As someone who’s been on a constant battle with clutter, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to tackle the organization of an entire home. Whether it’s a jammed-packed pantry, an overflowing closet, or a basement that’s turned into a black hole of forgotten items, the task of getting our living spaces in order can seem downright daunting.
But let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than walking into a room that’s been meticulously organized. That feeling of relief and lightness as your eyes sweep over neatly arranged shelves, labeled bins, and a general sense of calm and control – it’s like a breath of fresh air for the soul.
That’s why I was thrilled when my old college friend, Kelley Fillion, a former school psychologist turned personal organizer, reached out to me for some much-needed help. Kelley is the kind of person whose kitchen is always spotless and whose bedroom looks like it belongs in a magazine. She’s the proverbial unicorn we all wish we could be – the one who just has it all together.
Clearing the Clutter, Room by Room
So when I reached out to Kelley in a moment of sheer pantry-related panic, she didn’t hesitate to jump on a plane and come lend her expertise. In just a few hours, she transformed my chaotic kitchen space into a beautifully organized oasis – the kind that makes you want to open the doors just to admire it.
Kelley’s secret? A simple, refined, and foolproof method for tackling organization one room at a time. And lucky for you, she’s sharing her top tips and tricks so you can bring that same sense of order and tranquility to your own home.
Step 1: Assess the Space
Before you even think about picking up a single item, Kelley recommends taking a good, hard look at the space you want to organize. Ask yourself some key questions:
- Why is this space cluttered? What’s contributing to the mess, and how can you address those root causes?
- What can you do to make it more organized? Consider the layout, storage solutions, and any necessary purchases.
- How can you keep it organized long-term? Develop a system that will make it easy to maintain.
Don’t forget to take before pictures – it’ll be so satisfying to look back and see the transformation later on.
Step 2: Clear Everything Out
As tempting as it is to just start rearranging the existing items, Kelley insists that you clear the space completely before you begin. Yes, it might feel like a waste of time, but trust me, it’s the key to unlocking your true organizational potential.
Kelley explains, “Unless you completely clear everything out of the space and weed through each item, you’ll end up missing out on organizing opportunities. Expiration dates will be missed, or items that could be discarded or donated will be forgotten.”
With a blank slate in front of you, you can reevaluate every single thing and make intentional decisions about what stays and what goes.
Step 3: Categorize and Declutter
Now that you’ve got a clean slate, it’s time to start organizing. Kelley suggests sorting the items into piles or categories, which will help you visualize what you actually have and identify anything that can be discarded or donated.
For example, if you’re organizing your pantry, you can create piles for expired items, non-perishables you know you won’t eat, and anything that’s still good to keep. In your closet, sort by clothing type – t-shirts, tanks, jeans, etc. – and be honest with yourself about what you actually wear.
The key here is to weed out what no longer serves you or brings you joy, as Marie Kondo would say. Letting go of those things can be surprisingly liberating.
Step 4: Put it All Back, Purposefully
With your piles sorted, it’s time to return the items to the space in an organized and intentional way. This is where the real magic happens, folks.
Kelley recommends using bins, baskets, and labels to create a system that will make it easy to maintain the order. In the pantry, for instance, labeled bins can be a game-changer, allowing you to quickly grab what you need. And in the closet, strategic folding and placement of your most-worn items can save you precious time each morning.
The goal is to set up a system that works for you and your lifestyle, so that staying organized becomes a breeze rather than a constant battle.
Tackling Room by Room
Now that you’ve got the overarching strategy down, let’s dive into some room-specific tips to help you declutter in style.
The Kitchen Pantry
As I mentioned, my pantry was the catalyst for Kelley’s visit, and boy, am I glad I reached out. That space was a hot mess, with expired items, duplicate condiments, and an overall sense of chaos that made my eye twitch every time I opened the door.
But Kelley’s magic touch transformed it into a serene, well-organized oasis. She used labeled bins to corral the various food categories, a lazy susan spice rack to keep frequently used seasonings at the ready, and a tea organizer to tame the overflow of boxes.
The result? I can now easily access the items I need, and I don’t have to worry about overlooking something that’s past its prime. Meal planning has become a breeze, and I actually enjoy spending time in my kitchen.
The Closet (and Dresser)
If you’re anything like me, your closet is a black hole of clothing, shoes, and accessories that you might wear someday. But Kelley has a foolproof method for getting that space under control.
First, she had me pull out five outfits that I love and feel good in. These became our guiding vision, and anytime I was unsure about an item, I could reference those beloved pieces and ask myself, “Does this make me feel as good as those?”
Then, it was time for the big reveal – Kelley had me pull every single item out of my closets and dressers. Talk about sobering. Seeing the mountain of clothing made me realize just how much I was holding onto that I didn’t actually need or wear.
With Kelley’s expert guidance, I went through each piece, thanking the ones that had served their purpose but no longer sparked joy, and keeping only the items that I truly loved. The donation piles were substantial, but the relief I felt was palpable.
The Basement and Garage
If the kitchen pantry and closet are the battlegrounds of clutter, the basement and garage are the war zones. These spaces have a way of accumulating all the forgotten items, hand-me-downs, and holiday decorations that we just can’t bear to part with.
But Kelley has a strategic plan for taming these spaces, too. In the basement, she recommended installing shelving along the back wall, with labeled bins for all the various categories – Christmas decorations, gift wrap, camping gear, and so on. That way, when I need to retrieve something, I can simply pull the appropriate bin off the shelf, rather than digging through a mountain of clutter.
As for the garage, Kelley emphasized the importance of designated storage zones for tools, outdoor decor, furniture, and sports equipment. Shelving, Tupperware bins, and wall-mounted storage can be game-changers in this chaotic space.
Maintaining the Order
Alright, so you’ve decluttered and organized your home, room by room. But how do you keep it that way? Kelley has a few ingenious tricks up her sleeve.
First, there’s the revolving door method – anytime you bring a new item into your home, another one has to go. This simple rule not only prevents you from over-filling your space, but it also promotes a sense of simplicity and mental clarity.
Another brilliant hack is the hanger trick – when you wear an item, flip the hanger loop towards you. At the end of the season, anything still facing the other way is likely something you don’t actually need, and can be donated or sold.
And let’s not forget about storage solutions like shoe racks, stair treads, and designated cubbies for each family member’s belongings. These organizational tools make it easy to maintain order and keep things in their proper place.
The Joy of an Organized Home
As I sit here, gazing at my beautifully organized pantry, closet, and basement, I can’t help but feel a sense of pure bliss. It’s not just the visual appeal of everything being in its rightful place – it’s the mental clarity and emotional relief that comes with letting go of the excess and surrounding myself with only the things I love and use.
Thanks to Kelley’s expertise and unwavering guidance, I’ve transformed my home into a sanctuary of tranquility – a space that nurtures my well-being and sparks joy every time I walk through the door.
And you know what? You can do it too. Whether you tackle one room at a time or dive in headfirst, the sense of freedom and control you’ll feel is absolutely worth it. So what are you waiting for? Declutter in style and organize your home, room by room.
