Five Tips From a Professional Organizer

When spring rolls around, many things come to mind, such as baseball, gardening, and enjoying the outdoors after a confining winter. Perhaps top of the list for many is spring cleaning. While it’s not something that we look upon with pleasure, we still have to get it done. I recently sought tips on how to tackle spring cleaning from Stephanie Naccari, a professional home organizer since 2016 in lower Westchester, whose motto (and business name) is, simply put, “Get It Done.”

Here’s what she shared:

The $64,000 question…is there a trick to making spring cleaning more enjoyable?

Have realistic expectations. I think sometimes people don’t realize that it can be a very emotional journey. To help make it more enjoyable I suggest starting small and working your way around the house. Chip at it a little at a time - try a drawer, then move up to a small closet. When you get into rooms, break the room up into sections and try tackling a wall or one corner of the room at a time. This way you will feel a sense of accomplishment by addressing it piecemeal.

When tackling a big project, do you have a recommended plan of attack?

Follow four or five steps - all essential - but the way the steps are followed varies according to the organizer. And this would apply whether the project is big or small.

First - take everything out
Second - Categorize all items
Third - Purge (all at once, per category)
Fourth - Strategizing placement of the category in the room/closet
Fifth - Measure, purchase products to optimize space and create systems, implementation and label

What is the biggest mistake people make?

There are actually two that come to mind. One is not being realistic about the time it will take to declutter and organize your space. The second is buying product before you are ready.

What’s the best way to store winter clothing?

I like clear plastic close topped bins, labeled, of course. I recommend storing the bins in a temperature controlled room. However, if that is not an option, get a very good dehumidifier.

Best space saver?

The best space saving hack is try going vertical. Use the walls - add shelves or hooks depending on what you need to make room for in the space. Keep an eye out for “negative space” availability. If you still don’t have enough room, it may be time to do another round of decluttering.

What’s your favorite tool to help with organization?

I’d have to say my label maker. I am a big promoter of labeling. There are many reasons why psychologically it helps with the overall maintenance of the system created for your family. However, a top reason is that it simplifies your life, period. I like making my clients lives easier, so I label!

Favorite hack?

Set up a system where you put all hand me downs in shelving above active clothing . Categorize clothes to grow into (tops, leggings, etc.) and that way when your child moves up a size they can go “shopping” from their own closet. Also place a donation bin below active clothing so it is taken out of rotation and can be put to good use elsewhere. Actually, a donation bin can be in any room where you might need it.

Brilliant!

Everything I do with my clients has to do with setting up my clients to succeed. It comes down to creating systems properly. Yes, it takes time from the beginning to pull everything out, but in the end you have a manageable system to keep you organized, save time and reduce your stress.

Stephanie Naccari is the founder of Get it Done by Stephanie Organizing & Move Management. Be it professionally organizing your home, coordinating a move from packing to unpacking/organizing to designing a closet and garage system, Get It Done by Stephanie’s team knows how it get done. With over seven years of experience Get it Done by Stephanie has become a trusted resource and support for their clients.