or create areas for the kids to store the backpacks in that location. If you want to store shoes at the door, find an attractive basket in which to keep them.
Step 6
Make a list of the systems that you need and shop for the items that support the organizing system you've created. You don't have to spend money at expensive organizing stores. Hooks, for example, are easily found for low cost at hardware stores. Baskets are available at discount stores as well as high-end furniture stores, where they are often on sale. Use an inexpensive holder designed to hold knives and forks as a drawer organizer. Repurpose inexpensive, clear plastic containers of various sizes to store arts and crafts or bathroom supplies.
Step 7
Set up your organizing system and walk your family through to explain where things live. Keep track of how things are working and modify as necessary. Keep on top of using the systems to stay really organized and keep your home tidy.
Time Organization
Step 1
Keep a family calendar of all events and put it in a visible location. Many families use an online calendar that is color-coded for each member of the family. This way, you can see when you are due to carpool, your child is meant to be at practice and your spouse is on a business trip. Either print it out each week or, if you're not using an online option, use a whiteboard calendar in a central location of the house.
Step 2
Make appointments only when using the master calendar. You won't have conflicts and can immediately write the appointment down so you don't forget it.
Step 3
Let kids get themselves ready, as appropriate for their age. Using the calendar, they can have appropriate equipment ready the night before and pack their own lunch. All kids can put appropriate clothing out the night before.
Tips and Warnings
- You can use your electronic device, such as a handheld computer or laptop, to track your family calendar, but make sure to update the master calendar back at home on a regular basis.
Member Comments
simplehomeorg August 8
Great advise. I also give my older kids their own calendar and add in events and appointments that involve them. They, too, like to know what is coming up.