Getting Organized

Feeling a bit cluttered? Let’s tackle that mess!

When it comes to getting organized, the task at hand can be daunting. Years of clutter building up can seem overwhelming, but follow these basic steps and you can get a head start on getting yourself organized.

1. Sort first! Most people might like to think the first step to getting organized is going out and buying what you think you will need to store things in (storage bins, shelves, etc.) but in reality the best place to start is by sorting everything you have! By having everything you need to store in front of you, you can better judge what you need to buy before you go to the store.
2. Label your bins! Whether you color coordinate or label your bins, make sure to clearly identify what you have inside. Making a master list of what you have in each bin will also help you quickly find what you are looking for; No more going through every box to find what you need.
3. Stack high and tight. The most common mistake that people will make is to not use their ceiling and wall space. Using sturdy shelving units is a great way to safely optimize your space. Keep heavier items low and lighter items high.
4. Check under the stairs. Stairs can create a bunch of dead space in your home, but we can use that! Stow away things that you might not need to have readily accessible under the stairs. Seasonal items like holiday decorations are great candidates for this space since you will only need to access it once a year.
5. Don’t crowd your utilities. If you’re organizing your basement, you’re likely to run into things that you need to get to in case of an emergency. Try to keep your plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical units clear on the off chance they need emergency maintenance. It’s a good idea to use your storage to hide those unsightly units in your house, just make sure to keep it easily accessible.
6. Keep everything dry! Most basements are cool and have a higher humidity that the rest of your house. If you have important things that need to stay dry you may want to consider a dehumidifier to keep mold from forming. Have a particularly wet basement? Place tarps under your first layer of boxes/bins for extra protection on the ground level.
7. Let go! It is always a good idea to get rid of things that you don’t need or no longer use. If you want to get rid of things that are still in good condition consider donating it to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. They are always happy to take things that are in good shape off of your hands, and you will be helping those in need!

Keeping your items organized might become the hardest part for you. Remember to put stuff back where you got it from and stick to your organization! Work smarter, not harder; sometimes you need a little help and big projects can be overwhelming, don’t be afraid to call in support! At Rent the Help, there is no project too small for us to handle. Give us a call and see how we can help you on your next project!