Raise your hand if you have a storage space that you dread going into, filled with way too much stuff – and maybe, even some boxes that are still packed from your previous move! If so, you are definitely not alone. This is a common issue in many households.
Storage areas can quickly become dumping grounds for random items that have nowhere else to go. Tossing items into a room and simply closing the door behind you may seem like a quick and easy solution at the time, but it can cause a lot of stress in the long run. Cluttered spaces can be incredibly overwhelming and are known to cause anxiety. It is also difficult to locate items when you need them (especially if you are in a hurry) when they are piled on top of each other, which can also turn these spaces into a safety hazard.
If you are ready to transform your storage space from chaos to calm, here are some tips that will help you get started and stay motivated!
Declutter. The very first thing you should do is declutter! Grab some boxes and label them – donate, sell, toss, recycle etc. – and start sorting items into their specific categories. Get rid of any items you no longer use, as well as those that are damaged and that you don't plan to repair.
Recycle any boxes you no longer need and flatten any that you plan to keep but are still taped up, as they can take up a lot of space. Shred any old paperwork you may have stored here that is no longer relevant, or contact a shredding company to take care of it for you. Go through electronics that don't work, and take them to an electronics recycling centre. Drop off old paints, solvents, chemicals, etc., at your nearest fire station so they can be disposed of safely.
Pro tip – drop off all these donations/items as soon as possible!
Sort. Once decluttering is complete, you can move on to sorting the items that you plan to keep into similar groups. Find as large a space as possible (like a table or floor) and start creating piles of any related items. At this point, you don't need to make individual piles for every single category, as it may become too overwhelming. Remember, you can micro-organize them into smaller categories at a later point. For example, different types of screws and nails can be sorted into smaller categories later.
Next, scan the entire space of the room, and decide where each category of items will live. Utilize as much vertical space as possible on any shelving units with tall or bulky items, or by stacking bins with lids on top of each other. Place heavier items on bottom shelves. Create a shopping list of any new items needed, make sure to plan where everything will go, and measure to ensure they will fit. If you purchase more shelving units, make sure to measure the spaces in between the shelves as well, so you can buy the proper size totes or bins to fit in them. If you store any tools or crafts in your storage room, pegboards, rolling carts, and small parts organizers are all great solutions! Make sure to dedicate a space for holiday decor as well, if you store it here.
Once you have the space set up and organized how you want, label as much as possible! You can create a list of contents and tape them onto your totes if they contain numerous categories.
Maintenance. The final step will be maintaining the space that you just organized on a continual basis. Don't undo all your hard work! Consistency is key when it comes to staying organized. Put items back where they belong as soon as possible after using them. If you have other members in your home, get them on board to do the same. Go through your storage room often, and donate or get rid of things you no longer use. When new items come in, place them in their proper category immediately to keep the system flowing smoothly!
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Lisa is a mom of two and a Trained Professional Organizer. She is the owner of Light at The End of The Clutter Professional Organizing Services. For more information, visit her Instagram page at Light at The End of The Clutter or her website lightattheendoftheclutter.com.
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