Thanks to Cindy Bernstein of Aim4Order for this episode of Tips from the Pros on tips to maintain order in your home.

Set a time to get started

Always stick to your organizing calendar. If you decide to clean on Sunday afternoon, make sure you don’t make other plans for that time. When you block time on your calendar to maintain order in your home, you are more likely to accomplish it.

How does your ideal home look?

What do you want to accomplish when you get organized? Be realistic, but set goals for yourself. If you have no idea what you want, it will be harder to get started.

Make good decisions

Be ruthless in your purging, and focus on your goals while organizing. Don’t let emotions get the best of you. Look at your belongings with the eyes of someone who is not attached to them. Be objective and don’t hang onto things to please other people.

Organize food

Get rid of expired foods first. Put the tallest foods in the back of the refrigerator or shelf, although keep in mind what you need most often. You want that to be handy. It’s easier to find something if you can see everything at a glance. Organize the condiments together. Put all of the fruit in one spot. Like things go together.

Get rid of shower clutter

Store shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, shaving cream and other belongings in a hanging, waterproof basket or tote. Have one set up for each person in the household. Having each person’s stuff in one spot makes it more convenient. 

Paper tray

If paper clutter tends to add up (put there by all family members), set up a tray or desktop file box where everyone can put papers. Go through daily and recycle or file away the paper so it doesn’t accumulate.

Label it!

Any boxes that go into storage areas should be labeled. If you have stow away things in boxes, this is especially helpful for kids’ stuff, put it in clear containers. You want to easily see what is inside along with the labels. Knowing what is inside containers will help you find things much more quickly.

Every day decluttering

Make your bed every day. Do dishes after each meal or at least every evening. Open your mail daily (do it by the recycle bin and dump junk right away). When you come home from a medical or other appointment, file the paperwork immediately or recycle it. Put things away after you use them. It only takes a minute, but will save time in the long run.

Donation box to maintain order

When you set up a donation box, take it right to the car for taking it to the donation site. Of course, if you have someone come and pick it up, move it near the door so it’s ready to be put outside. Once the container is full, make the donation right away. Don’t let the container become another source of clutter.

Reward your good behavior

Give yourself a pat on the back, take a relaxing bath, see a movie with a friend or some other kind of reward for your efforts. Tell yourself what a great job you did!

Clutter continues…

Because new clothes, mail, paperwork and other things are constantly entering your home, the clutter will accumulate if you don’t stay on top of it. I’m here to help if you find this overwhelming. Contact me and we can work to get your clutter under control and maintain order. 

Buying or selling your home? Contact Gigi today. Oh by the way, I’m never too busy for any of your referrals!