Simple Organizing Tips
"Only Handle It Once" (OHIO)
Deal with finding a home for objects as soon as they come into the house.
Do not store items you plan on making a decision about later.
While organizing make a decision about an object once and stick with it.
Do not retrieve items from the trash or donation pile when you begin to second guess yourself.
Simplify decision making
Limit choices (Keep, Sell, Donate, Trash)
Make clear decision rules for each choice. (keep 10 hole-free plastic bags, throw away dirty bags, recycle remaining bags)
Use broad categories for these rules instead of many specific ones, ("gift wrap items" instead of paper, lace ribbons, small, medium & large bows).
Organize and file systematically
Place like things together in a designated place. (grain products in one cabinet, bottled and canned goods in another)
Use broad label headings when filing. (house, cars, medical, insurance, job, education).
File only important papers.
Buy and keep "just enough"
Desired items will be on sale again.
If you run out, it is not a disaster.
Discard items you do not use anymore.
Do not fill space because you have it.
Focus on functionality
Select a manageable target area to organize that you can complete in one day.
"Excavate" the target area by sorting into your broad categories.
Organize the objects that remain systematically.
Use the area only for its intended purpose.
Maintain the clear area.