Hey there, my fabulous readers!

Life can be chaotic, but your home doesn’t have to be. My name is Nichole Gehman and I have been a professional organizer for over 13 year. I founded Organize by Designe to serve my people who are overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin organizing. Trust me, I have seen it ALL! Today, I wanted to take you on a journey to share some unique and refreshing organizing strategies that will help you create a less stressful, less chaotic, more like home, home. And if you’re in Aurora or Oswego, you’re in luck —because we service your cities!!

Step 1: Define Your Intentions

Before you start organizing, take a moment to define your intentions, your goals. What do you hope to achieve? Whether it’s removing the crazy in your bedroom (as I like to say:D), adding more space to your kitchen, increasing your kitchen’s functionality, or a clutter-free office, having clear goals will keep you motivated and focused.

Step 2: The One In, One Out Rule

To prevent clutter from accumulating, adopt the “one in, one out” rule. For every new item you bring into your home, remove one item you no longer need. This simple practice keeps your belongings in check and prevents clutter from taking over.

Step 3: Prioritize Functionality

When organizing, always prioritize functionality. Make sure your space works for you and your daily routines. Think about the items you use most frequently and keep them easily accessible. A functional space is a stress-free space!

Step 4: Utilize Vertical Space!

Don’t forget to make use of your vertical space. Whenever I go into a room Im looking at the vertical space. Look for wall space where you can install shelves, hooks, and wall-mounted organizers to keep things off the floor and countertops. This not only maximizes your space but also creates a clean, open feel in your home.

Step 5: The Art of Labeling (one of my favorite things!)

Labels are your best friend when it comes to staying organized. Labeling boxes, bins, and shelves ensures that everyone knows where things belong. It’s a small step that makes a HUGE difference in maintaining order.

Step 6: Create a Drop Zone

Set up a designated drop zone near your entryway for keys, bags, shoes, and mail. This helps contain the daily influx of items and keeps the rest of your home clutter-free. Plus, it makes coming and going much smoother. And if you used the labels as I mentioned above, everyone will know where their things belong within the drop zone, making it easier to maintain! And I love easy!

Step 7: Mindful Shopping

Be mindful of what you bring into your home. I tell my kids to buy what they love, not what they like. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it’s something you truly need or if it’s just going to add to the clutter. Thoughtful shopping habits go a long way in maintaining an organized space. Remember you’re practicing habits. They take time to form so don’t be too hard on yourself.

Step 8: The 10-Minute Tidy

Incorporate a 10-minute tidy session into your daily routine. I always do this before I sit down at the end of the day. I reset our main floor. It helps me to relax seeing the space clutter free from the days accumulation. Set a timer and quickly tidy up. It’s a manageable way to keep on top of clutter and maintain the order of each space without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 9: Seasonal Decluttering

Make it a habit to declutter at the start of each season. I talk about the benefits of practicing this alot. Bring your holiday bins to your main floor. As you set out your holiday decor, remove the current decor that seems to clutter the space and place it in the holiday bin. If there is any holiday decorations you won’t use this season, place them in a donation bag. Better to donate seasonal items within that season to avoid thrift stores throwing them out. Keep your home fresh and prevent the buildup of too many unnecessary items.

Step 10: Invest in Quality Storage

Invest in bins and other storage solutions that suit your needs. Sturdy bins, baskets, and organizers are worth the investment because they help you maintain an organized space in the long run. And when labeled, they truly help keep the space organized. If you’re unsure what to get, I’m here to guide you!

Final Thoughts

Creating an organized home is about making thoughtful choices and building habits that support a clutter-free environment. It’s a journey, not a destination, so be patient and kind to yourself along the way.

If you’re feeling stuck or need a helping hand, remember that I’m here for you. As we were written up as the best home organizer in Aurora and Oswego, I’m dedicated to helping you transform your space into a peaceful, organized, and relaxing home. Let’s work together to unlock the tranquility you deserve.

Happy organizing!

Cheers,

Nichole Gehman 😊