FINDING YOUR PERFECT ORGANIZING METHOD: WHAT REALLY WORKS?

In Naples, FL and across Southwest Florida, there’s no shortage of trendy home and office organizing companies promising stress-free spaces that are color coded and containerized using an assortment of expensive bins and baskets, which means more stuff! From Marie Kondo’s ultra-popular KonMari approach to the NEAT Method to the minimalistic 10-piece capsule wardrobe, these philosophies have sparked a decluttering frenzy. The question is: What are the best organizing methods and could there be more than one?

While each method has its merits, the best approach to getting organized isn’t necessarily found in self-help books, trendy gimmicks or one-size-fits-all rules. Instead, it lies in finding practical strategies that fit your unique lifestyle, needs and habits.

As Naples’ Premier Professional Organizer with more than 15 years’ experience, I know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to sustainable organization. In this guide, I’ll explore popular organizing methods and share my proven techniques for stress-free decluttering thus minimizing chaos and maximizing peace of mind and mental wellbeing.

Understanding Different Organizing Methods

1. The KonMari Method: Marie Kondo’s approach focuses on decluttering by category rather than by room and emphasizes keeping only items that “spark joy.” This method can be highly effective for those who struggle with letting go of possessions. (Sadly, you could just as easily decide that everything brings you joy.)
2. The NEAT Method: This technique involves decluttering, organizing and designing spaces to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It’s ideal for those who value both form and function in their home organization and want to buy more and more bins and baskets that are “guaranteed” to help you get organized.
3. Minimalism: Minimalism centers on living with less and prioritizing simplicity. It’s beneficial for individuals looking to reduce distractions and focus on the essentials.
4. The 5S Method: Originating from Japan, the 5S methodology (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain) is used in workplaces but can also be applied to home organization. It’s perfect for those who thrive on structure and routine.

Practical Tips for Effective Organization

While these methods offer different approaches, the best strategy combines elements from each, tailored to your specific needs. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:

1. Start Small: Begin with a small area or a single drawer. Seeing immediate results can motivate you to tackle larger projects.
2. Declutter Regularly: Make decluttering a habit rather than a one-time event. Set aside time each month to review and remove items you no longer need.
3. Categorize and Label: Group similar items together and use labels to keep everything in its place. This makes it easier to find things and maintain order.
4. Create Zones: Designate specific areas for different activities or items. For example, create a designated mail station, a charging area for electronics and a specific place for keys and daily essentials.
5. Use Storage Solutions: Use clear bins sparingly! Desk and drawer organizers are super for maintaining order, but try not to over buy. Remember, more stuff equals more stuff.
6. Maintain Consistency: Consistency is key to staying organized. Develop routines that incorporate organizing tasks into your daily or weekly schedule.

Find What Works for You

1. Assess Your Lifestyle: Consider your daily habits and routines. Choose organizing strategies that align with your lifestyle and are sustainable in the long term.
2. Personalize Your Approach: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Mix and match elements from different methods to create a personalized system that works for you.
3. Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling to find the right approach, consider hiring a Naples Professional Organizer. Marla Ottenstein can provide tailored solutions and expert guidance to help you achieve lasting results.
4. Focus on Functionality: While aesthetics is important, you should prioritize functionality. Ensure that your organizing system makes everyday tasks easier and more efficient.
5. Stay Flexible: Be open to adjusting your approach as needed. What works now might need tweaking in the future.

Marla Ottenstein’s proven method

While the above methods offer many useful concepts, as a Professional Organizer and Move Manager, my core philosophy is the transference of skills. It’s important to understand that there is no “cookie cutter” method to getting organized. With the exception of household move management, my method is to work one-on-one with clients teaching them the essential elements of getting organized so they will STAY organized long after our work is done.

1. Mindful Decluttering: I guide clients through ruthlessly editing their possessions down to the essentials they truly use, need and love. This is not a “one and done” process, but rather an on-going process that helps my clients get—and stay—organized. My mantra is “less is more” for an organized, clutter-free Naples’ lifestyle.
2. Optimizing Storage: Once we’ve pared down, I create functional, customized storage systems and routines tailored to maintain order long-term. No more putting things away things haphazardly!
3. Avoid buying bins, baskets and other ‘organizing’ tools. Most people who are disorganized already own every bin and basket known to man. The key to getting organized is to use everything you own, not to put it away in a basket never to be seen again.
4. Stop shopping! This is essential to staying organized. I ask my clients to hold off on any purchases for at least a month, if not longer, and to be mindful before buying something you ‘think’ you need.
5. Before putting something away, think about where it ‘should’ go. Instead of “tossing” something into a drawer or onto a shelf, think about where it should go and if you need to keep it.

Practical Tips From Naples’ Premier Professional Organizer

• Start small by tackling one drawer, closet or room for motivating results.
• Make decluttering a regular habit, not a one-time purge.
• Group like items and label, label, label.
• Designate “zones” for keys, mail, devices and daily essentials.
• Develop daily or weekly routines to integrate organizing habits.
• Ditch the gimmicks and use a method that works for you.

Conclusion

Finding the best way to get organized isn’t about following the latest trends or adhering strictly to a particular method. It’s about discovering what works for you and implementing practical strategies that will enhance your daily life. By combining elements from various organizing techniques and tailoring them to your needs, you can create a functional, organized space that brings peace and efficiency to your home.

Marla Ottenstein is Naples’ Premier Professional Organizer and Certified Move Manager. Renowned for her exceptional expertise in helping clients declutter, consolidate, downsize and transform their spaces, her passion for organization and her commitment to providing unparalleled customer service is unmatched. With more than 15 years’ experience in her field, she is the foremost authority in professional organizing and relocation services in SW Florida. Licensed & Insured. Member: National Association of Professional Organizers. For more information, please call 239.860.7847 or visit www.ProfessionalOrganizerFlorida.com.