Back to basics Organization What Would Adele Do

Organizing 101 | Going Back to Basics

by Let's Organize - August 07, 2017

101 means basic description. Remember that there are many views and opinions about organizing and how to organize. The things that I share with you, is what works for me and it is based on my experience. It is important that your organizing style reflects your personality, style and budget.

So what are the basic things about organizing?

1. Don’t take on too much.

2. Be gentle and patient with yourself.

3. It is an ongoing process.

4. Baby steps.

5. You must have a storage and labeling system in place.

6. Don’t take on more than what you have time for.

7. Don’t get distracted.

8. Have a systematic approach. Don’t go from the one room to the next. Always finish one section/room before moving on to the next.

Why is being organized important?

1. You save time! You never waste time looking for things.

2. You save money! You will never waste money on buying things that is somewhere in the house.

3. You will be in control.

4. You will be committed and trustworthy.

So how do I do this?

1. Depending on available time, I will unpack 1 drawer, or a shelf or a cupboard. Do not over commit.

2. A decision must be made for each item that you unpack:

a. Do I still use this, like this, wear this?

b. If yes and it belongs to that room, then you put that on one pile. If it belongs to another room, then it must go to that room.

c. If no, then you must ask the following questions:

i. Can I donate it?

ii. Can I sell it?

iii. Can I recycle it?

iv. Can I throw it away?

3. Put the items for donation and recycling in boxes and take it straight to the boot/trunk of your car. On your next trip, you deliver it to the point of donation or to the recycling depot.

4. Items to be thrown away, goes straight to the refuse bin/trash can.

5. Items to be sold:

a. Take photographs and upload it to an online platform, e.g. Gumtree, OLX, e-bay, etc.

b. If these items don’t sell, then donate them.

6. If you have sentimental items that you don’t want to get rid of, but it doesn’t have to be displayed. Get a memory box for these special items and stow away in a cupboard.

7. I will then decide on a storage system for all the “yes” items for that room and put the items back.

8. All the storage items or shelves will be labelled.

9. The key to staying organized is to always return items to their right place, as soon as you are done with it.