How to make a plan of action before organizing? Well, let us first start with why you need a plan, to begin with. Without a plan, you are simply guessing. I always say it is like going to a new city but driving without a map. Organizing cannot be simply winging it, it requires planning. So, how do you make a plan of action before organizing? That is what we are going to talk about today so grab some paper and a pen or use the notes on your phone. Just know that I got you!
Your Daily Routine
Your daily routine and lifestyle can tell you everything you need to know about your space. Let us talk about the entryway for example, this used to be a dumping area for my family. Yes, you heard that correctly, my apartment entryway was a dumping zone that I could not handle to look at. Therefore, I pretended that it was my mom’s part of the home instead of looking for a result. Guilty as charged. Just because my belongings were not there I chose to look away. Yikes.
We all do that. I want you to write down all the things you do daily that affect your space. In my case, school and work, therefore, my siblings and my son’s shoes for school need to be within reach. My son’s shoes also needed to be at a level he can get to without help. Your turn, what is in your daily routine that you need daily? Have it front and center.
Look at your Space
Now that you have thought about your daily routine or lifestyle, you can really look at your space. What do you need to be there and what do you not need?
I am going to stick to my entry closet for my example because it is a hot topic in my household. Based on my daily routine, I was able to look at my space in a way that best matched us. I wanted my main shoes completely separated from my family so we bought a shoe cabinet to put by the door so we could keep it neat. We went from shoe entry hooks to shoe cabinets and now we have a healthy medium of both.
Related: Entryway Shoe Hooks
Hey Friend, Purge!
Out with all that does not need to be there. I am talking about, get rid of everything you do not use, or fit you or like. Make Marie Kondo proud with your purging. If you read her book and love her system, then follow her advice and only keep things that spark joy. Honestly, that book does not resonate with everyone, which is completely fine, my point is that you need to purge. In fact, take out everything (if space permits this) so you can really see your space without the clutter.
Redesign
Do not panic, I am not going to ask you to knock down a few walls here. Redesign by organizing your space in a way that you can get to what you need when you need it. Plan where you want to put certain things. Look at what you need to buy or what you have around the house that you can use. For example, containers to hold your scarves or hats or flip flops if you are working on your entryway. You do not always have to buy new things for storage. See what you have as well!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we talked about how to make a plan of action before organizing. You are creating an action plan that matches your space and lifestyle. Create sections and categories that best suit your space. Remember to look at your daily routine, look at your space that you want to work on, purge out what you don’t need and redesign by either buying things you need or using what you have at home.
I love helping you out the best way I know-how. If you need some 1 on 1 help, email me a photo of your space that you are having trouble with. In return, I will give you my best tips to help you through it.
FYI – I invite you to join me in my signature The Organized Mom System where I virtually coach you and help you take control of your household by removing clutter, mastering your time & simplifying your life.
Related: 7 Organizing Habits You Need to Start (Right Now)
