A Mini Edit… ‘The Home Edit’ Way
Maybe we can’t control what’s going on in the outside world, but we can create some peace in order in our own homes. Even if you’re new to organizing, it can help you, too.
With that said, YOU MUST START SMALL. The last thing you need is to be feeling overwhelmed. Which is why we put together a Mini Edit as a roadmap to calm vibes and long-term organizational success with just a few simple projects at a time.
But before we get there, let’s go over the editing steps you must take when tackling any project, big or small:
1. Take everything out of the space you’re organizing (and they mean everything).
2. Create groupings by placing like items together so you can see what you’re dealing with.
3. Pare down your belongings, getting rid of anything you no longer use or just don’t like.
A proper edit is the only way to fully assess your space and the items it needs to accommodate. If you opt-out, you’re basically just moving clutter back and forth—which is a total waste of your time. ’The Home Edit' doesn’t want that for you, so just listen to their sage advice, okay?
*** Stop Ignoring Under The Sink
Most people neglect the space under the kitchen sink. But honestly? Its feelings are hurt. It never wanted to be a cave of cleaning products in the first place but yet here we are. Clear bins and turntables will offer functional solutions for containing your categories and keeping them accessible.
***ROYGBIV Your Bookshelf
Is your space feeling a little...blah? Look no further than Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. Displaying items in rainbow order creates a visual flow that naturally clicks with the brain. Not only will it be faster to find what you’re looking for, but you’ll know where to put it away. This is especially the case for kids and can inspire them creatively
*** Check Your Pantry
There’s an exception to every rule. In this case, don’t clear off the shelves, just check expiration dates (including spices and oils!) Pantries can be overwhelming and tedious to reassemble, so we’re starting slow here. Once you remove all the items that don’t belong, you’ll have a better sense of the system you need when the time comes.
***Simplify Your Purse
Toss all the trash (receipts, wrappers, etc.) and group the rest into broad categories (wallet items, technology, cosmetics, etc.) Using clear or color-coded pouches to contain these items allows you to grab what you need without having to dig within a dark purse. If you change purses often or switch out your items regularly, store pre-made pouch kits for various occasions, such as travel or workday, and switch out when necessary.
***Tackle A Drawer
Pick a drawer, any drawer—but preferably one that you use on a regular basis. Drawers are a manageable project that will give you a bite-sized win and streamline your routine. Use individual inserts in various sizes to contain your categories, testing multiple configurations to come up with the smartest solution for the space.
*** Tame Your Cords
Electronics such as printers, computers, or phones come with a lot of connected cords. Using a cord wrap to collect them together helps keep everything streamlined and less cluttered. We also suggest adding cord labels to your power strip, which will prevent you from turning off your wifi when you just meant to unplug a lamp.
Now, take the confidence and knowledge you’ve gained from these mini edits and apply it to a much larger project.