Opening Thoughts

Lying in bed scrolling through your phone, you catch a glimpse of the mess around you - shopping bags, delivery boxes, and clothes scattered everywhere, while the desk is cluttered with books, cosmetics, and snacks. Isn't this the reality for most of us young people? Such scenes always create anxiety, yet we don't know where to start. As someone who has evolved from a "organizing novice" to an "organizing expert," I deeply understand this feeling.

I remember when my room was literally a "treasure cave" - finding a phone charger meant turning everything upside down. Whenever friends came over, I had to spend the previous day cleaning up, often until midnight. Worst of all, after finally getting everything tidy, it would return to chaos in just a couple of days. But after years of trial and improvement, I've finally found a set of practical and manageable organizing methods, and today I'd like to share my journey and useful tips.

Time Management

When it comes to organizing, many people's first reaction is: "That's too much trouble!" "It takes so much time!" "I'm already exhausted from work." But actually, organizing doesn't require too much time - the key is finding the right method.

The simplest and most practical is the "10-minute rule." Spend 10 minutes before bed doing quick organization, treating it like brushing teeth and washing face - a must-do before sleeping. For example, I spend 5 minutes folding clothes and putting them in the wardrobe, 3 minutes clearing the desk, and 2 minutes dealing with trash. This doesn't feel too tiring, but the effect is remarkable. After a week, you'll find your room never gets overwhelmingly messy again.

Another technique I highly recommend is the "timing method." Before each organizing session, set yourself a time limit. For example, 15 minutes for organizing the desk, 30 minutes for the wardrobe. This has several benefits: first, with a time limit, you'll focus more on organizing rather than scrolling through your phone while doing it; second, the time limit makes the task feel less daunting; finally, when you see how you can get an area perfectly organized in such a short time, that sense of achievement will motivate you to maintain it.

I often use my phone timer to help me focus. Did you know? According to psychological research, the average human attention span is only about 25 minutes. So rather than forcing yourself to organize for hours at once, it's better to break tasks into 25-minute segments with 5-minute breaks in between. This maintains high efficiency without feeling too exhausted.

Space Planning

Before starting a major organization project, I suggest doing a "whole-room inspection." Like a detective investigating a case, take notes and record all areas that need organizing. I usually divide the room into several main areas: desk area, bed area, wardrobe area, cosmetics area, etc. Mark each area with estimated organizing time and difficulty level.

This has many benefits. First, you get a clear understanding of the entire task and won't feel lost about where to start. Second, you can arrange the organizing sequence according to your time and energy. Most importantly, as you cross off completed areas, that sense of achievement will motivate you to continue.

I suggest starting with the easiest areas. For example, begin with relatively simple areas like the desk, and after gaining some sense of achievement, tackle "ultimate bosses" like the wardrobe. Based on my experience, a normal-sized wardrobe needs at least 2-3 hours to organize properly, so make sure to reserve enough time. It's best to handle these big projects during relatively relaxed times like weekends.

During the organizing process, learn to "let go." Many young people have hoarding habits, especially after shopping festivals when they accumulate many things they "might use." But in reality, these things might never be used and just occupy valuable space. When organizing, ask yourself: Have I used this in the past six months? If not, should I consider giving it away or selling it?

Space Utilization

When it comes to space utilization, many people overlook an important dimension: vertical space. Especially in our cities where space is precious, making full use of vertical space is absolutely essential.

Take my room for example - my desk used to be small and messy, but after installing several wall shelves, I can now store books and display small plants, instantly making the space both practical and stylish. In the kitchen, I use vertical storage for various seasonings and utensils, which not only saves space but also makes things easy to find.

The space under the bed is also an excellent storage area. I bought several storage boxes with wheels that can be easily pulled out, perfect for storing seasonal clothes and less frequently used items. The wardrobe also needs to have "layers" - I use storage boxes to divide it into different areas, putting frequently worn clothes on top and less worn ones below, making it both organized and practical.

