Where to Start When You Want to Get Organized
If you’re ready to get organized but have no idea where to start, you’re in good company. Many people feel overwhelmed before they even begin. The truth is, the hardest part of any home organizing project isn’t labeling bins or folding clothes—it’s just taking that very first step.
Let’s make that step simple, clear, and achievable.
Don’t Start with the Hard Stuff
Here’s one of my favorite pieces of professional advice: don’t start with memorabilia, paperwork, or your garage.
Those areas usually require more time, energy, and a bit of organizational infrastructure—like filing systems, shelving, or storage solutions. They also tend to stir up more emotions or involve decisions that take extra thought (and sometimes input from others). That’s okay! They’ll be there when you’re ready. For now, we’re looking for a win that builds momentum.
Start Small and Simple
Instead, begin with a space where you can see progress quickly. Choose an area that belongs entirely to you—somewhere you’re the sole decision-maker. That might be:
◈ A drawer
◈ A small box
◈ One shelf in your closet
◈ A single cabinet in the kitchen
When everything in that space is yours, you can move confidently through the decluttering and organizing process without needing to consult anyone else.
Choose a Low-Stress Category
Next, pick a category that feels light and easy. Avoid emotional or sentimental items for now. Try something that lets you make quick decisions and feel successful when you’re done.
Here are a few great starter categories for home organization:
◈ 👟 Shoes — easy to sort by fit, comfort, and frequency of use
◈ 📚 Books — choose what you actually love to read or display
◈ 🧣 Scarves — a small, contained category with clear visual results
◈ 🔦 Flashlights and batteries — practical items that often need quick re-homing
The goal is to build confidence in your ability to make organizing decisions. Every small win counts.
Why This Approach Works
When you start small, you remove the pressure to be perfect. You give yourself a clear path to success—and that success fuels your motivation to keep going.
Professional organizers use this strategy all the time. It’s how we help clients go from feeling stuck to feeling empowered. Once you experience that sense of accomplishment in one small space, you’ll naturally want to move on to the next. Before long, you’re creating an entire home that’s organized, peaceful, and functional.
That’s what professional organizing is really about—creating systems that make your daily life smoother and your home more supportive.
Progress Over Perfection
Remember, getting organized isn’t about creating a picture-perfect home. It’s about creating a space that works for you—one that feels calm, easy to maintain, and aligned with your lifestyle.
Every drawer, shelf, or closet you organize is a step toward greater clarity and control. You don’t need to do it all at once. Start with one small, kind decision at a time.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start, this is it. You don’t need fancy products or hours of free time. You just need a few minutes, a little focus, and a commitment to yourself.
Start small. Start somewhere easy. And remember—progress, not perfection, is the true measure of success in any organizing journey.
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com
Photo: Kailun Zhang @kailun2019
