Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are there too many ideas and things to do swirling around in your head? I know the feeling! Getting organized sounds amazing in theory, but actually stepping out and doing it? That’s where the struggle begins.
You want your home to get to the point that it feels calm instead of the chaotic state that it is in. You want a system that actually works for your busy life. But between work, family, and the never-ending to-do list, organizing can feel like one more thing you don’t have time for. Sound familiar?
I hear you! This is an article dedicated to you. And that’s exactly why I want to walk you through not just getting started with organizing but actually following through. Because here’s the truth—organization isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a space and systems that work for you and your family.
Step 1: Shift Your Mindset
Before we dive into the fun stuff of choosing fantastic bins and products to assist you, let’s take a step back. I want you to ask yourself:
- Why do you want to get organized in the first place?
- Is it to save time?
- Reduce stress?
Having a clear reason will keep you motivated when the process feels overwhelming. Think about how disorganization affects your daily life. Are you always searching for lost items? Do you feel like your home is cluttered with things you don’t even use? Picture what your life would look like if everything had a place, and you no longer felt buried under the mental load of keeping track of it all.
Step 2: Pick One Area to Start With
Now that you have your mind shifted, where do you start? That’s where most people get stuck—they try to tackle everything at once. I totally get wanting to just get it over and done with in one shot, but fast tracking a task like this leads to burnout. Instead, pick one area that will give you the biggest relief when it’s organized.
Start small. I want you to pick a junk drawer, pantry, or even your entryway and use that as your starting point. These areas can be a great place to begin. Why? The goal is to create a quick win—something that boosts your confidence and momentum. Once you see progress, you’ll be motivated to keep going.
Step 3: Declutter First—Always
I know that you are itching to start neatly arranging things into pretty containers, but we are not there yet. You need to declutter first because if you don’t you are just organizing clutter, and that’s not the goal. Ask yourself:
- Do I use this regularly?
- Does it serve a purpose?
- Would I buy this again?
If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go. Donate, recycle, or toss anything that doesn’t align with your current lifestyle. And remember—you’re making space for what truly matters, not just getting rid of things for the sake of it.
Step 4: Create a System That Works for You
- Labeling: Use labels on bins, drawers, and shelves so everyone in the household knows where things belong.
- Zones: Group similar items together. (Example: Keep all coffee supplies in one cabinet near the coffee maker. Backpack hooks and drawers to put essentials right by the door.)
- Daily Reset: Take five minutes at the end of the day to reset key areas like the kitchen or living room, and put some music on for added fun. Small habits really help your future self and others in your home.
Step 5: Use the Right Tools to Stay Organized
Of course fancy gadgets sound like fun, but you don’t need them especially if you have a tight budget. Therefore, that doesn’t mean you can’t have the right tools in a budget that works for you. Having the right tools truly can make all the difference in your home. Some of my favorites include:
- Clear Bins or Baskets: Perfect for pantries, bathrooms, and toy storage so you can store what you have.
- Drawer Dividers: A game changer for junk drawers and clothing organization.
- Digital Planners: If you love apps, try tools like Asana, Skylight Calendar, Trello, or Notion to track tasks and keep your life in order.
- Checklists: From meal planners, grocery list printables and chore charts, you can find free designs that you can print at home and laminate to reuse with a white board marker. I have some in my free jaw-dropping resource library – check them out here!
Step 6: Actually Step Out & Do It
Action time! This is the part where you take things to the next level and take action. Now I know you are tempted to wait until you “have time” to get organized but there is never the right time. Instead of waiting for the ideal perfect time to get started, I want you to make time. Here’s how:
- Schedule It: Block off time on your calendar just like you would for an appointment.
- Set a Timer: Set a 15- to 30-minute timer and see how much you can get done.
- Make It Fun: Play music, listen to a podcast, or even turn it into a game with your kids.
- Stay Accountable: Get a friend or family member to check in on your progress. Better yet, tackle a space together!
Step 7: Maintain Your Progress Without the Overwhelm
Once you have done all the hard work—now it’s time to make sure that it sticks. The secret? Maintenance! It can easily feel like organization is a one-and-done task, but in reality it’s a habit you’ve got to maintain. But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
- Declutter Regularly: Set a reminder to do a quick declutter session once a month.
- Use the “One In, One Out” Rule: Anytime you bring in a new item (clothes, toys, kitchen gadgets), remove one.
- Weekly Resets: Take a few minutes each week to tidy up and put things back where they belong.
Final Thoughts
No home is going to be perfect and getting organized isn’t about creating a Pinterest-perfect home. It’s all about simplifying your life so you can spend more time enjoying it! The hardest part is starting, but once you take that first step, you’ll gain momentum and confidence.
So, what’s the one area you’re going to start with today? Pick a space, set a timer, and take that first step toward an organized, stress-free home. You’ve got this!
Related:
- How To Start Organizing Your Life For Newbies
- Top 3 Organizing Habits You Should Practice (Right Now)
- How to Know if Organizing Right For You?
- How to Make Organizing Work For Me?
- Organizing Resources: Favourite Things, Tools & Resources