The space behind doors is often overlooked. I installed hooks behind my door for hanging bags and coats. I also installed a rack behind the bathroom door for towels and toiletries, keeping the bathroom tidy without taking up floor space.

For small items, I especially recommend drawer organizers. For example, my makeup drawer is divided into several areas: base makeup, eye makeup, lip products, etc. This not only looks neat but is also very convenient. I use the same method for jewelry, using small compartments for categorized storage, eliminating the hassle of tangled necklaces.

Storage Strategies

Many people think buying a bunch of storage boxes equals organization, but these boxes often become new clutter. The key to storage isn't the tools, but establishing a complete system.

First, implement categorized storage. My principle is: things often used together should be stored together. For example, all skincare products go in one drawer, subdivided into cleansing, care, masks, etc. All stationery goes in another drawer, divided into pens, notebooks, and other supplies. The benefit is that when you need something, you can quickly locate it.

Label management is also crucial. I label every storage box for clear visibility. I used to buy duplicate items because I couldn't find the original ones. Now with a label system, I can not only find items quickly but also avoid repeat purchases.

When storing, consider usage frequency. Frequently used items should be placed in easily accessible locations, while less used items can go in more hidden spots. For example, I keep daily skincare products on the bathroom shelf, while seasonal skincare items go in storage boxes.

For areas prone to mess, like bags, I use a "bag-in-bag" storage method. Each bag has a small pouch containing keys, tissues, lipstick, and other essentials. When changing bags, just transfer the pouch to the new bag - convenient and neat.

Ongoing Maintenance

Organization isn't a one-time thing but a lifestyle habit requiring continuous maintenance. Many people have experienced this: after a thorough cleaning, everything returns to chaos shortly after. To avoid this, the key is establishing a sustainable maintenance system.

I highly recommend the "one-in-one-out" principle. Whenever you buy something new, remove something old. This principle seems simple but requires strong self-discipline to execute. For example, when buying new clothes, check if there are any long-unworn clothes you can remove. This not only controls the total amount of items but also encourages timely clearing of unnecessary things.

Regular clearing is also important. I do a major cleanup every three months, going through all drawers and cabinets. During cleaning, I ask myself three questions: Have I used this recently? Will I use it in the future? Does keeping it bring me joy? If the answer to all three is no, then the item can be considered for removal.

For items that might still have value but aren't needed, I put them in a dedicated "pending area." When enough accumulates, I process them all at once. They can be given to friends in need, sold on second-hand platforms, or donated to charity. This is not only environmentally friendly but also maximizes the items' value.

Forming Habits

After discussing so many methods and techniques, the most crucial part is turning organization into a lifestyle habit. Like brushing teeth and washing face, make it part of your daily routine.

Now when I get home, I do several things: remove trash from my bag, return used items to their places, hang up or fold clothes. It might seem troublesome at first, but after persisting for a while, it becomes natural. Returning things immediately after use is much easier than dealing with a mountain of mess later.

Psychological research shows it takes an average of 21 days to form a new habit. So don't expect to change all habits at once - progress gradually. Start with the simplest things, like tidying your nightstand before bed, and move on to the next habit once it becomes natural.

While forming habits, learn to reward yourself. For example, after consistently organizing for a week, reward yourself with a nice meal or small purchase. This positive reinforcement makes you more motivated to maintain good habits.

Conclusion and Outlook

Through these methods, my quality of life has truly improved. Not only do I save time finding things, but my mood is also better. A tidy environment provides positive psychological cues, motivating you to accomplish other things.

Organization isn't the goal but a means to a better life. By establishing an orderly living environment, we can focus more on what truly matters, whether work or life.

If you want to change your current situation, why not start today? Begin with the simplest 10-minute organization and gradually cultivate this habit. Through consistent effort, you too can create a living space that brings joy.

Remember, organization isn't achieved overnight but is a gradual process. The important thing is to start and maintain. I look forward to seeing your changes. If you have any useful organizing methods, please share them so we can improve together. After all, only a tidy space can nurture a better life.