Moving Forward: How to Get Organized and Keep It That Way

Getting organized is something most people want to do, but it always seems like life gets in the way. If you haven’t been organized in the past or you have a lot of clutter and stuff, getting organized can also seem like such a daunting task that you don’t even know where to start. Fortunately, there are some great ways to get started on organizing your home or office so you can make the space clutter free and then keep it that way much more easily.

It really is possible to have a clutter-free office or home, and once you go through the decluttering and organizing process, keeping it that way doesn’t take much time or effort. Here are some rules and tips to follow, in order to get your space cleaned up and cleaned out, along with ways to help you keep the space clean, clear, and looking great in the future.

1. Do a Full Declutter of the Space, Clearing Everything Out of It

When you’re ready to get (and stay) organized, start with one room. Take absolutely everything out of that room, and thoroughly clean the empty space. Wipe down the walls, wash the curtains, clean the blinds and the light fixture on the ceiling.

Replace any burned-out bulbs in that fixture, or change out current bulbs for brighter or dimmer ones you like better. Vacuum and shampoo the carpet, or sweep and mop the hard floor. Once the room is completely clean, it’s time to start putting things back into it.

2. Only Put Back the Things You Need, or That Bring You Happiness

As you put things into the room, consider then carefully. Ask yourself whether you need the item that’s going in there, or is it just taking up space. If you have a dresser in your bedroom that sits empty, or a filing cabinet in your office with the same problem, why are those pieces of furniture in the room? If you don’t need them, leave them out. A more minimalist space is far more organized and peaceful.

3. Place Everything Neatly the First Time, As You Put it Back

Putting things back should be based on having everything in its place, instead of just getting it back into the space. For example, not only should you take care to only put back what you need, but you should also put things back right where they go, the first time you return them to the room. That way you don’t have to change anything later, because you’ve already got everything where it belongs.

4. Keep an Inventory of Where Everything Is, So You Know Where Everything Goes

When you bring home a new book, decide to create a new photo album, or buy something that really makes you happy, where are you going to put that new thing? The best place for it is with others of its kind, so you know where to find it when you want or need it. By having an inventory of what’s in the room, you can make sure you know what you have all the time so you can add to or remove things from your house in an organized manner.

5. Be Conscious of Everything You Bring Into Your Space After Decluttering

Decluttering your space is only the first step toward being organized, especially if you want to maintain that organization indefinitely. When you see something you want to bring home, or even something you want to move into that room from another location in your home or office, make sure you know why you’re doing it and what purpose it will serve. Then you can make the right choice and continue to stay organized even if you decide to add items or change things.

6. Form Habits That Will Keep Your Space Clean and Clutter Free

Changing the habits that caused your home or office to become cluttered in the first place is a big part of keeping that space free of clutter in the future. If you don’t work to form new habits, you could end up cluttering up the space again over time. By putting things away when you’re done with them, making sure everything has its place, and spending a few minutes in the morning or before bed making sure everything’s decluttered and straightened up, you can keep a clutter-free space much more easily. That will help you have more enjoyment of your space, and can also give you more time for other pursuits.