Are you ready to go from a cluttered mess to organized success? This is possible following my easy 6 step process.

I am an Industrial Engineer, notorious over thinker, and ADHD – this is a dangerous combination. I have researched organization systems extensively trying to figure out what does and does not work. I have learned that some brains are just wired differently meaning that one style does not fit all. I also know that although styles may differ, the steps remain the same.

As a disclaimer, I do approach organization with the brain of an Engineer who loves processes, puzzle and problem solving but also as someone who is neurodivergent and understands that a lot of “traditional” advice doesn’t usually work for me.

Process Overview

In a prior job role, part of my responsibilities involved performing and teaching a class on 5S – which stands for “Sort, Set, Shine, Standardize & Sustain”.

There are a lot of other process, and one common acronym is “SPACE” which stands for Sort, Purge, Assign, Contain and for the E I have seen Embellish, Evaluate or Equalize

I like parts of each version, but it didn’t quite have everything. I like that 5S has Shine & Standardize but SPACE you had to pick an “E”. I also liked how SPACE broke down Sort into Sort & Purge and Set into Assign & Contain.

The easiest fix was to use SPACE and add an S to the end for “Sustain” and make the E stand for “Embellish”. We now have “SPACES”. A minor but effective fix.

Pick a project

First, we pick one area of our house … just one … and make it a small area such as a junk drawer or a shelf in a closet. Now repeat after me – one small area. I know it’s tempting to take on a big area, but if you don’t finish it all in session or get sidetracked, you end up with a bigger mess then you started with until you can resume.

STEP 1: SORT

Steps 1 & 2 are by far the MOST important step. The real problem most of us face is too much stuff and not a lack of containers.

Start with one of these many empty containers or boxes I’m sure you have and add labels to them. You can print out something fancy… or use masking tape and a sharpie. I vote for keep it simple, quick, and easy.

KEEP

This can be broken down into sub-categories depending on the area you’re working on – but try and keep them general

Example: Bathroom closet may be Medication, First Aid, Cosmetics, Hair & Body, and Other. Having too many categories will bog you down.

TOSS/RECYCLE

This category is for items such as expired food/medicine/cosmetics, damaged items, empty items, or anything else normally considered garbage. I some people struggle more than others with throwing tings away and viewing it as waste.

Environment Concerns: It is already taking up space, has been produced, and transported to your house - holding on to it does not take this away. Holding on to things to avoid declutter anxiety makes you more likely to continue to bring more in which makes it worse for the environment in the long run.

Damaged Items: If something has any damage – toss it. If you ask, can I still donate something that is damaged? NO!!! if you donate it to charity, they just throw it away since it’s damaged. So now, not only it the item still thrown away you’re also causing the volunteers more work. Don’t be that person.

But maybe I can repurpose this? All those empty jars, containers, or random thing you have saved – surely, I can do a craft with them. I have seen so many posts of “What can I make with this?”. I am a crafter, so I feel you … but no. Unless you have a project in mind already and are saving with intentions - just say no! Do I need to say this again?

Quick Tip: Grab a black garage bag right now, walk around you house and fill it up, then take it straight to the bin. You would be amazed what just that can do. I know dealing with garage is hard - I get it. I joke my three arch nemeses are garbage, laundry, and dishes.

DONATE / SELL

In Step 1 this is for the things you say – what is it or why do I have this? Don’t talk yourself into keeping it, donate it so someone who will use it can gain value out of the item.

I use donate are rarely sell since it is quicker and easier. As someone who is ADHD we naturally have fewer spoons then most, I need to save energy where I can. Pick a location that supports a good cause and be proud you're helping others.

Quick Tip: Once done sorting put your donation items it in your car or somewhere obvious right away and then leave a note or set an alarm so you don’t forget.

Selling takes effort – so set boundaries!
For garage sales – if you don’t have a date set soon, then I would say donate. You are just relocating clutter vs removing it.
For online/marketplace - set a $ minimum and then a sell by date or else it goes to donate.

DOES NOT BELONG

These are items that belong somewhere else and will be taken to the appropriate area once sort is completed. Using a box to make the sort go quicker and I will be honest, if I took each item to their home right away, I would get sidetracked.

STEP 2: PURGE

It is now time to look at what is left in keep and continue to purge. I will say that the more you do this, the easier it is to get rid of things.

Why is this a separate step? Sometimes after we get things into categories, we realize how much we have. A true story: sorting clothing I was surprised how many pairs of pants in the same color I had. I was able to then compare black pants and just keep a couple pairs of the ones that looked best on me.

Seven questions to ask yourself during purge:

Have I used it in the last year?
Is it in good condition or easily repaired?
Do I have a future purpose for it?
Would I purchase it again?
Do I have a duplicate or something similar?
Can it easily be replaced? 20/20 rule = <$20 and 20 min to replace
Do I love it?

STEP 3: Assign

“A home for everything and everything in its place” – I don’t know who said it first, but the sentiment is still accurate.

First look at where you use things vs where they are “supposed to” go. Look at where you tend to leave things, this is a big clue of how you naturally function – don’t fight it but embrace it. You are designing this to fit best with your lifestyle, not for someone else.

**Example:**

I open and sort my mail in the kitchen, so I added baskets on a corner of a desk in the kitchen for my mail not some other location.

Look at each category and decide where it should be assigned a home.

STEP 4: CONTAIN

We finally get to pull out the basket and bins!

Why is containing important?
1.   It establishes a home for everything
2.   Set’s boundaries – once you hit the limit, you say no more
3.   Looks intentional – A basket of cords looks on purpose whereas a pile of cords looks messy.

Start by trying to use what you have and if you need a couple more containers, hit up the dollar store. Why not go all out? Because it takes a while to figure out what is really working, and it is a lot less painful to change up a system when you don’t have a lot of money invested.

My next post is on organization styles and then I am going to go room by room in my own house as part of a 2023 organization challenge. So, for now just keep it simple and sorted into general categories in open baskets.

STEP 5: EMBELLISH

Clean

This is where we make sure that our area is cleaned – wiping down shelves, draws and that general cleaning that needs to be done. This is also a good time to touch up paint and other basic maintenance tasks.

Labels

This is also where we add labels. Labels help you; your family and any visitors visually see where everything goes and increases the odds of you putting things away. When I am first trying to figure out if a system works, I honestly just use masking or painters’ tape and a sharpie. It is not fancy, but once your like – yep – this is working then you can go back and make better labels. The chalkboard labels are also a good option since they can be wiped off and re-done.

Decorate (Optional)

This is last and where you can have some fun! If doing a laundry room adding a fun sign or a few finishing touches. This is where you get to look back at all your work and smile!

STEP 6: SUSTAIN

This final step is setting boundaries in place to keep up your system.

It is also a good time to check back in and see what is and isn’t working. Remember that if something isn’t working it is the process not the person. Decide what changes or improve can be made.

I am still learning and adjusting – what works for me may not work for you. It honestly is a lot of trial and error.

Cluttered Mess to Organized Success: Easy 6 Step Process