The Three Step Organising Method
Without a doubt organising is hard. It’s a skill that does not come naturally. Like writing this first blog post.
So hard.
But like anything, having a good process in place that underpins the work helps.
I want to share the process I apply in the home organisation services I offer.
Okay, it’s actually hard to see how this definition is relevant. Hear me out.
Rationalisation in home organising is about getting rid of the unnecessary items in your lives so your life can run more efficiently.
If you are looking to tackle this on your own here is what you need to do:
- Choose the area you want to organise. Start small if you need to, such as a cupboard space.
- Pull out everything you have in the area you are organising and lay it out on the floor/ flat surface like your bed or dining table.
- Then go through each item and decide if you are going to keep, donate or discard it.
- Group like items that you have decided to keep.
- Give each group a final look over to ensure you have only held onto what you use or love.
Sounds simple? Well I know it’s not.
This part of the process can be emotionally draining and mentally exhausting.
This is where a professional organiser or a really good friend can help you out. Don’t do it alone.
Not the most helpful definition either but it helps to know what a system is. System is defined as a “due method or orderly method of arrangement..”
Before we put back all the belongings you want to keep, we need to consider the system you need to put in place. This is really about understanding:
- How you want to use the space and
- What caused the space to become cluttered in the first place
Some of the questions to ask during this process include:
- What are your high use items that need to be accessible?
- What do you use less often and can store away?
- What do you have to deal with/get rid of when you first walk into the room?
- What is your typical routine?
- What do you need near your stove? Sink? Bathtub? You get the idea.
- Would you benefit from adopting capsule wardrobe?
The questions we go through at this stage really depend on what area of the house you are tackling and what got you to the place you are at.
The answers to the questions allow me to determine how the area will be organised to ensure that a good system is in place to keep it organised.
The last step in organising is organising.
Yes, I know what I just did there and it sounds like the most unhelpful thing I could ever write. But I just have no other word for what happens next.
But essentially I take what is left over from the rationalise step, combine it with the knowledge from the systemise step and get to putting all the items back in a methodical and ordered manner.
The final outcome is to create a space where:
- Every item has a home
- What you use often is within reach
- Items are stored in a way that is clear and logical
- And the final outcome is aesthetically pleasing
Wherever possible I re-purpose things around the house as storage material. If needed you can look at additional storage options – there are definitely a lot of products out there!
