Organization is going viral! Marie Kondo. TheHomeEdit. And they all suggest “starting small.”
These organizational guru’s that are becoming household names. And this organizational nerd couldn’t be more excited. More people getting excited about taking back their homes, yes please!
I believe after you watch these shows, you get really excited about purging and organizing, but then get really overwhelmed with where to start. Sound familiar?
“But don’t I need to go buy some “product” first?”
No!! Don’t start with buying drawer dividers. Let’s figure out what you NEED first. Those bins are not a one-size-fits-all approach to organizing. If it doesn’t fit your need, you’re less likely to maintain it.
You even hear these experts encourage you to start small. But what does that mean?
Starting small means picking one drawer to get started.
Let’s open up your Junk Drawer and get it fixed.
Simplifying your home is a process and not a project
WHERE TO START
Start by pulling everything out to purge and sort.
Take inventory of what you have in there. Likely a collection of pens, electronic cords, some basic tools, maybe other office supplies.
For some reason pens seem to be a sticking point. We love our pens! But they jam up that junk drawer. Pitch pens that no longer work and consider only keeping five. You only use one at a time anyway, and you’ll likely collect more free pens soon, since that’s what got you in this mess.
Purging really is the key to organization. It’s often that we have too much stuff, and then it’s hard to manage.
PURGE + SORT
After you purge, break things out into categories.
For me this looks like pens, electronic cords, notepads, and miscellaneous items.
Keeping this streamlined to what REALLY needs to be in this drawer is the focus. There are likely items in your junk drawer right now that aren’t in their proper “home.”
So taking that inventory and figuring out where those items really need to live will help determine what that final drawer design looks like.
FINALLY, ORGANIZATION BINS
Once you’re done sorting the categories, THEN you can go drool over the pretty bins. For your junk drawer, grab a drawer organizers that fits the needs of all of your categories.
You now know which bins you really need to purchase for your needs. And there are some great drawer bundles, but make sure they fit what your need is. Some of my favorites are on Amazon from the iDesign line.
Simplifying your home is a process and not a project, so give yourself some grace. Check out my {free} tips to avoid organizing fails for more ways to take back control of your home.
I’m happy to help – what spaces do you struggle with?
Check out my free download on the top organization fails to avoid as you take back your space.
