The one non-negotiable organizing step
You might not like it, but you just have to do it.
I’ve talked about this topic before here and there, but I haven’t really tackled it head-on yet. I love digging into fancy systems and optimizations in home organizing, but how do you even get to “order” as a starting point?
Answer: You declutter first.
It’s the essential first step of any organizing undertaking. The hard truth is there is no way around this. The only way out is through. You just have to do it.
My systems and optimizations will be useless until you first declutter your home down to only the items you need, love, and use.
First, a disclaimer. Everyone’s personal threshold for clutter is different. What feels cluttered to one person might feel cozy and wonderful to another. Stuff only becomes clutter if it bothers you or impedes your ability to function. So if you’re loving how your house works and don’t see an issue, rock on. This advice is for those who seek a change.
Here’s Why Decluttering Comes First
I’m a fan of the 5S method for conceptualizing holistically what it takes to keep a home orderly and peaceful. This is borrowed from the automotive manufacturing industry (yes), but it applies perfectly to the home:
Sort - Get rid of what’s extraneous (declutter)
Set - Make sure everything has a place (organize)
Shine - Keep the space tidy and clean (clean)
Standardize - Create a system to keep things orderly (this is my jam!)
Sustain - Develop a routine of running your systems (me again!)
I included some links at the end of this post diving into this framework and how it applies at home. If you’re an engineer familiar with this concept please chime in with how you use it — I love learning more about it in different contexts.
How to Tackle Clutter
Once again I want to say, I’m not here to judge anyone’s clutter. We ALL deal with clutter to some degree. I recently lost (and have yet to find) a library book called “Organize Your Life” somewhere in my home. OH THE IRONY.