Five Mismanaged Organizational domains, as Perceived by Expert Opinions
Organizing your home might feel like a social media-inspired task, with perfectly arranged closets and label-matched bins. But expert organizers say there's more to it than meets the eye. Many areas of the house might appear clean, but true organization goes beyond aesthetics. Here are the five spaces that people often get wrong, along with some insider tips to get you organized:
1. Closets
From the primary bedroom closet to the guest room's storage space, closets can be a challenge to keep tidy. One of the biggest mistakes is neglecting to measure before organizing, which often leads to poorly-fitting storage solutions. Professional organizer Shantae Duckworth advises measuring thoroughly, as buying those cute storage items only to find that they don't fit is a wasted investment.
2. Pantries
Overstuffed pantries and hard-to-see items quickly lead to wasted food and unnecessary purchases. Expert organizer Duckworth suggests using clear containers, turntables, and tiered shelving to make every item visible and accessible. An organized pantry saves you money by reducing food waste.
3. Home Offices
Cluttered home offices can become a hotspot for misplaced papers and hidden bills. Instead of sorting papers into countless categories, try a simple three-folder system: one for action items, one for long-term storage, and one for shredding or recycling.
4. Entryways
Your entryway often becomes a messy drop zone as you toss your keys, bags, and shoes. By designating a small landing zone with hooks and bins, you can easily keep essentials organized and prevent the disarray.
5. Storage Bins
When it comes to storage bins, it's essential to declutter first before purchasing. The right approach is to start by getting rid of unused items and purchasing storage solutions accordingly. Once your home is organized, save time and effort daily by maintaining and regularly decluttering each space.
So remember, organization is about more than appearances. Take the time to properly measure, declutter, and discover thoughtful organizing solutions that will actually work for you and your home.
- For a well-organized closet, RealSimple suggests measuring the space first before purchasing any storage solutions, like bins or turntables, to ensure a perfect fit, just like professional organizer Shantae DNL advises.
- In an attempt to reduce food waste and save money, consider using clear containers, strategically placed turntables, and tiered shelving in your overstuffed pantry, as suggested by Duckworth from RealSimple Home.
- If you're struggling to keep your home office organized, consider implementing a three-folder system, which includes an action items folder, a long-term storage folder, and a shredding or recycling folder, as recommended by RealSimple's experts.
- To stop your entryway from becoming a messy drop zone, designate a small landing zone with hooks and bins to keep essential items organized and ready for use, as advocated by RealSimple Home's organization tips.
