15 Organizing Tips To Start Small With Big Impact

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Don't let analysis paralysis stop you from accomplishing your goals. Start small.

Here are 15 bite size ways you can start organizing NOW to tackle the small items that will help to prepare you for taking on the big ones.

1.) Set a timer. 10 minutes each day and keep cleaning no interruptions but stop cleaning once the timer goes off. What ever is left over can wait for tomorrow. You will be amazed what you will get accomplished.

2.) Follow the One in, One Out Rule. If you bring in something new, exchange it for something old. This will make you consider what you have to get rid of when you make a purchase as well as slow down the clutter from accumulation.

3.) Set up am "undecided" bin when purging items. Sometimes the hardest part of organizing is the items that hold emotional or sentimental value. Or even the items we "may use later". Give yourself space to think about it. Create a bin to put those undecided items and then set a timer for when you will go back to decide. If you haven't thought of the item or used it, then maybe it is time to purge it.

4.) Hide the cords and wires. To look even more organized, tuck your cords in baskets, use command hooks to hold up cords behind furniture or use a docking drawer to tuck away the unsightly chargers. This little change will make a big difference.

5.) Baskets, baskets and more baskets. The more you have "homes" for items, the easier it will be to pick up and your home to feel less cluttered. For children or dog toys, invest in baskets to put items in and tuck them in corners or on shelves. For closets, baskets are useful for those random odds and ends that don't have a home. Everything will feel like it has a place and it will be easy to pick up your common areas.

6.) Put small containers on the stairs for items that need to go to the upper level. Whenever someone goes up there, it is their job to take that container and put the items away. They then put the empty container back on the stair.

7.) Use designated areas for purses, keys, mail. Use hooks in a convenient place to hang your keys and a designated "drop zone" for purses, wallets and mail. No more looking frantically for the keys before rushing out the door.

8.) If your closet it cluttered, get rid of a piece of clothing for every new piece you buy. Same goes for children's toys.

9.) Another closet trick is to turn all of your hangers around backwards. This is a good visual to see how much of your clothing you are actually wearing. If some of the hangers are still turned after a pre-designated amount of time. It may be time to get rid of it.

10.) Use drawer organizers to maximize space but also to keep things from getting messy.

11.) Don't underestimate vertical space. Add storage on walls, under a sink or on ceilings in garage. The more you can keep off counters and floors, the less cluttered you will feel.

12.) Use clear storage bins when organizing multiple items. Helps you see what is in the bin and if anything needs to be decluttered.

13.) Create comfort zones in your home. If the thought of organizing your whole home is overwhelming, then start with the one room you spend the most time in.

14.) If you do start to get a large donation pile going, give yourself a deadline to get that pile out out of the house. If it is meant to go to a certain person or organization, make sure its a priority it goes to that place in a timely manner so it is off your plate as soon as possible.

15.) Last but not least, keep your most used items in the easiest accessible places.

Good luck! And if you need help with organizing, we can help connect you with the right people.