Preface
Have you ever experienced this? Waking up in the morning, feeling distressed by the clutter around the house; wanting to find a piece of clothing but having to rummage through your wardrobe; or feeling lost every time you try to tidy up your room? As a former "organization novice," I deeply understand these frustrations. I still remember my ten-square-meter room when I first started working - due to having too many things and not knowing how to organize them, I often couldn't find what I needed and started each day in chaos. This disorder not only affected my mood but also wasted a lot of time and energy. After years of exploration and practice, I finally found an organization method that works for me, keeping every corner of my home tidy and full of aesthetic appeal. Today, I'd like to share my insights with you.
Basic Principles
Organization isn't something that can be achieved overnight; it requires a gradual approach. I remember when I first started organizing, I wanted to clean up the entire house in one day, but I ended up exhausted, and everything was messy again the next day. I used to be caught in a vicious cycle: seeing disorder made me anxious, anxiety made me want quick solutions, which led to hasty cleaning that wouldn't last. Later, I realized that effective organization is a gradual process requiring patience and focus.
My current method is this: focus on one room at a time. For example, today I'll only organize the kitchen, tomorrow I'll tackle the bedroom. This approach reduces pressure and actually produces better results. When organizing a room, I first observe its biggest problems - whether it's insufficient storage space, chaotic item classification, or inadequate cleaning. Then I develop solutions accordingly. I particularly like setting a 15-minute timer on my phone to focus on organizing a specific area, like a drawer or one shelf in the closet. This short-term focused approach works especially well and doesn't feel overwhelming.
During the organization process, I discovered that establishing a system is most important. This system includes item classification standards, storage location planning, and daily maintenance methods. For instance, I categorize household items into three main groups: daily necessities, seasonal items, and collectibles. Daily necessities should be placed in easily accessible locations, seasonal items can go in higher cabinets or storage boxes, and collectibles need special storage and protection methods.
Additionally, it's important to consider traffic flow when organizing. Traffic flow refers to our movement patterns at home. In the kitchen, for example, I place frequently used items together, reducing the need to move back and forth while cooking. The same principle applies to other spaces, aiming to make daily life more convenient.
Habit Formation
When it comes to organization, developing good habits is most important. I now spend 10 minutes before bed doing simple tidying - putting clothes in the laundry basket, returning used items to their places, and wiping down frequently used surfaces. By maintaining this habit, rooms generally stay relatively tidy. This "use and return" habit not only keeps the environment clean but also makes the next day more pleasant.
I've also developed a habit of doing deep cleaning in small areas every weekend. For example, organizing the bookshelf one week and the storage room the next. Through regular deep cleaning, we can quickly identify and solve storage problems while clearing out unnecessary items. This cyclical organization method keeps the home consistently tidy.
Another principle I find particularly useful is "one in, one out." Whenever I buy a new piece of clothing, I remove an old one. This not only controls the quantity of items but also encourages regular clearing of unnecessary things. Last year, I disposed of over 50 pieces of clothing this way, and now every piece in my wardrobe gets regular wear - no more "closet full of clothes but nothing to wear" dilemma. This principle works not just for clothes but for other items too. When I buy new kitchenware, I dispose of old ones; when adding new decorations, I adjust or remove existing ones.
In developing organization habits, I find setting specific goals important. For example, I set small goals like "organize all storage boxes this month" or "clean all drawers this week." After achieving these goals, I reward myself appropriately, perhaps with a new storage item or a visit to my favorite coffee shop. This positive reinforcement helps maintain organization habits.
Space Solutions
Choosing storage tools is really important. I now have storage baskets and boxes throughout my home, making it look neat and attractive. When selecting storage tools, I consider three aspects: practicality, aesthetics, and durability. Practicality means the storage tools should match the size and frequency of use of items; aesthetics means they should coordinate with the home's decor style; durability considers whether the materials are sturdy and long-lasting.
Living room magazines and remotes are kept in wicker storage baskets, which are both practical and stylish. I chose wicker material because it's natural and durable, adding a warm texture to modern minimalist home environments. The size of storage baskets should be chosen based on actual needs - too large wastes space, too small can't hold necessary items.
