Organizing Basics

Organizing guru, Julie Morenstern, describes steps to get organized, using the acronym, SPACE.

1. Sort – Set up labeled containers (or designated floor space for large projects):

• Toss – anything broken, outdated, unusable
• Donate – any item that is not used
• To Do – projects that haven't been completed. Be honest with yourself. If you don't have the time or knowledge, hire someone to complete the project or abandon the project and donate the supplies.
• Keep in this area
• Belongs elsewhere

Sort items from "keep" into specific categories to meet your needs: "winter decorations, spring decorations, _Name's_ _ off season clothing, pool supplies, outside toys."

2. Purge – This is getting rid of duplicates, items missing parts, and items you don't have a need for. Now that you've sorted you see you have more beach toys than your children ever play with. Now is the time to get rid of what is not used.

3. Assign a home – Determine where each item will go in the space. Put it as close to where it will be used as possible.

4. Containerize & Label – Use containers to hold small items. You've sorted & assigned a home. Now chose containers that are the appropriate size for the category as well as fit in the area selected as "home". Label the containers and shelves, so everyone will know where items belong.

5. Equalize – Make maintaining the order a part of your routine. Put things back when done to keep the space organized.

Adapted from "Organizing from the Inside Out," by Julie Morgenstern