Prepare Your Mindset for Organizing

Having the right mindset is important when it comes to getting organized in the new year. It may be time to look at your material possessions in a different light. Less clutter means less internal stress. Identify which possessions in your home “spark joy,” as best-selling author and tidying expert Marie Kondo says. If something doesn’t make you happy, get rid of it. Approach organizing with the intention of creating more joy in your life.

Setting Organizational Goals

With organizing New Year’s resolutions as a priority, you are ready to clear away the mess. But be careful not to dive into this big project without a plan in place, or failure may be a real possibility. Decluttering is an ongoing process. If you try to clean a decade of clutter in one day, you will inevitably become overwhelmed and frustrated. Try organizing one room in your home every month to keep up with it.

If you plan to spend a Saturday organizing a few rooms in your house, create a list of tasks you wish to accomplish that day. Then break down each task further. For instance, one of your tasks might be to clean out the pantry. You could break it down this way:

• Remove all food from the pantry.
• Throw away food that is old.
• Give away food not being used.
• Wipe down shelves.
• Arrange food into sections based on categories. (Place pasta in one section, canned goods in another, and so on.)
• Enjoy the new space!

Assessing Your Organizational Needs

What are the rooms in your house that are sucking the joy out of life? Is it the primary closet that is filled with old clothes you don’t wear anymore? Are the drawers in your bathroom overflowing with partially used products that you haven’t touched for years? Start with the room that bothers you the most, and move down the list from there.

Create specific, measurable, and realistic goals for getting organized in the new year. You might only be able to start the process in some rooms. For instance, if you want a new desk and file cabinet but can’t afford them yet, you should still organize your office so it’s ready when you can. Here is an example of how you can prepare:

• Go through the stacks of papers in your office and organize them into labeled manilla envelopes, so they’ll be ready to go when you have that file cabinet.
• Gather items that are no longer used and donate them.
• Clear all miscellaneous items that are on the floor or hanging behind the door.

Utilizing Vertical Space

If your rooms feel too cramped and cluttered, consider creating vertical storage space such as the following:

1. Modular shelving

Modular shelves are individual pieces that can be combined and configured to create a storage solution that is the height, width, and shape you would like it to be. These shelves can be mounted on a wall or suspended from a ceiling, and they work well in closets, the garage, the laundry room, and many other spaces throughout the house.

2. Floating shelves

Do you need more storage in your kitchen, bedroom, or office without taking up too much space? Floating shelves come out of the wall without noticeable support. They create an open, spacious atmosphere and can make small rooms feel less cramped. These shelves have become a popular addition to kitchens for holding plates, cups, bowls, and more.

Implementing a "One In, One Out" Policy

A helpful organization tip for your home is to use the one in, one out policy. This strategy involves getting rid of something when you purchase a new item. So, if you buy a few T-shirts, the one in, one out policy would require that you get rid of a few T-shirts you don’t wear anymore. If you add a new appliance to the kitchen, perhaps you donate an appliance that doesn’t get much use. This is a highly effective method of minimizing clutter in the home.

Maximizing Storage Potential

There are many ways to maximize storage space in your home. Here are a few ideas:

• In the closet: hang a double rod, one for shorter items and one for longer clothing pieces.
• In the laundry room: create counter space for folding, and make sure there are shelves and cabinets within reach for detergents and ironing supplies.
• Around the house: call on ShelfGenie to build adjustable and glide-out shelving in your cupboards and cabinets.

Simplifying Your Home

Simplifying your home can help you save money, calm your mind, and make your living space more enjoyable. Here are a few tips for the rooms in your house: In the kitchen: keep counters clear of dishes, paperwork, or miscellaneous items that make the room feel smaller and hectic. Convert your kitchen cabinets into more practical and usable space with pull-out shelving.

• In the bathrooms: only keep products and tools you need and use in the drawers and cabinets, and get the rest of it out of there! Keep as much of it out of sight as possible. This can help transform your bathroom into a tranquil, organized sanctuary.
• In the family room: keep blankets folded neatly, store remote controls in drawers, and make sure coffee tables have enough space to hold drinks and other useful items.
• In the laundry room: keep dirty clothes in a designated basket or hamper, keep counters clear of unnecessary items, and make sure detergents are stored away, if possible.

ShelfGenie's Custom Organizational Solutions

Combining these tips with the right organization tools will help you create a clutter-free, well-organized home - and living space you and your family will enjoy. ShelfGenie's custom organization solutions have helped thousands of homeowners create functional and organized homes. When it comes to storage, we are the premiere company for all of your storage and organization needs. From closets and bathrooms to kitchens and pantries, we have solutions to solve the most challenging storage needs, both standard and custom storage, that make getting and staying organized easy. So if you’re serious about getting organized in the new year, schedule a free, no-obligation design consultation with ShelfGenie today!