January 7, 2021

7 Tips to Help You Get Organized And Stay Organized in 2021

The new year has always been a time for fresh starts and new beginnings. I think with everything we have endured these past few months it’s not just the start of a new year but hopefully the year we return to normalcy.

We have been spending more time in our homes which has made it hard to ignore overflowing closets, kitchens filled with items that are never used, and garages bulging at the seams. As an organizer, the one good thing that has come from the past few months is people are clearing the clutter and reclaiming their homes. With so many working from home, it has forced us to rethink our spaces and create multifunctional work areas. We have also been stocking up on items but realizing we have no place to store them. I think during the coming year it is going to continue to be important to work on making your home a place that is simple, enjoyable, and most of all peaceful. If you have already taken the steps to get organized or if you are ready to start the process this blog is for you! These tips will help get you organized and keep you organized.

MAKE LISTS

I like keeping everyday lists of items I need to purchase, appointments I need to make, blog ideas, and any other important tasks that need to be accomplished. I use a notebook and the notes app on my phone. It doesn’t matter which one you use as long as it keeps you organized.

PURGE REGULARLY

I always suggest purging before organizing any area in the home. Letting go of the items that you no longer need, use, or want will not only free up space but will help you stay organized and avoid clutter. Start with a small area and once you start to see results it will motivate you to move to another area in your home.

SET REALISTIC GOALS

Homes that are lived in usually don’t look like photos in a magazine. Organize your home for how you and your family live daily life. Keep it functional, comfortable, and most importantly simple. The key to an organized home is to purge regularly, sort like items, and then contain what you are keeping. It really is that easy. It may be time-consuming setting up a system but once you are in a routine you will reap the benefits in your daily life.

BUY ONLY WHAT YOU NEED

A hard concept for many but it really is the key to keeping your home clutter-free. Sales can be tempting, online shopping has become the norm and big box stores are enticing. You have to retrain your brain and only shop for products that you need to replenish. Less stuff means less stress. Make lists and stick to them when shopping for household items.

CONTAIN LIKE ITEMS

Go through your house and corral all like items together. The reason this step is so important it prevents over buying items you already own. Group the like items in categories such as batteries, lightbulbs, first aid, gift wrap, office, etc.
Once you have sorted it’s time to find the containers that will work for your space. Measure and then decide if you want clear containers, baskets, or bins. There is no right or wrong way just what fits your budget, space, and lifestyle.

LABEL CONTAINERS

Save time and money by labeling your containers. If you forget what is in a container you will buy more of the same item and then say those famous words “I was looking for that!”. Label makers are inexpensive and once you own one you will wonder how you lived without it!

IF YOU TAKE IT OUT…PUT IT BACK

Training yourself to put something back after you take it out is one of the most important ways to ensure you stay organized. Purging, containing, and having a place for everything is great but if you take something out and don’t put it back clutter will begin to return.

Being organized alleviates everyday frustrations, saves you time, money, and makes your home a place that you cannot wait to come home to at the end of the day. Make 2021 the year you reclaim your space! Happy New Year!

 

 

 

August 20, 2020

Gain Storage In Your Bathroom With These Simple Tips

Are you lacking storage in your bathroom? Many people think they don’t have enough storage but the real problem is how much stuff they own and how they are utilizing the space. As an organizer, the one area I see that is often overlooked is under the sink. When organizing under the sink the key is to pare down and find the right products to fit your space. These four tips will help you clear the clutter and give you ideas for storing your products.

Purge

When beginning any organizing project purging is a must if you want to see change. Purge items that you don’t use or like even if it cost a lot of money. Holding onto items for that reason can keep you in a constant state of clutter. Don’t beat yourself up over it just let it go. Also, some skincare and makeup products have expiration dates so if an item is expired its time to toss.

Sort

Once you have purged sort like items into categories such as haircare, skincare, makeup, first aid, and health. Containers that stack utilizes the vertical space under a sink. These are a favorite because they come in different sizes and are great for stacking. Grouping like items saves time and money.

Measure

The under-sink space is different for everybody due to plumbing restrictions. Measuring the precise depth, width, and height on each side of the plumbing will allow for an accurate fit and help you decide which products will work for you. Don’t buy before you measure!

Contain

If you are lacking drawer storage this is a favorite. It’s easy to assemble and comes in different sizes to fit your needs. Lazy Susans are also a great option under a sink because they provide easy access to everyday essentials.

The best part of any organizing project is putting back all your favorite products and enjoying your new organized space. If you are looking to get organized in your home start with a small project like this. It doesn’t take a lot of time and once you start to enjoy the benefits it will motivate you to move on to other areas in your home.

Let me know if this helped you add space under your sink. I love hearing feedback!

 

Welcome to the Neatly Designed blog, where I share my favorite organization tips, and must-have organizing products.

Subscribe!

Sign up to receive new posts directly in your Inbox!

Shop my faves

Shop all my organizing faves

Partnerships

How to remove your junk

My Home Tour

Featured in Jacksonville Magazine

Christine’s Top 10 Organizing Solutions

or, shop by the latest Instagram

July 20, 2020

Tips To Set Up A Temporary Office

Recently I took a break from blogging to focus more time on family, moving, and getting my own home unpacked and organized after a recent renovation. I have received so many questions lately from those of you who are working from home and need help getting organized and setting up a temporary office. I thought now is the perfect time to get back to writing! Many of us thought we would be back in the workplace by July but that does not seem to be happening anytime soon. Working from home can be stressful especially when you do not have a specific area set up and no organization system in place. Today I want to share tips and suggestions on how to set up an inexpensive temporary office. The best way to be productive is to be organized!

CHOOSE A TEMPORARY SPACE 

Remember this is temporary so it doesn’t have to be perfect. Your goal is to create a space that is simple and organized and will help you be more productive when working at home. In a perfect world, it would be nice to set up your office where there is some privacy with little disruptions but with kids at home that may not be an option. Do your best to find an area in your home that works for you even if it is the kitchen table. During our renovation, I set up a temporary office space not just for myself but also for my daughters who came home for a couple of months at the beginning of COVID. I used a simple folding card table as a desk and it worked great as a temporary fix. Use items that you already own and it will save you save time and money.

SIMPLIFY AND SORT

This step is so important because if you are using an area in your home that is normally not an office you need to keep it simple. Sort supplies before you begin and only have the absolute essentials. Temporary offices have to be pared down or they can get cluttered and unorganized very quickly. Keep it simple!

USE CONTAINERS

If you want to stay organized investing in the proper containers is key. Keep your office supplies organized with a desk drawer insert. Even if you don’t have a desk drawer store it on a shelf and bring it out when you need it. Store office items you use less frequently in labeled boxes and keep them in a bookcase or shelf. These are a favorite because they are functional but look great too!

SET UP A FILE SYSTEM 

I like a portable desktop file box that can be out when you are using it but tucked away in a closet or on a shelf when not in use. I also recommend a collator to keep important files at your fingertips for easy access.

INVEST IN A SHREDDER

This is definitely essential for the simple fact that it cuts down on paper clutter. Shred old papers you no longer need and open mail near the shredder so you can shred junk mail and keep it from piling up. Every home, in my opinion, should own a shredder it helps to control the endless piles of paper clutter.

LABEL

Labeling is another important way to stay organized in an office. Label all folders, files, and containers so you know what is in them. Labeling saves time and alleviates unnecessary searching for that one thing you know you have but you can’t find it!

I’m so happy to be back to answer your questions. If you have a question message or email me and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @neatlydesigned for all of my latest tips on organizing and creating beautiful spaces.