Top Tips for Getting Organized for Good

In our fast-paced, modern lives, it can be challenging to keep our homes organized and clutter-free. Taking a little time to get organized can have big benefits, both in terms of the appearance of your home and for your peace of mind. Here are some of the top tips for getting organized for good.

1. Have a place for everything. The first step to getting organized is to make sure that everything in your home has a place where it belongs. For example, place a shoe rack near the back door for shoes. If you have young children, have a storage cube in the family room for easy access to toys and easy clean up. Make sure that everyone in your household knows where things go. When everything has a 'home' it is easy to keep things put away and tidy when not in use.
2. Keep things handy and within reach.  In addition to having a designated place for everything, it's also important to keep the things you use most often within reach. For example, keep your most often used kitchen utensils on the counter in a storage caddy. Keep fresh fruit out in a decorative tray. Use a decorative basket for cell phones and chargers. 
3. Keep like items together. Another key to organization is to keep like items together. For example, keep all your baking supplies together in a storage bin in the pantry. When it’s time to bake you just have to grab the bin. Keep all your cleaning supplies together in a portable container, making it easy to find what you need when you need it.
4. Use baskets and decorative containers. Baskets and decorative containers can be a great way to organize small items and keep them out of sight. Use a decorative basket to store all your remote controls, or a set of pretty jars to store your cotton balls and q-tips.
5. Toss papers and clutter you don't need. One of the biggest sources of clutter in many homes is paper. To keep your home organized, toss anything that you don't need. Don't save clutter because you 'think you might need it.' If you're not sure, toss it. Keep important papers in file folders and find one place to keep them, on your desk or in a drawer.
6. Place a basket or tray on the counter to 'collect' clutter. Even if you're diligent about putting things away, it's still easy for clutter to accumulate. To combat this, consider placing a basket or tray on your kitchen counter where you can collect items that need to be put away. This will help prevent clutter from piling up on your counters or other surfaces. Have a decorative basket for keys and another basket near an outlet to serve as a charging station for phones and chargers. 
7. Do it now. One of the most important habits to develop for organization is to put things away as soon as you're done using them. This might mean putting your dishes in the dishwasher immediately after eating or hanging up your coat as soon as you come inside. Doing this will prevent clutter from accumulating, and you'll always know where things are when you need them.
8. Tidy up at the end of the day. Finally, it's a good idea to take a few minutes at the end of each day to tidy up your home. This might mean putting away any items that are out of place, wiping down counters and other surfaces, and generally making sure that everything is in order before you go to bed. Taking just a few minutes every night, you'll give yourself peace of mind and an organized home in the morning. 

 Getting organized doesn't have to be a daunting task. These tips can help you can create a home that is both beautiful and functional. Being organized helps you feel calm and in control. Start small and build on your successes over time. Before you know it, you'll have a home that is organized for good!