I am constantly reading articles and books about organising, decluttering and sorting. Over the years I have taken what works for me and used it at work with clients and in my own home. Here in a nutshell is some of the best advice to stay organised.
10 good rules to help you stay organised:
Rule 1. When in doubt, throw it out.
Not sure about how you feel in that dress? Can’t make up your mind about the vase? Let it go
Rule 2. Use it, or lose it.
At least twice a year, go through your cupboards and drawers and remove all those items you haven’t used. The chances are you won’t, so let go.
Rule 3. Handle things once
Especially when dealing with paperwork, junk mail, children’s art. Touch it once, decide what you are going to do, and do it.
Rule 4. Recycle
Most people have packaging and paper coming into their homes. We should all recycle.
Rule 5. DO SOMETHING
When you are not sure where to start, pick a place. A drawer, a shelf, anywhere! Once you start, you will find it easier to carry on
Rule 6. A place for everything, and everything in its place
This is one of my favourite rules. Find a home for everything in your home. Putting things back is a lot easier when you know where it belongs.
Rule 7. Do it NOW!
Don’t put things down thinking you will sort it out later. Do it immediately, and you will be amazed at how quickly it becomes a habit
Rule 8. Label, label, label
I think my favourite organising tool is my labelling machine. I love to label things as it makes it so easy for everyone in the household to find things and put them back
Rule 9. Pick a number and stick to it
You choose how many handbags you want, or how many pieces of children’s artwork you want to keep. You choose how many breadboards you REALLY need, and how many vases. Then stick to that number. When you bring another one in, one needs to go.
Rule10. Efficiency is everything
We want to find things easily, put things back without hassle. So, store things that are most used in the most accessible spots. Store similar things together. Store heavy items lower down.
Pick one or two rules, or all of them and try them out!
