When it comes to organizing, there are some tricks that professional organizers follow. And these tricks are the reason why professionals can start organizing quickly.
If you have ever hired a professional organizer, have you noticed they ask you lots of questions? And they ask you to see your space? There is a lot of discussion around your purpose for the space. All of these things are important pieces that professional organizers use to help you truly get organized.
These “tricks of the trade” are things that professional organizers use to create a plan and set goals. These goals are what they use to make sure an organizing project actually meets your needs and can be maintained by you. From these goals, professional organizers can make a plan. That plan is how you are going to truly get your home organized.
So where do you even start if you don’t want to hire a professional organizer?
I am breaking down how to set goals and make a plan so you can organize your home like a professional.
Why Set Goals
Goal-setting is probably the most important piece of organizing…or any project really. Because when you set goals for specific projects, you have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish.
When I am working in virtual clients, I always ask what they want to accomplish when organizing their space.
Some people just want to have less stuff. Others want to give a room a purpose. While others hope to make finding things easier for themselves.
So it doesn’t matter what your end goal is. Just the fact that you have to have one so you know what you are aiming for while organizing.
Where To Start
Setting goals can be really easy or really challenging, depending on how you look at things. Sometimes you may not know why you want a space organized, so you aren’t sure what the end goal should be.
I have found doing a brain dump can help get clear on what your goal should be.
To do a brain dump, get a piece of paper and a pen. Set your timer for 15 minutes. Then write, doodle, and just keep moving that pen. I have some prompts I use to help keep me focused if I get stuck.
I usually start with making my “to do list”. Then I will write down all the steps that I need to take with each item on the list. This helps keep the pen moving.
I will also ask myself to write down my dream life. That gets the pen moving too!
You can write about the project you want to organize and how you want that to look when it is all done. As you write, ask yourself why you want the space organized. You will be surprised by what may come up.
Once the 15 minutes are up, look at your brain dump. See what things stand out. Most of the time, I find answers to questions I have been struggling with in the brain dump.
This is going to help you create your goals for your project.
Mental Clutter
I do want to add that sometimes we can get stuck on creating goals because we have some mental clutter that needs to be dealt with.
Mental clutter is just like physical clutter, but it is taking up space in our minds. It is stopping use from thinking as clearly as we possibly can.
When you clear mental clutter, you are removing things from your head space onto paper. Which is why using paper and pencil is so important. It helps our brains process better when we use paper and pencil instead of typing.
You can read my 5 Tips For Clearing Mental Clutter, which includes brain dumps and planning tips!
Make A Plan
Once you have cleared the mental clutter and set goals, you can focus on creating a plan. That plan should include all the steps you need to take to truly organize your space.
As professional organizer do, they create an in-depth plan to keep you focused while organizing. So if you know you aren’t the best at staying on task, I recommend making a plan you can stick to.
My free plan guide below has space to clear mental clutter, plans, and more.
To create your plan, write down the area you want to organize. Then write down your goal. What do you want the space to be like once you are done?
Under the goal, write down steps you need to take to get to that end goal.
Some obvious steps include removing everything from shelves. Cleaning shelves. Removing items I don’t use. Grouping items together based on how I use them. Put items back on shelves. Go to store to get bins if needed.
In my Declutter + Organize Guide, I have space for you to plan out your organizing project along with checklists. Make sure to download that now.
Take Action
You have your plan, so now it is time to take action. That means actually start the work.
I always recommend having a declutter caddy on hand for every project. It will keep you focused so you aren’t running all over the house looking for things. And it saves time! Since everything is on-hand, you can remove and clean without having to get up and down for items.
Now I have some tips for you for specific rooms to organize. Below you will find some of my favorite tips and tutorials for different rooms of your home. After you have decided on what area you are going to organize, you can read more specific tips below to help keep you focused!
Bedroom
Keeping bedrooms organized is the first place I recommend starting. When your bedroom space is tidy, research shows you get a better nights’ sleep because you can fall into REM sleep faster and for longer periods of time.
Effective Ways For Minimalist Living In A Master Bedroom
How To Organize A Primary Bedroom Like A Pro
Closet
In addition to keeping bedrooms organized, clothing should be organized as well. This helps eliminate indecision in the mornings when getting dressed. Because everything in your closet are things you love, wear, and fit you!
20 Ways Of Organizing Clothing In Closets
A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating A Minimalist Closet
The Hanger Trick For Your Closet
10 Tips To Organizing A Closet
Can You Really Organize A Closet Without Buying Anything?
Bathroom
Bathroom organization looks different for every bathroom I have ever organized. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to organizing bathrooms. So these tricks and tips can help no matter the space and size of your bathroom.
