If you’ve ever wondered how to stay organized without constantly cleaning up, the answer may be simpler than you think.
After more than 24 years as a professional organizer and minimalist coach, I’ve learned that one habit rises above almost every other when it comes to creating a home that feels tidy, organized, and easy to maintain.
Contain your like items.
It sounds almost too simple, but this one practice changes the way your home functions.
Here’s why.
1. Containing gives everything a home.
Organization begins with knowing where things belong.
Whether it’s a basket, drawer, airtight container, shelf, or bin, containing like items creates an obvious home for them. When everything has a designated place, it’s easier to put things away and keep them there.
2. Containing makes everyday life easier.
When similar items are grouped together, you spend less time searching and more time living.
Need a AAA battery? You know exactly where to look because all of your batteries live in one labeled container. The same goes for office supplies, medicines, light bulbs, charging cords, pantry items, or cleaning products.
{I share one of my favorite “containers” in a MindBodyGreen article on creating beautiful organizing systems.}
Containing removes frustration and replaces it with ease.
3. Containing helps you stay tidy.
This may be the greatest benefit of all.
A tidy home isn’t created by cleaning constantly. It’s created by making it easy to return things to where they belong.
When your belongings are grouped and contained, restoring order after cooking dinner, finishing a project, or unloading groceries takes far less effort because you can immediately see what belongs where.
In other words, containing supports the habit of tidying.
(Speaking of habits, one of my favorite companion principles is “Don’t put it down, put it away.” Together, these two simple practices make it much easier to maintain an organized home.)
The bottom line?
Containing your like items saves time, reduces stress, and creates a home that is easier to maintain day after day. You don’t need complicated systems or expensive products. You simply need clear homes for the things you use.
Sometimes the smallest shifts create the biggest change. This is one of them.
