Meaning: The notion that everything should have a place to be stored and that it should be returned there when not in use.
The bottom line is, if something you own doesn’t have a place to be stored, it will always be out of place and cluttering up your space.
We all know that old habits die hard BUT, if you’re ready to get better organized, here are a few small steps you could implement towards your goal.
- Make a home for everything – Designate a place for everything you own.
- Designate a place that is easily accessible – Make sure that you can find it (whatever IT may be) and get to it when you need it.
Note* – The exception to this rule: If there is something that you will only need every once in a while, it’s okay to assign a home that is not easily accessible, ie., the attic.
- Put it away – When you’re finished using something put it away (hopefully in the place you designated for it, see Step 1 above).
- Hang it up – Hang up your clothes when you take them off if they’re clean. If, not throw them in the hamper or put them in a bag to take to the dry cleaners.
- Clean it up -Out of respect for others living in the same space, everyone sharing your living space needs to lend a hand around the house.
Note* – Every night before bed, everyone in the house can do a quick clean-up by gathering things around the house that aren’t in their proper place and put them where they should be.
- Get help – Whether it’s asking your family members to put their things away when they’re not using them, delegating tasks to others in the household or even hiring a Professional Organizer, it’s a good idea to enlist the support of others.