Finding the Perfect Place for Your Stuff
An Organizing Secret
As a professional organizer, it's my job to find the best place for everything, but here's a secret – there isn't just one perfect place. When it comes to determining where something should be stored, I consider three key factors: frequency and place of use, ease of putting it away, and where to find it if needed.
Keep it Where You Use It
In most cases, I recommend placing items as close as possible to where they're utilized. You’re likely already using this simple strategy for things like keys and coats by the door, laundry detergent by the washer, and makeup in the bathroom. But other small tweaks in placement can greatly improve your satisfaction with your space.
For example, moving mugs closer to the coffee pot can make a huge difference in your morning routine. I was thrilled when a client texted me just a couple days after we moved her mugs, filters, and beans to the cupboard directly above her coffee pot to say what a delight it’s been to wake up and have everything accessible for her morning cup.
Other examples include:
art supplies in a rolling cart near the table
extra sheets in the nightstand drawer
move games from a hall closet to the family room
Easy to Put Away
Sometimes, it isn't practical to store things where you use them. Space constraints, existing furniture, or other factors may limit your options.
In such cases, I suggest finding a spot that makes it easy and quick to put things away. This way, you'll be more inclined to tidy up and avoid clutter. Ease of putting things away is also one of the key tips for those with ADHD, too.
For instance, instead of keeping your dishes in upper cabinets, which may be hard for kids to reach, you could store them in a nearby drawer, making it easier for shorter people to help with kitchen chores.
Examples include:
open shelving instead of behind closed doors
open front bins like these
kid-friendly dishes and snacks in lower drawers instead of upper cabinets
open-top hampers (or just use a laundry basket as a hamper!)
Where Would You Look?
For items that you don't use frequently, it's important (and sometimes hard!) to remember where you stored them. To address this challenge, I recommend asking yourself, "Where would I look for this?" Your first or second gut reaction will most likely guide you to the right spot.
For example, here are a few things we were losing or buying again because we couldn’t remember where we kept them:
super glue - now in our kitchen utility cupboard in a small bin with household tools
rubbing alcohol - in the garage rather than the bathroom since we use it outside more
random rarely-used office supplies - normally you’d look in an office, but we don’t have one, so they’re in my Monica closet*.
Simple Changes Work
You don't have to overhaul your entire living space to improve your quality of life. Simple changes can make a world of difference. You have my permission to put things where they make sense for you. Even if your mom thinks it’s strange.
*Yes, I have a Monica closet. It’s on my list of places to boss into order, but in the mean time I just keep sticking stuff in there.
Hi! I’m Ashley, and I’m a professional organizer serving Jamestown, North Dakota, and the surrounding areas.
I love to help people be the boss of their stuff. Contact me for a free consultation.