In the bedroom closet, I use many storage boxes, organizing items by season and type, making things easy to find. I especially recommend transparent storage boxes because you can see the contents without opening them. When choosing storage boxes, I select products from the same series for visual uniformity and neat arrangement.
For small items, I use compartmentalized storage boxes. For example, I chose a jewelry box with small compartments to separate necklaces, rings, and earrings, preventing tangling and making selection easier. In the study, I use compartmentalized boxes to organize stationery, keeping pens, sticky notes, and paper clips sorted.
Recently, I discovered a particularly useful storage tip: using kitchen utensil organizers for bathroom drawers. These organizers are usually waterproof and reasonably compartmentalized, perfect for organizing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and skincare products, making morning and evening routines more pleasant. This taught me that storage tools can be used unconventionally - if it works, use it.
In arranging storage tools, I follow the principle of "frequently used items in easy reach." For example, commonly used seasonings are placed on a rack near the stove, while less frequently used kitchen tools can go in higher or lower cabinets. This arrangement improves daily life efficiency.
Classification Techniques
Regarding classification, I now use the "three-box method": prepare three boxes labeled "keep," "donate/sell," and "store," plus a trash bin. When organizing, items are sorted into these four categories, making the process very clear. This method's advantage is quick decision-making, avoiding spending too much time deliberating over individual items.
When using the "three-box method," I set specific judgment criteria. For example, "keep" items must have been used within the last three months or definitely needed soon; "donate/sell" items should be in good condition for others to use; "store" items are those with special meaning but not currently needed, like mementos or seasonal items.
For clothing organization, I have a more detailed classification system. First, sort by season, placing current season items in the most accessible locations. Then within each seasonal category, sort by occasion: work clothes, casual wear, sportswear, etc. Finally, sort by style: tops, pants, skirts, etc. This layered classification makes organization more systematic and finding clothes more convenient.
I recently helped a friend organize her closet using a color-coding method. Arranging all clothes by color, from light to dark, creates a very pleasing visual effect. She says choosing clothes is now enjoyable, and coordinating outfits has become easier. This color classification method works not just for clothes but for other items too. Books, stationery, even data cables - color coding can make everything look neater.
In the kitchen, my classification method is based on frequency of use and function. Seasonings are divided into frequently and infrequently used categories, with frequent ones placed on a rotating rack for easy access. Tableware is also stored by frequency of use, with daily-use bowls and chopsticks in the most accessible drawers, while guest tableware can be stored in higher cabinets.
For documents, I use a "folder + label" method. Each folder has clear labels indicating specific contents and dates. Important documents are protected in transparent sleeves and regularly checked for updates or clearing. This classification method helps quickly locate needed documents.
Continuous Action
Organization isn't a one-time task but a lifestyle habit requiring continuous maintenance. Just like we eat and wash our face daily, organization should be part of our daily routine. Maintaining a tidy environment requires persistent effort, but this effort ultimately makes life easier.
I now conduct a comprehensive check and adjustment monthly. This includes checking if the storage system still meets needs, adjusting unreasonable storage locations, and updating expired or damaged storage tools. This regular maintenance helps identify and solve problems before small issues become big troubles.
In daily life, I continuously improve and optimize my organization methods. If I find a storage method inconvenient, I adjust it; if I see good organization ideas from others, I consider whether they might work for me. This attitude of continuous improvement has made my organization skills increasingly refined.
Organization has given me not just a tidy environment but a life attitude. Through organization, I've learned how to make choices and how to make life simpler and more efficient. Organization teaches us that having fewer but better things often brings more happiness.
Finally, I want to say that organization isn't about pursuing perfection but making life easier and more enjoyable. Everyone's lifestyle and needs are different, and no single organization method suits everyone. What's important is finding methods that work for you, maintaining patience and consistency, and believing that you too can have a well-organized, cozy home.
Do you have your own organization tips? Welcome to share and discuss in the comments section. Let's explore together how to make life more orderly and beautiful.
