Tips for Getting and Staying Organized
Tips for Getting and Staying Organized
Focus on treating yourself gently and with kindness throughout the process. Take breaks. Make a cup of tea. Breathe deeply. Stretch. Move at a pace that feels good and check in with your body. Organizing should leave you feeling lighter, more centered, and nurtured by the space you’ve created.
Bring someone into the process to be your cheerleader. Whether it’s a supportive player in your life or a professional (hi, that’s us!), having someone in your corner provides accountability and helps break through the paralysis that often comes with starting. Share your goals, talk things through, send progress photos, and celebrate small wins together. Being seen in your progress is motivating, and the positive feedback loop creates momentum, helping you stay on track. Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to clarify what you need, what you don’t, and what systems might actually work for you.
This is the foundation of any organizing project. When your space holds only what’s useful, meaningful, or beautiful to you, it becomes easier to navigate. After a major clear-out, our founder, Jessy Smith, started getting dressed faster, cleaning less often, and rediscovered the joys of borrowing books from the library—where you can read practically anything, for free!
We find that when people love their space, they’re more likely to keep it up. Practicing gratitude helps—whether that’s pausing to water your plants, lighting a candle, or simply noticing how calm you feel in a tidy room. Organization isn’t about perfection. It’s about care. However it looks for you, honoring your home reinforces its value in your life.
Ask yourself: What do I want more of in my life? What do I want my home to feel like? Lean into the things that bring you joy, whether it’s your passions, collections, or the activities and people that light you up. When you let go of things holding you back, you open up room—both physically and mentally—for what you value most.
Every new item adds weight—to your shelves, your space, and your mental load. Before bringing something home, pause. Then ask: Do I already own something like this? Does it serve a purpose and feel aligned with my values? Am I only tempted because it’s free or on sale? These small gut checks make a big difference over time.
When everything has a place, cleanup becomes second nature. Repurposing boxes, adding shelves, or using baskets can make a huge difference in functionality, especially in tricky areas like under sinks, above cabinets, or deep drawers. You don’t need fancy containers—use what you have. And if your space would benefit from a small upgrade, like a new shelf or hooks, don’t hesitate to call in a handyperson. Little shifts can help your home feel more supported, and more supportive in return.
Deep storage might mean the top of a closet, under a bed, or above the fridge. These spaces are ideal for those “sometimes” things like fans, camping gear, holiday decorations, or specialty cookware. When possible, store off-season items near where you’ll eventually use them—above, below, or beside their usual home—to make the seasonal swap easier. The goal is to keep everyday items within reach, and giving the rest a dedicated (but out-of-the-way) home.