ORGANIZING FROM A TO Z
TOP 10 MUST DOES
"For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.
Keeping your home and office organized requires ongoing effort and discipline.
The following list of the top 10 must-do tasks will help maintain a clutter-free and productive space:
1. Establish a Daily Cleaning Routine
Why It’s Important: Consistent tidying every day prevents clutter from piling up and keeps your space organized in the long term.
Action: Set aside 10-15 minutes each day for basic cleaning (making beds, wiping down surfaces, putting away items). Tidy as you go to avoid bigger messes.
2. Declutter Regularly
Why It’s Important: A clutter-free environment reduces stress, enhances focus, and creates more space.
Action: Commit to decluttering monthly or quarterly. Purge items you no longer need—donate, sell, or discard them.
3. Create Designated Zones for Items
Why It’s Important: Assigning specific places for everything makes it easier to find things and put them away.
Action: Label storage bins, shelves, and drawers to create clear zones in both your home and office. For example, keep office supplies, tools, and paperwork in separate areas.
4. Use Organizational Tools
Why It’s Important: Tools like trays, bins, file organizers, and drawer dividers keep things in order and accessible.
Action: Invest in practical organizers, such as filing cabinets for paperwork, drawer organizers for small items, and baskets or bins for loose items.
5. Implement a "One In, One Out" Rule
Why It’s Important: This rule helps control the accumulation of unnecessary items and keeps your space from becoming cluttered.
Action: For every new item you bring into your home or office, get rid of an old item. This keeps your belongings manageable.
6. Prioritize Paper Management
Why It’s Important: Piles of paper can quickly accumulate and create clutter.
Action: Set up a filing system for important documents (physical or digital) and shred or recycle papers you no longer need. Go paperless wherever possible.
7. Keep Surfaces Clear
Why It’s Important: Clear surfaces give your home and office a neat and calm appearance, and make cleaning easier.
Action: Make it a habit to clear countertops, desks, tables, and other surfaces at the end of the day. Only keep essential items out.
8. Maintain a To-Do List or Calendar
Why It’s Important: Staying organized is not just about physical space but also about managing time effectively.
Action: Use a to-do list or digital calendar to track tasks, deadlines, and appointments. Prioritize your tasks and review them regularly.
9. Store Items According to Frequency of Use
Why It’s Important: Storing frequently used items in easily accessible places saves time and reduces frustration.
Action: Keep daily-use items within arm's reach (e.g., pens, keys, phone chargers). Items that are used less often should be stored in higher shelves or deeper drawers.
10. Tidy Up Before Bed/End of the Day
Why It’s Important: Ending the day with a clean environment helps reduce stress and sets you up for a productive day ahead.
Action: Spend the last 10 minutes of your day tidying up. Put away items left out, straighten up your desk or living space, and prepare for the next day.