The Busy Person’s Guide to Staying Organized
Let’s be honest—life is chaotic. If you’ve ever looked around your home and thought, I just need one full day to get everything organized, only to never find that magical day, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, standing in the middle of a cluttered room, feeling overwhelmed and wondering how everything got this way in the first place.
Maybe you have that one closet you don’t open unless absolutely necessary. Or the junk drawer that barely closes. Or a room you’d rather pretend doesn’t exist. Sound familiar?
Here’s the secret: You don’t need a full day to get organized. You just need a few minutes.
Staying organized isn’t about having a linen closet full of perfectly labeled bins or a Pinterest-worthy pantry (though, let’s be honest, that is satisfying!). It’s about building tiny, consistent habits that make organization part of your daily life instead of something you’re constantly chasing.
So, what does that practically look like? I’m so glad you asked - let’s dive in!
Why Organization Feels Impossible (And How to Change That)
For the longest time, I believed that being organized meant doing it all at once—the weekend purge, the all-day closet overhaul, or the dreaded pull everything out and instantly regret it method. But every time I tried, life got in the way. A friend called to meet up, the kids needed something, or honestly, I just got tired and quit halfway through.
I finally realized that staying organized isn’t about finding more time. It’s about making small, intentional choices in the time I already have.
What This Actually Looks Like
Instead of trying to tackle the whole house, set a 10-minute timer. You’ll be shocked at how much you can do in a short amount of time!
Instead of waiting for a free weekend to declutter, pick one category (like shoes or mugs) and give yourself a few minutes to tackle it.
Instead of thinking “I’ll deal with this later,” follow the One-Minute Rule. If it takes less than one minute (hanging up a coat, filing a bill, putting a dish away), do it now!
Tiny actions, done consistently, snowball into big results (without the overwhelm)!
How to Find Time to Organize (Even When You Have None)
You don’t have to carve out entire days to dedicate to organization. Here’s how to fit organization into your everyday life:
1. Make It Part of Your Routine
Pair organizing with something you’re already doing!
While waiting for your coffee to brew, tidy a kitchen drawer.
While you’re binge watching Netflix, sort through a bin full of random things.
Clean out your purse or a junk drawer while you’re on the phone.
2. Create Drop Zones for Daily Chaos
You know that pile of mail that magically grows on the counter? Or the “chair” in your bedroom that collects clothes? Give these problem areas an actual home.
Keep your keys, wallet, and sunglasses in a small tray by the door.
Keep a “To File” bin for your mail, bills, papers from your kids’ school, etc.
Include baskets in your kids’ closets so they have an easy place to put their clothes away (they won’t mind a few wrinkles in their t-shirts, I promise!).
3. Set a Non-Negotiable Reset Time
Every night, spend just 5-10 minutes resetting your space. It could be clearing the kitchen counters, fluffing the couch pillows, or putting things back where they belong. Waking up to a clean space is a game changer!
4. Use the “One In, One Out” Rule
Every time you buy something new, let go of something old. It’s the simplest way to prevent clutter from creeping back in.
5. Don’t Put It Down, Put It Away
Only touch an item once. Don’t set an item down somewhere only to have to deal with it again later.
6. Schedule Organization Like an Appointment
If you’re anything like me, if it’s not on the calendar, it won’t happen. Block out 15-30 minutes a week to organize something—your car, your desk, a single drawer. The trick is to keep it small and doable.
Sill Too Busy? Let Us Help (Seriously, It’s What We Do!)
Sometimes, even with the best intentions, life gets in the way. That’s where we come in!
At The Orderly Space, we specialize in luxury home organization for busy people who need practical solutions. Based in Bellingham and Seattle, Washington, our team creates custom organizing systems that actually work for your lifestyle—so you can stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling in control of your home.
If you’re tired of playing catch-up, let’s change that. Book a complimentary consultation and let’s make organization actually work for you!
Organization Isn’t About Perfection—It’s About Peace
The goal of getting organized isn’t to have a picture-perfect home 24/7. It’s about creating a space that makes your life easier.
You don’t have to wait for the perfect time to start. One small habit today can completely shift how your home feels. And if you need support, our team is here to help. ❤️
