Organizing? Start with things that don’t have a place

When organizing, start with things that don’t have a place. In every home, there are always items that don’t seem to have a designated spot. These could range from items waiting to be donated, things you’ve borrowed and need to return, recent purchases that haven’t been put away, to miscellaneous items that simply don’t fit into any specific category. Managing these items can be challenging, but establishing a strategy for dealing with them can help maintain a sense of order and reduce clutter.

The Temporary Pile Method

One practical approach is to create a temporary pile or designated corner for these “homeless” items. This method provides a way to keep them out of immediate pathways and main living areas, ensuring they don’t contribute to visual or physical clutter in your home. Here’s how you can effectively implement this method:

Choose a Specific Spot:

Select a corner of a room, a specific shelf, or even a box or basket where you can place these items. The key is to ensure it’s out of the way but accessible enough that you don’t forget about it.
Sort and Categorize:

As you add items to the pile, try to categorize them. For example, have one section for items to donate, another for things to return, and another for items you need to find a place for. This makes it easier to deal with them when you’re ready.
Set a Regular Schedule:

Decide on a regular schedule to review the pile. Depending on how quickly it accumulates, this could be once a week, bi-weekly, or monthly. Regularly reviewing the pile prevents it from becoming overwhelming.

Make Decisions Promptly: When you sort through the pile, make quick decisions about each item. Ask yourself:
Do I need this?
Can it be donated or recycled?
Does it belong somewhere else in the house?
Should it be thrown away?
Follow Through:

Once you’ve decided what to do with each item, follow through. Take donation items to the donation center, return borrowed items to their owners, and put away anything that has found a new home in your house.

Create Permanent Solutions:

If you notice certain types of items frequently end up in the pile, consider creating a permanent storage solution for them. For example, a dedicated drawer for electronics accessories or a bin for outgoing mail and packages can help prevent these items from becoming homeless in the future.

When organizing, start with things that don’t have a place. This allows you to effectively reduce clutter and create a more organized and harmonious living space.

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