2017 – Let’s Get
Organized!
By
Certified
Professional Organizer
Cathy Van Volkenburg
CPO®
With 2017 in full swing, many people put “Getting Organized”
at the top of their list. It is exciting
to find inspiration on Pinterest , houzz and other fun websites. As a Certified
Professional Organizer and Design Consultant for The Container Store, let me
give you one big piece of advice as you begin your project. Don’t go to the
stores and buy containers and bins first! Many people are tempted to buy pretty
storage containers and all kinds of cool looking products before they begin the
process of organizing. Save purchasing until the very end of the process for
the best results.
Steps to Maximize Efficiency in Any
Space:
What is the end goal? Less stuff? Quicker
Identification?
Gather Like Items together
Sort and Purge:
Duplicates? Unloved items? Broken items, ill-fitting
clothing? Donate, trash or sell!
Create Zones for Remaining Items: Every day
items get front and center stage, less used go high or low
Containerize – bins for out of season, bins
for loose items like socks, shoe boxes for less frequently worn items. Buckets
for toys…
Evaluate and maintain
Only after you have gathered like items
together can you possibly make decisions on what you have. When your 35 silk blouses are together in a
category, and you notice that 12 of them are black, you may want to donate 6 of
them that you never wear! Suddenly you only need space for 23 blouses instead
of 35. Now you are on the right track
for maximizing efficiency based on what items are serving your lifestyle right
now. Good job! Now treat yourself to some pretty products
that will make your space attractive and easier to maintain.
This process applies to pantries, kid’s toy areas, garages
and more! AFTER you have gone through the above process, you will be able
to purchase containers that make sense for the quantities that will be
stored.
Final tip for
maintaining the system you have worked hard to organize: Use clear containers so you can see what is
inside OR use LABELS so you can find what you need in a snap!
My favorite labels:
Smead Poly Pockets
http://www.staples.com/Smead-Self-Stick-Poly-Pockets/product_SS1020860
Use blank business cards for labels that can
be changed easily and seen from a distance! Comes in many sizes! Stick ‘em on
and go! Find what you need quickly- save time!
Cathy Van Volkenburg
CPO®
Accent on Organizing
Visit the Accent on Organizing Webpage