Best Trick For Always Having Bathroom Products On Hand
10 Insanely Easy Bathroom Storage Ideas
5 Secrets To Bathroom Under Sink Storage
How To Organize A Bathroom With Little To No Drawers
How To Organize Beauty Products In Bathroom
15 Bathroom Organization Hacks
Linen Closet
Linen closets are my favorite places to store towels, extra toiletries, and medicines. And while not everyone has ample space for all these things, I have some tutorials for creating order in any space.
How to Organize Your Linen Closet Like a Pro
7 Effective Tricks The Pros Use When Organizing Linen Closets
10 Ways To Store All Those Extra Items
Kitchen
When it comes to kitchens, I always suggest doing it in one day. And use Post-It notes. Lots of Post-It notes. Most of the time, you just need to reorganize your things. Follow the guide to help if you just need to reorganize certain parts of the kitchen. These tutorials can help you organize cabinets, drawers, and everything in between!
How To Organize Your Kitchen Without Spending Anything
Best Ways To Line Kitchen Drawers
My Top 12 Favorite Kitchen Drawer Organizers
How to Organize Your Kitchen Like a Pro
4 Bite-Size Tips To Organize Kitchen Utensils In Under 10 Minutes
Tidying Up Under The Kitchen Sink
How To Organize Kitchen Drawers
Pantry
Pantry organizing doesn’t need to look like Pinterest to be truly organized. Follow these pantry tips to help you organize your items in practical ways.
10 Step Process For Creating Pantry Organization That Will Last
Better Homes And Gardens Pantry
How To Organize Small Pantry Cabinets
Make Your Own Pantry Labels Tutorial
Living Room/Family Room
You may have toys in your living room. Maybe you keep storage items in your family room. Whatever it is you use your living room or family room for, make sure it stays organized with these tips.
6 Creative Ways To Organize Toys In The Living Room
Living Room Organizing and Design Ideas
How To Quickly Declutter Your Living Room
Play Spaces
I call play spaces any space that has toys. That may be a living room, designated play room, or basement. Whatever it is, these tricks will help keep the space organized, even if the kids play there.
Playroom Organization The Pros Don’t Want You To Know
5 Transformation Tips For Playroom Ideas On A Budget
The One Secret Everyone Should Steal From These Playroom Ideas
8 Rookie Mistakes You Make When Setting Up A Playroom
10 Tips For Organizing Art Supplies
Too Many Toys? How You Can Declutter Easily
How Much Is Too Much When It Comes To Toys?
The Best Way To Organize Toys In Small Spaces
Office
Office spaces have transformed over the last few years. These tutorials will help you create order in your office area.
How To Create An Office In Small Space
Organizing Office Desks Like A Professional
How To Create Desk Office Organization Like A Professional
Creative Office Supply Organization Ideas For Cabinets Or Walls
14 Easy Ways To Instantly Organize Paper Clutter
7 Ways To Reduce Paper Clutter
10 Paper Organizing Hacks You Need To Know
Organizing Paper Like a Professional
Mudroom/Coat Closet
Whether you have a designated mudroom or a giant closet, these tricks will help everyone keep their jackets, shoes, and backpacks organized.
Messy Mudroom? Here’s How To Fix It
How to Organize Your Mudroom Like a Pro
Creating Mudroom Storage Like A Pro
How To Organize Your Family’s Jackets
Simple Habits For Organizing Face Masks
Garage
If you really think about it, the garage is just an extension of our home. So it should be organized too. These tips and tricks can help with creating order in any garage.
How To Get Rid Of Garage Clutter Forever
Garage Toy Storage Ideas Kids Can Do
10 Garage Storage Ideas That Will Make Your Garage Organized
The Best Garage Bike Storage Tips From A Professional
Practical Garage Tool Storage Ideas
Laundry Room
Laundry is never fun. But when you have an organized laundry room or closet, it helps you get laundry done faster. These tutorials are sure to help create an organized laundry area.
How To Transform A Laundry Room By Adding Shelves
Do These Laundry Room Storage Ideas Still Hold Up?
Unconventional Laundry Room Hacks
Laundry Room Organization Ideas The Pros Don’t Want You To Know
Storage Room
I have seen it all when it comes to storage areas. So these tips and tutorials cover everything from holiday bins to sentimental items to craft supplies. Because whenever you aren’t sure where to store something, it usually ends in the storage area.
Sentimental Storage Box Tutorial
Best Solutions For Removing The Sentimental Value On Other People’s Items
Best Solutions For Parting With Sentimental Items
After You Declutter, What Do You Do With The Leftover Stuff?
The Ultimate Guide To Organizing A Craft Closet
How To Keep An Organized Craft Room
How To Organize Your Home Like A Professional
When it comes to organizing, sometimes the pros do know a thing or two about the best ways to achieve your end goal.
Start by setting that goal. Clear mental clutter so you are able to create space in your mind to make quality decisions.
Set a plan for yourself. That plan should go into details of what you plan to do.
Then take action on that plan. Make sure you stick to what you want your goal to be. And you will find yourself with an organized home!
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