Creating Systems for Success: The Second Step to an Organized Home

Now that I’ve decluttered my home and cleared out all the unnecessary items, the next crucial step in the organizing process is to create systems that will keep everything in its place. Let’s face it: without these systems, my home can easily become cluttered again, and all the work I’ve put into decluttering will feel like it’s erased in no time. This is where the magic happens! Once I put systems in place, maintaining a peaceful, functional home becomes so much easier.

Why Organizational Systems Matter

I used to think that having a clean, organized home was all about how things looked—neat piles of stuff and everything tucked away in cabinets. But I quickly realized that organizational systems are what make an organized home truly functional and sustainable. When every item has its own designated place, it not only keeps things tidy, but it also reduces daily stress and saves me so much time.

Now, instead of constantly dealing with clutter or searching for things I can’t find, I have routines and systems in place that make staying organized second nature. It’s become a habit, and it’s such a relief to know exactly where everything is.

Steps to Creating Effective Organizational Systems

Creating systems that work for me and my family has been a game changer. Here’s what I’ve learned works best:

1. Assess Your Needs

When I first started thinking about organizational systems, I had to take a step back and really assess the areas in my home that caused the most frustration. For me, it was things like the shoes that piled up by the door or the toys that always ended up scattered across the living room floor.

By identifying these problem areas, I was able to understand what needed organizing, and how I could make life easier for everyone in the family. This process helped me figure out which systems would work best for our lifestyle.

2. Designate a Home for Everything

The key to keeping an organized home is making sure everything has a specific place. If things are just tossed around or left to be dealt with later, it creates more clutter and stress. I’ve learned that when I designate a home for each item—whether it’s my kids’ toys, shoes by the door, or papers that accumulate on counters—everything becomes easier to maintain.

For example, I created a designated space in the entryway for shoes, so now they don’t pile up in random spots. It takes just a few seconds to put shoes away when there’s an obvious spot for them.

3. Use Storage Solutions that Make Sense

I’ve found that using storage options that fit our lifestyle and available space makes a huge difference. Baskets, bins, hooks, drawer dividers—these are all things that I use to make our organizing systems functional and easy to follow. But it’s not just about having the right storage—clarity is key. I started using clear containers or labeling things, so my family knows exactly where items go.

For example, I use clear bins in the play area to store toys. They’re labeled, so my we can easily see where the toys belong and put them back after playtime. This simple solution saves me from stepping on Legos or having to spend a ton of time trying to figure out where things live.

4. Make It Easy for the Whole Family

I quickly learned that an organizational system only works if everyone in the house can follow it, especially my toddler! If it’s too complicated or doesn’t make sense to them, they’re less likely to use it. So I keep things simple and intuitive.

For example, instead of having lidded bins for toys (which are harder for little hands to open), I switched to open bins that they can easily access. Similarly, when shoes were always left by the door, I placed a basket nearby so everyone could easily toss their shoes inside.

By keeping it simple, it’s now so much easier for the whole family to stay organized and pitch in. It’s not just about me keeping things in order anymore—it’s a team effort!

5. Adjust and Improve as Needed

I’ve learned that the best systems are flexible. Life changes, kids grow, and our needs shift. So when something doesn’t work, I don’t hesitate to adjust it. Organization should make life easier, not harder!

For example, I once had a filing system that worked OK—until I realized it was too complicated to maintain. So I simplified it by switching to a binder system that works great. Systems are meant to evolve, and the key is to stay flexible as my family’s needs change.

What’s Next?

Now that I’ve created organizational systems in my home, the final step in this process is maintenance. It’s one thing to set up systems, but keeping them running smoothly is what will ensure my home stays organized long-term.

Developing consistent habits and routines—like making sure everyone puts their shoes away when they come in or having a consistent clean-up time—keeps everything running efficiently.

By taking the time to set up these systems, I’ve created a home that’s not just clutter-free, but also stress-free and functional for my family. It’s become a place where I can enjoy spending time without the constant worry of things piling up again.

Remember, organization is a journey, not a destination. Every little change makes a difference, and you don’t have to do it all at once. Keep tweaking, keep adjusting, and keep improving your systems as you go. You’ve got this!

Peace, Love, & Organizing!