We’ve ALL organized an area only to come back a few weeks or months (or honestly, sometimes just a few days) later to find the area is a mess again—it’s not staying organized. Today I’m going to give you some tips to make sure an area STAYS organized and you don’t have to reorganize it often.
Before we get started, the reality is that this happens OFTEN because we have too much stuff in the space, and decluttering is key — but I wanted to give you more advice than that. BUT, if you think LESS would make it EASIER — sign up for our totally free 5-word organizing challenge:
Teach the household
Way back when my kids were young, I used to follow some influencer who would “certify” her kids in a job. Well, like how to clean the toilet — they watched her do it and then did it while she watched and gave advice — and when they felt ready they could “certify” it and “pass” it skillfully. Then they were ready to become toilet cleaners.
I honestly thought it was a genius idea, but I was at a point in my life where I couldn’t implement it as well as I wanted to.
However, if you set up an area, I really think it’s smart to gather the people living in the house and use that area to show them how you planned to use it.
Perhaps demonstration them the tags (it’s crazy how often people ignore the tags, but I think pointing them out will help). Review what goes where and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Especially with your family, I think it’s smart to mention what does NOT go there anymore. For example, I rearranged our linen closet and had towels at the bottom and only the ones that fit there, the rest had to go under their sinks — and explaining that helped
Remember, as nice As it would be for your family to read your mind, they’re not really great at it — so even though there may be a few blind eyes, it can make your system really work!
In fact, I have some printable cleaning checklists that also teach your kids (or you) everything that needs to happen in a room that you might find helpful:
Pretty vs Workable
Now is the time to ask yourself if you created something enough — or if you created something that works.
There are many people on the internet creating many beautiful things.
They are transfused, they buy matching organizers (often with giant holes that I think my family could have something hanging from).
They empty all their boxes from Costco as soon as they get home.
Maybe it’s you — but for me it’s MUCH easier to put the new box in and open it when we’re done than the current box.
That doesn’t mean that beautiful can’t be your goal. You just have to realize that pretty systems usually don’t fit as much, aren’t as easy to maintain…however, I have a few “pretty” things in our living room that work (mainly because it’s a closed bin, no one can see without open
Want more organizing systems that work — check out these posts:
Best Organizers
You may have tried to make something that simply isn’t enough right.
For a long time I tried to use simple amazon boxes as much as I could because I had them on hand and pennies were very tight. However, sometimes they just weren’t the right size, or started to fall apart, or just weren’t the right product for the area.
The good news about this, I knew a box will work, so I could go to the store with some basic measurements and find an item to replace it with.
Or, for a long time I tried to use shelves to organize (and even add extra like these) when in reality the drawers were much more useful. Well, I got something thus.
BEWARE of blaming it on the product immediately. We often think that buying something else will fix an area (hello to the very profitable Container Store!). However, having the RIGHT products, with the right system (and an amount that actually fits there) WILL fix an area.
For a long time I thought this was my problem, but when I applied the principles here I realized that:
- I it was not clear about how I wanted this area to work
- i had more in that area than it could actually fit
- I was trying to implement a system that worked somewhere else, but would NOT work here.
I love that I have now applied these principles….
- Box relax on the sofa with my netflix more, instead of constantly feeling like I have to organize my house
- Sleep better because I don’t feel like my stuff is boring me.
- Don’t spend HOURS searching for important thingsbecause I spotted them (hello, car keys).
If you identify with any of these, I would totally check it out!
Be the Example
Sometimes we think our family will just do things, but often we have to lead by example. We MUST take care of it constantly we we do everything we can to make the system work.
This might mean bringing someone to the point to remind them how the system works and how easily they can put something away, rather than just leaving it out.
And yes, that means we have to use the system instead of leaving our own stuff out.
I also like to say “God, I love how clean this front entryway is when we all put our bags in the closet” out loud — so my family gets the hint. But they know I’m also doing everything I can to make sure it works.
A moment to talk expectations – we often have the idea of a beautiful system that doesn’t have rough edges, and if you live in a house with other people, you’re likely to find that many areas will have rough edges. The bottles won’t line up perfectly, the sheets won’t fold perfectly, but it works. Pick your battles.
Every area needs maintenance
Sometimes we expect a system to work well forever — and again, If you live in a house with other people, the systems must be maintained. Maybe something went in where it doesn’t belong or something broke.
Remember even BIG systems require maintenance. Once I have systems working, I try to rotate through my house so that each area is maintained.
AND some areas are just easier to damage than other areas. My refrigerator systems need to be serviced weekly. I have to take out gross food and throw it away, I have to get things in the right areas. When I do it often it’s not hard, but it’s just part of fridges.
Well, just keep in mind that heavily used areas need to be maintained more often. For us that includes:
- Medicines — because people already feel bad when they take it
- Anything to do with lunches — because my kids are always in a rush in the mornings
- Bath/beauty items — because I can’t throw away stuff that doesn’t work and I love trying new hair products (hi, my site is Pulling CURLS)
For you, it may be different, but this came to the top of my curly head.
If you are at a point in your life where you feel like you need systems for MANY areas in your home, I would recommend signing up for The Organized Home. In each region you will:
- Decide how you want it to work
- Streamline to organize what you need or love
- Build systems that work
I think you will just love it!
You’re not sure you are enough ready for the full course. Join me in my totally free 5 word organization challenge!
