January 19, 2021
6 MINUTE READ
We’ve spent a lot of time at home over the last year. While that’s shortened our commute times, it’s also forced us to get creative with the way we use the spaces in our homes, and it’s probably opened our eyes to the amount of stuff we have.
Reali teamed up with professional organizer Amanda Clark of Ever So Organized, who shared with us her approach to home organization and her top hacks for maximizing space in your home. Clark’s 8 organization methodology, which she calls the 8 Cs, is similar to the principles other organizers use:
An organized home doesn’t just look better. It also feels better. You’ll spend less time cleaning and enjoy a sense of calm knowing that everything has a place. This transformation doesn’t happen overnight, though, so Clark walked us through some quick and easy ways to get started.
The kitchen may be the easiest room to work in since you probably don’t have deep emotional attachments to the items you store here. In fact, Clark recommends starting in the kitchen, where you will immediately notice how much more time you have when you’re not sorting through stuff just to make a meal.
The organization tips you use in the kitchen also work well in the bathroom. Organization is even more important here because storage space tends to be limited.
The bulk of your decluttering and organizing work in your bedroom is in the closet. Start by getting rid of clothes that are damaged, don’t fit, or don’t match your current style. If you’re not sure about a piece of clothing, try Clark’s fail-safe question: would you want your ex to see you in it? If the answer is no, get rid of it.
Between birthdays, holidays and other special occasions, kids can collect a lot of stuff, from clothing to books to toys and games. Chances are they don’t have the time or the interest to use all of it. Some things you can give away. Some you can keep.
You may be surprised to discover how much more room you have in an organized garage. If your garage has turned into a hobby graveyard, Clark still has some advice for you.
ADUs are increasingly popular among homeowners. They’re more than tiny homes or detached garages. These units are versatile and can be customized to suit your needs. You can add a full bathroom or kitchen. You can install premium flooring and cabinetry. They give you a place for aging parents or adult children to live nearby but not underfoot, or you can rent them out to make some extra cash.
Organizing your home and decluttering is rarely an easy feat. Deciding what to keep and toss can be an emotional experience fraught with questions like, “What if I need this later?” or “What will my mom think if she finds out I gave away her gift to me?” Even worse, you may feel like getting rid of items makes them a waste of money. Clark has an answer for that. You already spent the money when you bought it, so make room for something you’ll actually use.