Getting organized is consistently at the top of most homeowners’ lists of goals for the year. Between the endless piles of paperwork, the family mementos from years past, and the dozens of boxes of stored items, it can seem like an overwhelming task if you don’t have a game plan and storage space. 

If you’re finally ready to tackle your clutter problem, Marion County, Oregon’s storage experts from Stayton Mini Storage offer three tips for maximizing storage space in your home:

• Label Everything: When it comes to temporary storage, labeling is half the battle. All boxes should be labeled to indicate which family member the contents belong to, which seasonal clothes are being stored, or what room the contents belong in. Additionally, when it comes to storage within the home, label all boxes for kids to help them remember what belongs where. This will aid in getting your kids to help with nightly cleanups.

• Embrace the “One-Year Rule:” A favorite among home organization experts, the one-year rules states that anything not being used or worn in a year gets donated. The rationale behind the rule is simple. If you haven’t found a use for the item in the last year, you’re unlikely to suddenly discover a need for it in the upcoming year. Certain sentimental items will be exempt from this rule, as long as you are using the sentimentality clause sparingly.

• Institute a Nightly Cleaning Ritual: The most successfully organized homeowners are those who employ the entire family in the endeavor. Rather than trying to convince your family to rally for a full day of spring cleaning, institute a short nightly cleaning ritual. Make it fun by setting a timer and playing music the entire family enjoys as everyone picks up for 10 to 15 minutes. Afterward, settle in for an ice cream treat for a job well done. By making it a habit and minimizing the time spent on the task, you can create habits to keep your home looking well maintained all year long.

If you’re looking for more storage space or you’re overwhelmed at the prospect of dealing with the clutter in your home, a storage facility can help. Call (503) 769-6464 to speak with a storage professional. Also, visit the Stayton Mini Storage website for a full list of services provided by the company.