Designate or assign specific storage areas all over the house. When you designate, categorize the types of items that will go into each storage area, and strictly follow the category assignments. For example, assign the attic to hold empty boxes that you will want to recycle. Designate a topmost kitchen closet to hold empty food containers that you will want to reuse as desk or bathroom organizers. Assign shelf space or display areas to hold your collectibles. Keeping similar items together in designated storage areas will minimize clutter and help in quickly locating what you need.
Use storage solutions like boxes, bins, baskets, drawers, shelves and cabinets. The secret to being an organized pack rat is having adequate storage solutions. Think of your home as a warehouse, where items are sorted, stacked and stored in an orderly manner. Storage containers are easier to organize than individual, scattered items. Label each container for easy identification of contents.
Put items in their proper places as soon as possible. Clutter happens when things are not in their proper places. By promptly putting items in their designated areas (as soon as they enter the house, if possible), organization becomes easier.
Check your stored items regularly. Not even pack rats can remember everything they have in their possession. Go through your storage areas every now and then to do a quick inventory of the things you've stashed away. You might be inspired to recycle and reuse some items that you've already forgotten about. Or decide to re-gift unused pieces to friends and family. Or perhaps convert your inventory to money by doing a garage sale.
Decide on the shelf life of your stored items. Damaged pieces like cardboard that has grown molds, textile that has been eaten by insects or handicrafts that have irreparably deteriorated should be discarded. Items that have not been reused for years (and may stand a better chance of being recycled by someone else) might need to be passed on. Freeing up storage areas will provide space for the new items you will be bringing in.
Use storage solutions like boxes, bins, baskets, drawers, shelves and cabinets. The secret to being an organized pack rat is having adequate storage solutions. Think of your home as a warehouse, where items are sorted, stacked and stored in an orderly manner. Storage containers are easier to organize than individual, scattered items. Label each container for easy identification of contents.
Put items in their proper places as soon as possible. Clutter happens when things are not in their proper places. By promptly putting items in their designated areas (as soon as they enter the house, if possible), organization becomes easier.
Check your stored items regularly. Not even pack rats can remember everything they have in their possession. Go through your storage areas every now and then to do a quick inventory of the things you've stashed away. You might be inspired to recycle and reuse some items that you've already forgotten about. Or decide to re-gift unused pieces to friends and family. Or perhaps convert your inventory to money by doing a garage sale.
Decide on the shelf life of your stored items. Damaged pieces like cardboard that has grown molds, textile that has been eaten by insects or handicrafts that have irreparably deteriorated should be discarded. Items that have not been reused for years (and may stand a better chance of being recycled by someone else) might need to be passed on. Freeing up storage areas will provide space for the new items you will be bringing in.
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