Get organized with stacy from half full organizing

We all have a scary pocket of our house that is completely overwhelming to think about organizing. From junk drawers to way-too-full garages, organizing your life Marie Kondo style, especially when you have a busy one, can be super daunting. Lucky for us, there are experts in the field ready to swoop in and rescue us with clear plastic bins and label makers charged and ready to take action.

We reached out to our friend and home organizing expert Stacy, founder of Maine's own Half Full Organizing to help us make organizing our busy and cluttered lives a little easier. She shared with us 5 tips to tackle any home organizing project, and also her favorite tools to store and de-clutter! Be sure to follow Stacy's business on Instagram, and reach out to her if you need expert help in your home!

home organization tips

How to approach your next home organizing project to guarantee success

1.  Approach the project with a positive mindset.  I chose to name my company Half Full Organizing, because I believe decluttering your space is one of the best ways to declutter your mind and foster positivity.  Clutter can make it difficult to relax and makes us feel like there's always more to do.  As you look around your home, you might think, “I have nothing to give away,” until you really dig in.  It’s about simplicity - only keep what you love and what you really need.   

2.  Start small.  Tackling a large project can be overwhelming.  A smaller, but frequently used space, is the ideal place to begin.  Under the kitchen sink is a great example.  You likely have lots of different sponges, cleaners, rags, etc under there.  If you dig a little deeper, you might be surprised what you find in the back! There are lots of products that make this type of project easier, like the Bathroom Under the Sink Starter Kit, from The Container Store.  Make sure to complete one project before starting another. 

3. Ask for help. Have a friend join you or call a professional.  Decluttering is hard work and people tend to have more emotional attachment to their things then they think.  Creating systems and organizing takes time.  It requires being able to see the "big picture" of your family's routines and needs, as well as the smaller details, it also requires patience.   Staying organized is an ongoing process as spaces need to be reset.  A partner or an objective professional to support or consult with can help you dwell less on where you have been and focus on where you are headed.   

4.  Create Systems. Systems don’t have to mean rainbow colored rows of product.  A system is unique to what works for you and your family.  After decluttering, think about what purpose the space serves.  An effective system should save you time, create less headache, and be easy for your kids (and husband) to keep up with.  Create routines by returning each item to its home immediately.  For clothing or kitchen items, use a product like the Spaceaid Bamboo Drawer Inserts to designate an exact spot for each item.  Incorporating labels (i.e. Home Edit Pantry Labels) can help your family maintain the routine.   

5.  Prioritize functionality.  For your pantry or bathroom spaces, clear bins, like the mDesign Clear Bin Set are practical and make it easy to see what’s inside.   For items you prefer to have hidden, like toys in the playroom, I recommend these  Felt Baskets from Target.  Target’s Rolling Storage Boxes are perfect for a garage or basement space.  They can be labeled, stacked, and rolled around for easy mobility.  

home drawer organizer