Helpful Organizing Principles

• When you purchase a new item in a certain category, you may decide to donate or sell another item that you already have in that category. This is sometimes referred to as "the one in - one out" principle. So, you won't have a tendency to accumulate too much again in the future.

• Before you decide to buy a new item for your home, try to visualize where it will " live" or be placed in your home. If you can't figure that out, it may be better to hold off on the purchase at this time, if possible. 

• Buy containers after you declutter, so you know exactly how many you will need and the correct sizes.

• You can label your containers with name of the contents, so you and your family will be able to quickly find your items when needed.

• Focus on one specific area when you are organizing your home. If you happen to find certain items that belong in another room, you can collect them in a separate box and put them back where they belong when you are finished with your organizing project. This will save you some time and keep you from getting distracted.

• Finally, make sure you have a maintenance plan to keep your house organized.