The O&P Organizing Method
My clients often ask me if I feel overwhelmed before I begin a project, or while I’m assessing their area. My answer is always the same, no. If you're wondering how that's the case, it's because I created an organizing method that I firmly believe in and always use! This procedure is proven to work if followed correctly, and I’m going to share it with you. You can use it for all areas of your home; It's time to get you organized and prioritized! I have broken everything down in to five easy steps. Follow them thoroughly, and you'll be able to successfully organize any area of your home that you desire.
1. Assess the situation
First, you’re going to take pictures, measure spaces, and make note of what is working. I suggest even visualizing what you want this area to be whenever it's finished. What you should look for: do you already have product? Is it adequate? Are there a lot of loose items that could be contained? Are bins hanging off of the shelf? If so, you may need more product or smaller bins. Once you have completed the tasks above and have attained the proper product, you're ready to move on to step 2!
2. Remove Everything
In order to achieve a proper cleaning, you'll have to take everything out of the space you're organizing. Yes, that's correct-everything must go...leave nothing behind. This detail is often overlooked; however, it is crucial for the entire process. Once you've removed everything out of the area, you're going to wipe, vacuum (if necessary), and clean any shelves, drawers, etc. Now, you're ready for step 3!
3. Compartmentalize/categorize
Compartmentalize: a moment of relief. We're halfway finished, so take a deep breath. During this stage, you will categorize all related items. This will increase space, allow easier access to items, and help you keep an eye on your inventory. If you're organizing your pantry, then you would begin by separating foods into categories. For example: place all snacks into their own section, repeat this process for canned goods, breakfast, dinner foods, etc. After everything is grouped, make sure to check the expiration dates on all items. Toss out anything expired. I recommend donating any goods close to expiration, or anything that you know you're not going to eat. Now if you're organizing closet, separate shoes and clothes into categories: sandals, heels, short sleeves, long sleeves, jeans, etc. I recommend donating or selling any clothing items you no longer use. Remember this can be applied to all areas of your home! Now you're ready to move on to my favorite part, decluttering!
4. It’s decluttering time!
It's easy to feel overwhelmed during this step, but you must stay focused. Tackle one spot at a time, and you'll start seeing results, which will build confidence and momentum. I encourage my clients to D.A.M.A.P (declutter as much as possible). If you’re in the Little Rock area a few of my favorite places to donate items are Happy Gray & Live Thankfully! I have some clients that struggle with what to eliminate or keep!
Here are some quick questions you can ask yourself when you are unsure of an item:
1. Have you used OR worn this item in the past year?
2. Do you like it? Does it make you happy when you use/wear it?
3. Is it sentimental?
4. If you were free from guilt, would you still keep it?
5. Create a system/design + labels
Our last step is going to require putting a system into place. One that is maintainable and will motivate you to keep things in order! This will need some strategy, the better the system, the better the chance of sustaining organization. Let’s start with your product, what items do you want in which product, and where would you like to place it? I suggest locating them in the most convenient spot for you and your family. If you have children, you may consider having snacks on a lower shelf, so they have easier access to them. If your closet doesn’t have a lot of extra room, try putting your seasonal items in a bin on the top shelf. This will make the seasonal clothing transition much smoother. It’s normal to experiment with different looks until you get the right fit. You may even have product left over that you can use somewhere else! Keep in mind, no matter how prepared I am, I don’t fully know what I am going to do with the space until everything is out, and I have tried different options!!
Last, BUT definitely not least, add labels! Not only does this make your newly organized space more beautiful, but it really helps you and your family be held accountable for putting items back where they belong! If you don’t have a label maker and would like labels to elevate your space, contact O&P and we’ll custom make them for you! I hope you enjoyed this method that O&P uses when we organize! Follow the steps carefully, and you will have successfully organized your home like a pro!
