With countless methods available for organizing and decluttering a home, it's no wonder the task can feel overwhelming. From being uncertain about where to start to getting confused about the best layouts or systems, the first steps can be as challenging as maintaining it.

 

So, how do the professionals do it? While experience is a factor, the real secret lies in following a set of golden rules for home organization. These rules guide them through every project, big or small, with ease.

Here are top seven essential home organizing golden rules from experts that will make your chores less stressful and more manageable.

Home Organizing Golden Rules

Mastering these golden rules will do more than just help organize your home; they will also help streamline your weekly organizing tasks, maintain general neatness, and save time on tidying and cleaning.

• Let Your Space Set the Limits

Feeling overwhelmed by your efforts to organize and declutter? This might indicate you're trying to outgrow your space, suggests Tina Priestly, professional home organizer and owner of Ready, Set, Refresh. One of her golden rules is to let your space define how much you can own.

Clutter occurs when you have more items than your space can handle. By setting limits on the space allocated for each category (like one shelf for shirts, another for jeans, etc.), you can keep things under control. When you buy something new, let go of something old. For example, if you get a new sweater, donate one you no longer wear. This approach helps keep your space neat and ensures everything has a place.

Also read:
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• Sort First

One of the best time-saving golden rules from professional organizers is to start by sorting items into categories before finding new homes for them. Katie Clingman, professional home organizer and owner of Settled in Soundly, emphasizes sorting as the first step in any organizing project. Pull everything out and categorize items, such as separating tops (long-sleeves, short-sleeves, etc.) from bottoms (skirts, shorts, etc.) in a closet.

Sorting helps you see everything you have, making it easier to make purging decisions and select proper organization solutions for what you decide to keep.

• Start with Basic Labels and the Right Containers

Labeling is a crucial home organizing rule that might seem excessive but is essential for maintaining order. Barbara Brock, professional home organizer and stager, & founder of Barbara Brock Inc., highlights the importance of labeling areas after organizing them. This helps everyone remember where things belong.

Ensure each category has a designated container, and avoid combining multiple categories in one container. Using a portable label maker allows you to quickly label and relabel storage spots, making your home more streamlined.

• "Something In, Something Out"

To control clutter, the one-in, one-out method is a golden rule suggested by Lisa Dooley, organizing coach and owner of Your Organized Life. When you bring something new into your space, remove the item it replaces. According to Dooley, space is a limited commodity, and so without this level of control, clutter can quickly become unmanageable.

• Keep Like with Like

Keeping similar items together is another golden rule endorsed by Tina Priestly, a home organizer expert. Use specific drawers, shelves, or baskets for categories like chargers, hair ties, or batteries. Storing all items of a category in one place keeps your space tidy and makes it easier to find what you need.

• Don’t Fight Your Current Routines

Maintaining a well-organized home relies on routines and habits. Katie Clingman, a home organizer expert, advises against fighting your current routines when implementing new systems. Make it easy for yourself to stay organized by aligning systems with your habits.

For example, if you frequently forget to put lids back on containers, opt for open containers and bins. If you exercise daily, keep workout clothes together in one drawer for easy access. Find your natural rhythm and adjust your organization systems to fit, rather than creating complicated systems that disrupt your routines.

• Shop Purposefully

The most impactful organizing rule is to prevent clutter before it starts. Sara Bereika, professional organizer and owner of Sara Jane Organizing, advises being mindful of what you bring into your home. Anything that enters your home should have a purposeful reason. Consider where it will be stored, what needs to be replaced to make it fit, how it will be maintained, and whether it is worth the investment.

Before buying new items, "shop" your home to see if any unused or underused items can be repurposed. Empty toy baskets can be used for storing shoes, and unused bookshelves can become storage in other rooms. Utilize local “Buy Nothing” groups for needed items to avoid unnecessary purchases.

By following these golden rules, you can create and maintain an organized home that is efficient and clutter-free. These principles will help streamline your organizing efforts, save time, and reduce the stress associated with maintaining a neat and tidy living space.

Read related:

How to Be Realistic With Your Organizing Goals, According to the Home Edit

Here's Why Your Home Doesn't Stay Organized, According To the Pros

Need professional advice in decluttering and organizing your home? The experts from JarvisInteriors can help you!

For inspirations in decorating your interiors with the right window treatments, read these tips from JarvisInteriors: Should Curtains Touch the Floor? Answers to Common Curtain Questions.

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Home organizing golden rules – the 7 rules experts have written in stone

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