Have you ever looked for something you know is in your home and been unable to find it? Have you lost the infamous critical document or something infrequently used? We’ve all had these experiences, and they can be very frustrating. “A place for everything and everything in its place” is the conventional wisdom and old wives’ tale of organization.

As a general observation, middle class Americans don’t suffer from a lack of “stuff.” What we may be more challenged with is the ability to manage and access all of our possessions. Organizing your home is not only a matter of making order of physical objects. It actually starts with a state of mind. In other words, getting organized about getting organized is part of the process.

Simplify
As a first step to organization, consider a decluttering exercise to reduce the items that need to be stored. Most of us have a multitude of objects that we haven’t used in some time, perhaps things that are broken or simply don’t serve a purpose any longer. Anything that hasn’t been used or worn in the last year should be given scrutiny. Ask yourself, “Does this ___ really warrant a place in my home?” Discarding articles that don’t pass the test is a productive first step and greatly simplifies storage needs. A qualified designer or organizer can often be an enormous help if this task seems daunting.

As you think of organization, always work one room at a time and start with the largest and most obvious things first. Your success will be instantly tangible and visible. Let the function of each space dictate what it contains. For instance, the primary function of your bedroom is rest; therefore, it should contain only items that promote relaxation and sleep. Multiple books, anything resembling a project, or work should not be present. Your closet should ideally only contain this season’s clothing; the kitchen should house only objects which will be used for cooking, eating, or related functions; the entry/ foyer should be inviting and uncluttered, etc.
The next step is to categorize like items, evaluate their different types of requirements, do some research, and then decide a best method. There are products available to optimize storage for almost every conceivable object from A to Z. Let’s take a room by room look-see.

Closets
Closets are typically located throughout the house, and the things stored in each should dictate the design. Each type, from the pantry to the linen closet, has specific organizational requirements and should always contain good lighting. Clothing closets should ideally be designed to contain flexible height/ multi-level hanging, and accommodate shoes, accessories, etc. For your personal clothing, think about how and where you dress. If you have walk-in closets, ladies might consider locating lingerie drawers within the closet, creating in essence a private dressing area. If you frequently dress in the bathroom, perhaps a drawer there can be dedicated to personal effects. To avoid a possible mismatched fashion statement, locating a full-length mirror somewhere near your dressing area is helpful for a quick glance before rushing out the door. Also, don’t store black and blue shoes or socks side by side.

Custom-designed closet systems can be created to efficiently house every conceivable wardrobe object. These closets may be as simple or as elaborate as the imagination and budget will allow. An ideal custom design efficiently uses every available inch of space, seamlessly integrates functions, and maximizes visibility. They often can contain more while still visually creating spaciousness. Integrating drawers into a closet can reduce reliance on bedroom furniture, potentially freeing space for other things.

Kitchen
Fortunately, today there are many organizational tools available for kitchens, whether they be retrofit designs or integrated into new cabinetry. The black hole of your base cabinet is now fully accessible thanks to pull-out shelves, reducing bending as well as guesswork. Storage racks, drawer organizers, pull-out trash cans, and door bins all reduce clutter and help create a sense of order in an area that can otherwise feel like a sea of chaos. Pull-out cabinets containing everything from small items such as spices and condiments to full pantries can keep supplies visible and easily within reach.

In an effort to reduce clutter in my own kitchen, I discovered one type of inexpensive food storage container in a small, medium, and large size. These containers are clear so that in the pantry or fridge I can instantly see what’s inside and the best yet: they nest together and all the lids match. That one choice gives me power over my kitchen and pantry, and I actually started using them in the garage for small parts such as nails. I also try not to get caught up in the latest gadget craze, only to not be able to find that “had to have” doodad when the time comes to use it.

The Foyer/Entry
The type of storage and the look desired in your foyer or entry is dependent on whether the space is an entrance for guests or your own primary access. Your family entrance, or “grand central,” is typically the side or rear door. This space should contain easy and visible access to keys; coats; shoes; seasonal (easily lost) accessories such as gloves, scarves and hats; if you have children, a place for book bags and other school gear; and daily use items such as a mail center. A calendar is a great addition to a practical family entry, and can be located on the wall or inside a closet or cabinet door. For solving this multi-faceted dilemma, custom fabricated casework or prefab furniture units are designed just for this purpose. Simple solutions such as shelves, coat hooks, and small bins can work as well.

Garage
When your garage door opens does the space welcome you home, or are there visual reminders of long overdue projects needing attention? As in all spaces, decluttering is not just an exercise in moving things from place to place. The same condition will reoccur in relatively short order, because there may be simply too much to store, or the area isn’t tailored for the need. Creating functional storage is more than using floor area and square footage wisely. The vertical space of your walls is often overlooked. This space is highly visible and can be flexibly utilized for a multitude of solutions.

The garage typically houses items used in any numbers of activities, inside and out. Clustering and dedicating areas for specific categories is helpful. Consider creating a zone for lawn and garden, household, tools, sporting goods or toys, automotive, etc. Custom designed and installed wall systems are the ultimate answer to efficient and flexible garage storage, and can house practically anything that needs a home.

Finale
Getting organized and creating a functional and manageable space can make life easier and actually less stressful. While the process does take a commitment and effort, it ultimately saves time day-to-day and is an empowering experience. Visit my blog for more decluttering and organizational tips: www.FandFdesign.com/blog.

Vicki O’Neal, owner of FORM & FUNCTION, provides commercial and residential interior and landscape design. She is a professional member of ASID, VA Certified Interior Designer (CID), Master Gardener, and a VA Certified Landscape Designer and Horticulturist. The material contained in articles written by Vicki O’Neal is intended for general information only. 804.897.8558. www.form-and-function.us.