Stay Organized All Year, Tips from a Professional Organizer!

The New Year is a perfect time for a fresh start, and for many, that means getting organized. But how many times have you made that resolution only to see things slip back into clutter and chaos a few months later? As a professional organizer, I’m here to share strategies that will not only help you get organized but, more importantly, stay organized throughout the year. Let’s make this the year you achieve lasting change!

1. Start Small, Stay Consistent

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to tackle everything at once. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and give up. Instead, break your organizing goals into manageable tasks. Start with one drawer, one closet, or one room at a time. This way, you’ll see quick wins that motivate you to keep going.

  • Tip: Dedicate 15 minutes each day to decluttering or organizing a small area. Consistency is key!

2. Declutter First

Before you start organizing, declutter. The more “stuff” you have, the harder it is to maintain organization. Go through each room and ask yourself:

  • Do I use this regularly?
  • Do I love it?
  • Is it adding value to my life?

If the answer is no, it’s time to let go. Donate, recycle, or discard anything that no longer serves a purpose. Decluttering creates space and makes organizing easier and more effective.

3. Create Systems That Work for YOU

Organizing isn’t about making your home look like a magazine spread—it’s about creating systems that work for your lifestyle. The key is to think about how you naturally use and move through your space. For example:

  • Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
  • Organize by category (e.g., all cleaning supplies in one spot).
  • Use baskets or bins to group similar items together.

Your organizing system should be functional and sustainable, not just aesthetically pleasing.

4. Everything Needs a “Home”

A major cause of clutter is not having a designated spot for your belongings. To stay organized, make sure everything has a “home.” This makes it easier to put things away after use and prevents random items from piling up in high-traffic areas.

  • Tip: Label bins, shelves, or drawers to remind yourself and family members where things belong.

5. Don’t Strive for Perfection

One of the secrets to staying organized is letting go of the idea that everything has to be perfect. It’s okay if things get a little messy from time to time—that’s just life! The goal is to have a system in place that makes it easy to tidy up quickly and stay on top of things.

Remember, organization is about progress, not perfection.

6. Invest in Storage Solutions

Sometimes, the right storage solution makes all the difference. Investing in practical storage options can help you stay organized throughout the year:

  • Clear storage bins for visibility.
  • Drawer organizers for small items like utensils or office supplies.
  • Baskets for quick cleanups in living rooms or bedrooms.
  • Shelving units to make the most of vertical space.

Choose storage solutions that match your needs and space, and keep functionality in mind.

7. Set Regular Check-Ins

Even with the best systems in place, things can fall out of order over time. Schedule regular check-ins—whether it’s weekly, monthly, or quarterly—to reassess and tidy up areas of your home. This allows you to address small messes before they become overwhelming.

  • Tip: Use the “one in, one out” rule: For every new item you bring into your home, get rid of something to prevent clutter from building up again.

8. Make It a Family Effort

If you live with family or roommates, make organizing a group effort. Everyone should be responsible for keeping common areas tidy and for returning items to their designated spots. Create simple systems that everyone can follow, and regularly remind the household of the importance of maintaining the space.

9. Create Daily Habits

Staying organized isn’t a one-time project—it’s an ongoing process. Incorporate simple daily habits that help maintain order:

  • Put things back where they belong after use.
  • Spend 10 minutes tidying up at the end of the day.
  • Clean out your bag or purse regularly.

By making these habits part of your routine, organization will feel less like a chore and more like second nature.

10. Celebrate Progress

Celebrate your wins along the way! Whether you’ve organized one drawer, a closet, or an entire room, acknowledge your accomplishments. Keeping a positive mindset will help you stay motivated to maintain the organization you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Getting organized is a powerful resolution, but staying organized is where the real magic happens. By starting small, creating functional systems, and incorporating regular habits, you’ll not only get your home in order but maintain it all year long. This is the year you turn your organizing goals into lasting change—let’s make it happen!

If you need help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional organizer like Barnhart Home to guide you through the process. Here’s to an organized and clutter-free 2025! 

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