Who’s seen The Home Edit????
When I first saw The Home Edit on Netflix a few years ago, I was instantly captivated. Everything looked so beautiful, but also purposeful. The organization screamed simplicity and ease that I knew I needed in my home.
The pandemic really put in perspective how important it is to invest in our homes. They are our respite from the outside world and many of us spend a majority of our time there. Making it organized and tidy not only looks better, but also saves us time scouring for something hidden below a sea of junk.
The Process
Over the last few years, I’ve slowly reorganized various areas of my house, some more than once. Here are some things I’ve learned along the way.
- Take every item out of the space.
- Group your items in general categories.
- Edit out things you can get rid of.
- Contain your items in a way that maximizes your space, is sustainable, and catches your eye.
Consider Your Budget
Organizing can be done on a budget, but if you’re wanting that sleek and stylish look, be prepared for the cost. I like to think through which products will make the biggest impact in a space.
- Shop around. These drawer inserts from Target are a fraction of the cost of similar ones from the Container Store.
- Utilize what you have. While identical storage solutions elevate a space, you can definitely use existing storage solutions. Try to pair anything new you buy with a similar style to keep a cohesive look.
- Buy in bulk. These OXO containers are a great deal from Costco! A must for any pantry makeover.
- Decide what’s worth the splurge. Organizational pieces that will be seen (versus in a closet behind closed doors) may be worth more to you — or anything that will truly make your life easier. Overpriced labels are my guilty must-have. I get so much joy when I see them!
>> RELATED READ :: Organize Your Pantry Without Losing Your Mind :: 6 Easy Steps <<
Have a Plan
Do you want to tackle the whole house or just a certain space? Are you wanting that luxury organization style or will you be happy just being able to find your keys when you need them? Design a solution to fit your needs!
- Start with what motivates you. Start with a single drawer, NOT the biggest project. However, I started with my pantry because I had the clearest vision for what I wanted to do. Pick something you know you’ll finish to the end!
- Factor in your family. Make sure your family will follow whatever system you implement. Will everyone actually hang up their jackets if you put hooks in the front entryway? Can your kids reach the snack bin? Function is a key point of organization, so make sure it works for everyone in your household.
- Leave enough time. Nothing is more frustrating than rushing to complete your project or throwing everything in a corner because you have other responsibilities. Although, it’s definitely good to take breaks. Allot more time than you think you’ll need. Your toddler’s nap time won’t cut it. The last thing you want to deal with is him or her taking everything out and moving stuff around. I speak from painful experience.
Be Practical
We’d all love a house that looks like a model home every day but homes are lived in and serve a purpose.
- Remember who the space is for. I thought I was making an art cart for myself, but it was quickly overtaken by my daughter. I had to redo some of the sections to reflect her needs — like a sticker station instead of my watercolor paints. It’s worth the sacrifice when your family knows exactly where things go and can be self sufficient in putting things away.
- Keep perspective. You either get the item or the space. As a sentimentalist, this has really helped my thought process as I declutter!
- Is your new system sustainable? Are you willing to transfer foods out of their packaging for reusable containers? I have no problem emptying my bag of rice in my rice container, but the “breakfast” container became a huge pain when I realized I needed to cut out the directions and expiration date from the box to keep.
- Organization is ongoing. While the system you set up is a one-time thing, maintaining it is a daily commitment. It starts with being aware of what you’re bringing into your home. Declutter often and you’ll always have room to grow.
>> RELATED READ :: Simple Spring Cleaning Tips & Tricks <<
We spend so much time in our homes; take the time to organize your space for beauty and function. Not only does it save you time, but it’ll also bring you joy every time you reach for something that’s exactly where you knew it’d be.
