Works for Me
One Size Does Not Fit All
You’re probably familiar with the phrase ‘one size does not fit all’. That is certainly true of organizing. An organizing strategy may work wonders for one person, while the same strategy may have no impact on another. We all have our unique personalities, styles and traits that make each of us the individuals that we are. We also have our own characteristic habits and behaviors that are natural to our daily activities. It makes sense then, that those unique styles and traits influence our organizing style and preferences. So, how do you go about determining your organizing style? The descriptions below will help you find out. And while you may find yourself in lockstep with one particular style, you may also find you share some overlapping features among the other categories. The styles mentioned below provide broad or general descriptions without getting too deep into the weeds. There are, of course, a host of additional explanations that can add more complexity and create more layers to these categories. We’re going to keep it simple for now.
What’s Your Organizing Style?
Visual: This is a person that leaves items out where they can clearly be seen. These are items that are used regularly and support ongoing activities or are pleasing to look at. Each item or pile acts as a visual reminder and the idea is that it is readily accessible. Visual organizers may fear the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality if items were behind closed doors. The obstacle here is that clutter can build easily and quickly. And while this style may work well enough for an individual, it can be quite challenging for others sharing the same space, especially if they don’t share the same organizing style. What helps a visual organizer maintain order?
Clear storage bins keep items contained yet remain visible. Labels on bins also help identify the contents when a clear bin is not used.
A color-coding strategy supports the management of belongings; colors work to identify categories of items.
Consistently schedule time to refresh the space to maintain it.
Clear view: This is a person who clears belongings from surfaces regularly. Items left out appear messy and clearing them away serves as a means to maintain control. While things may be stashed away to offer a pleasing aesthetic view, there may actually be no organizing system supporting the hidden stash. What helps a clear view organizer maintain order?
Organizing supplies that aid in keeping things orderly while out of plain site.
Planning and scheduling tools and apps that support both current activities as well as longer-term projects.
A good labeling system encourages easy retrieval of items stored out of view.
Standby: This describes a person who sees merit in saving things for ‘someday’ and keeps belongings in standby status. While value and cost, real or perceived, may or may not be a contributing factor, if something is in perfectly good condition, that is reason enough to hold on to it. This holds true even if there is no current or foreseeable need for the item. The challenge here is that belongings can quickly build to excessive levels and overrun a space. This group of people may also have some complicated psychological concerns that act as triggers for this behavior. What helps a standby organizer maintain order?
Regularly review items to accommodate space limitations and identify any that can be disposed.
Seek to stop the flow of incoming items and limit new purchases or obtain only those items that serve a specific current function.
Seek help from a trusted friend or family member to pare down the quantity, or consider professional counseling to address any influencing psychological behaviors.
Clearly, there is no one right way or wrong way to organize. Organizing styles and preferences are as distinctive as the individual. What is important is to learn what works best for you. Then you can create systems and use specific tools that support your own unique style. If it works for you, it works for me.