The #1 Storage Mistake and How to Avoid It

This month has been filled with so many fun organizing projects and amazing transformations! In a matter of minutes one client cleared out three closets full of clothes that no longer fit her and made room not only for more storage but also for greater self-acceptance. She was overjoyed.

Another client tackled a home office that has been weighing her down for years – within hours she had let go of hundreds of pounds in paper and archaic office supplies. You could literally watch the weight fall off of her shoulders too. She was so ready!

Still another incredible client jumped into the organizing process with two feet and in one afte
oon we were able to transform her entire bedroom suite from a fragmented system of scattered items into a fully functional rooms, wholly supportive of her and her husband’s daily routines.

Before we worked together, all three of these clients shared a similar struggle in dealing with their closets and storage space. The challenge I find in so many homes – and the mistake I find most detrimental to creating easily maintained, organized closets and storage is what I call, “unconscious storing.”

Typically found in homes that have more storage space then the owners were previously used to, unconscious storing occurs when items are stored without a plan, haphazardly, and in fragmented categories (“Let’s put this box of stuff in here honey, because it is right next to this closet.”). Enter: the disorganized, overwhelmed closet and storage space.

With the luxury of more space then in previous homes, owners can find it silly to worry about mapping out how to utilize their storage when everything will fit just fine. Unfortunately, “organization” doesn’t equal “behind a door where I can’t see it.” You’ve also got to know where things are and be able to easily retrieve them.

So how do you combat this phenomenon of unconsciously storing your belongings?

Here are a few quick tips:

Make a plan – What makes the most sense to store in the front hallway closet? In the basement? What items do you use most frequently? Determine before you start what will make your life easier if it was stored in the space/closet you are about to tackle.

Group like items together – This is critical. Create broad categories – ‘sporting equipment’ instead of ‘golf’ or ‘computer supplies’ instead of ‘software’ and make sure you corral and keep the entire category in one spot.

Name your closets – Here is another easy trick to get and keep all of your ‘like’ items together after you’ve identified where they will live. Give your closet or storage space a name (i.e. linens closet, sporting goods, clothing, archive closet, cleaning pantry, etc.) and automatically boost your chances that you and others will stick to the system.

Consider your ‘archive’ storage – Memorabilia, your wedding dress, china, items that you aren’t going to part with but don’t use – keep this stuff in the most inconvenient storage spot that you have and out of the “prime real estate” storage space.

Don’t be afraid to commit - It is better to try out a new set up that you end up tweaking, then not trying out anything at all. You really aren’t committing for life – it can always be changed up later. In fact it most likely will. Tweaking and evolving your system is part of the process.

By consciously deciding what and how each closet and storage area should be used will dramatically increase your ability to maintain full functionality and control over your storage space.

Be sure to let me know how your project turns out!