Virtual Organizing Basement Before and After

This summer I organized virtually with a client to help her clean out her basement. We had organized in-person at her home years ago, but never worked on her basement. The client is a busy parent and a professor, and every summer was stressed out by the basement clutter. She dreaded going down there and tried to work on it every summer to get it “done.”

The client realized she needed some support to get through the project, so in late spring we set a schedule of virtual sessions over a few months. She emailed me photos of the space and we made a plan. We met virtually every few weeks to check in on her progress, brainstorm next steps, or find solutions for obstacles. This is the summer that she accomplished her goals!

What worked this time?

• Our regular check-ins, set ahead of time, gave the client regular accountability.

• She scheduled time on her calendar each week to work on the project; instead of saving full days to try to get through it, she aimed for a few sessions each week.

• We broke the large project into smaller discrete projects/tasks she could do in her smaller sessions.

• We discussed where and when she would donate items so she had a plan for getting the unwanted items out of her house.

• After our virtual sessions, we planned out what she’d do later that day, like put donate items out on her curb.

• We also made a plan for the “phase 2” projects that she could do a later point, so she could stay focused on her priority projects.

An Organized Entry

It was so fun to help a client get started on a hall organizing project this month. Closets can easily get overstuffed, so spring and fall are great times to take another look at what’s hiding in there.

Tips from this entryway makeover:

• See what’s really in the closet: the client pulled everything out and sorted the items into different categories.

• Clean out the excess: next the client decided what to keep, what to donate.

• Use containers: the client used bags and bins (ones she already had!) on the closet’s high shelf to contain the less-used categories, such as helmets, snow shoes, and skates.

• Use the vertical space: between the closet and the stairs there was just enough room for the client to add a thin but tall set of cubes with pull out bins. She labeled the bins with the most-used categories of stuff, such as her exercise gear.

She loves her revitalized new entry space and the best part: the whole family is able to find what they need AND put it away.

It's Not About the Containers

Have you been watching a certain show that is making you want to redo your pantry, garage, and every closet with clear bins?

While I’ve been using containers and labels for years, lately I’ve found myself considering reorganizing my entire pantry and kitchen with new bins. Maybe after 7 months of living and working at home all.the.time I’m seeing my kitchen in a new way. Or maybe it’s the relentless ads from certain stores attempting to convince me to buy containers and watch a new home organizing show. Or it could be my ongoing need to be able to control something during this time when so much seems out of control.

Containers can work:

• Clear and labelled containers are very helpful for finding things and putting them away.

• Sometimes there is a specialized container that solves a particular problem.

• I agree that when our space looks great and we use containers we like to look at, we are more likely to be motivated to keep up the organizing system.

But I also know that organizing is not about the containers.

Organizing is about how we interact with our stuff. Containers don’t solve the underlying issues. You still need to deal with the stuff.

That’s why any sustainable organizing strategy has to start not with the containers, but with the harder work of making decisions: keep, toss, recycle, donate? And that’s how I work with clients. We go through the items and I support clients as they make the decisions. Only then will they know how many mugs or books or LEGOs they have, and can determine if a new or specialized container is needed. Clients often have some bins, baskets or other containers already, or we can get creative to repurpose other things already in the space. (See how I used a shoe shelf in my dining room, for example.)

While I’m not anti-container by any means, remember that buying 20 new clear containers probably won’t solve your organizing issue in the long term. Don’t forget to first consider the stuff you are putting in the container.

Get Rid of the Front Door Shoe Pile

How do I deal with all the shoes? It's one of the top questions I hear from clients. If you have piles of shoes by your front door, here are some tips and products to try:

First, reduce the pile of shoes by the door. Keep only the pairs you wear regularly by the door, the rest need to go into your clothing closet or other area. This may mean keeping only 2-3 pairs per person in your house. 

Next, find the right storage solution:

• Several clients have had good luck with the slim IKEA shoe cabinet. It's small enough to fit in even the narrowest of hallways. 
• A shelf can be practical, but be sure it is sturdy wood or metal with at least two levels and that your shoes can fit the shelves. Don't get a shelf that snaps together as they tend to not hold up.
• Try this modern rack for shoes and accessories, and can even accommodate heels 
• For kids shoes, this caddy keeps 3 pairs upright, making it easier for any child to find the shoes they need.

Make it routine: If you have a new place for shoes, be sure to tell your family and help make using the new container routine. Here's a creative reminder a client used with her family. 

Create a Closet

Many houses don't have a large entry closet, and some may not even closet at all! During a home and garden tour last year, I noticed how one homeowner got really creative and created a closet with curtains. 

In a shallow alcove near the front door, a shelf went across the length of the space. A sturdy curtain rod was attached to the shelf, and two heavy curtains hid the "closet" behind it: rows of hooks for bags and coats. Open the curtains for easy access to the items, pull them shut to close the "closet door."  

With just the shelf and curtains, this nondescript corner became a closet. Don't overlook even small spaces in your home to help you get organized.

Travel Idea for Jewelry

Friends were preparing for a year-long move to Europe last summer, and I noticed that the older daughter had a genius idea for how to organize her jewelry for travel. She separated out her jewelry and sets into small plastic bags. She punched a whole in the bags and then essentially "filed" them in a three-hold binder. (I think clear sheet protectors could work as well).

Using this method meant that the daughter could easily bring the binder in her carry-on luggage. Love this idea!

Do this one thing to make it easier to find your summer clothes

Before you put your summer clothes away for the season, do this one thing: make a "vacation clothes" bag. 

While putting away summer clothes for the season, my client realized that she'll probably be heading somewhere warm this winter. We wanted to be sure she could find her vacation/resort clothes easily, without having to dig through the whole bin of summer clothes. 

Solution: We put the clothing she'd probably want to pack right on top of the bin in a clear, zippered bag labeled "vacation clothes." Now she'll be able to find her clothes for a warm getaway in a snap. 

This article first appeared in the Neat Sheet. Not on my list for the Neat Sheet? Click here to subscribe and get more tips and tricks to tame the chaos and stay organized.