Making an Organizing Plan.

Getting Organized: The Basics You Need to Know

There’s nothing quite like walking into a clean, organized home after a long day. Wouldn’t you agree? That’s why learning how to make an organizing plan is so important – it saves time, reduces stress, and ensures everything has its place.

Having everything in its place saves time and reduces stress. Instead of hunting for everyday items like duct tape or toilet paper, you’ll know exactly where to find them. It’s a simple concept that makes life so much easier!

However, many people (myself included) struggle to find time to organize or get discouraged along the way. The good news? Organizing doesn’t have to be overwhelming or take all day. With a clear plan and the right approach, even the most cluttered spaces can become neat and tidy. Here’s how you can make an organizing plan that works.

Plan Before You Start

One of the biggest challenges of organizing is getting sidetracked. I used to start organizing my closet, then stumble upon books that needed putting away, which led me to my bookshelf – and before I knew it, I was bouncing from one task to another without making real progress.

Stay on Track

To avoid this, be realistic. Focus on one area at a time. The goal is to get organized, not to jump between tasks without finishing them.

A great way to stay on track is by creating a list. Lists:

• Keep you focused and structured.
• Reduce anxiety by breaking big tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
• Provide a sense of accomplishment when you check things off.

Thinking in “list form” helps create order and makes large tasks feel more approachable. This is a key part of how to make an organizing plan that actually works.

Choose Your Starting Point

Decide which room or area needs organizing the most. Is it your closet, garage, car, shed, or family room?

I recommend starting with the spaces you use the most, such as the living room, kitchen, or entryway. Tackling these areas first can give you an immediate sense of progress and motivate you to keep going.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, take a moment to assess what you’ll need. Some common organizing tools include:

• Storage solutions (shelves, baskets, containers)
• Cleaning supplies (disinfectant, microfiber cloths, garbage bags)
• Organizing accessories (hooks, hangers, labels)

Having everything ready before you start will make the process much smoother and more efficient. Proper preparation is a fundamental part of how to make an organizing plan that leads to lasting results.

Schedule a Time to Start

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, think about how long each organizing task will take and choose a time that works best for you.

For example:

• Cleaning out your car trunk might take about 15 minutes.
• Sorting through the items could take another 20 minutes.
• Putting everything back in an organized way might take another 10-15 minutes.

A small task like this could easily be done on a weekday evening. However, if you’re tackling something bigger – like the garage – you may want to dedicate a full weekend day.

If it helps, set time limits for each task and allow a little buffer time for unexpected interruptions.

Maintain Your Organized Space

Your home didn’t become disorganized overnight, and keeping it tidy requires ongoing effort. The good news? Maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult!

Try This Simple Rule

Leave each room better than you found it.

• Tidy up magazines in the family room.
• Water houseplants when entering the kitchen.
• Restock toilet paper when in the bathroom.

These small actions take just seconds but make a huge difference over time. Sticking to a routine is a crucial part of how to make an organizing plan that ensures long-term success.

Organizing doesn’t have to be stressful, expensive, or time-consuming. Work at a pace that suits you, follow these steps, and before you know it, you’ll have a home that’s neat, functional, and easy to maintain. Now that you know how to make an organizing plan, it’s time to put it into action. Happy organizing!

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