When my clients are working on a project or need to use an item, they don't want to go looking all over for it. This, of course, is the main purpose of organizing: to be able to find what they need, when they need it. To get to the point where a client can find what they need, when they need it, we generally follow a set process. First we sort into categories, then we discard, and then we assign a place for items to be stored. It's this third step that I'll focus on here.

How do we, as professional organizers, decide where to store items? There are no rules, but there are guidelines that we follow. Below, are 3 of the most important considerations when choosing a home for items.

Where will it be used?

If a client has chosen to keep something, it is likely because they see a use for it (exceptions include things like memorabilia). We'll use that information to pick a storage place as close to its intended use as possible. For example, pots and pans will be stored near the stove, dog leashes and treats stashed near the front door, and extra sheets put on the shelf in the bedroom closet. If the storage location is too far from where they will use an item, it's likely it will never get returned to it's rightful place.

How often will it be used?

Imagine a bullseye. At the center of the circle is the location items will be used. The first layer are things that are used daily or almost daily. The next layer are things that are used weekly. After that are the items used monthly. Then comes quarterly, semi-annually, and annually. When selecting storage locations, items that are used most frequently should be given a place of prominence and we move out from there. If a client only uses the turkey roasting pan once a year, it's ok to store it in a place where they'll need a step ladder to get it, but we wouldn't want them getting on a ladder for the cutting board every day.

Where will it fit?

None of the above matters much if items don't fit. Sometimes we have to make do with what we have. If there is no linen closet in a bathroom, we may need to store extra towels in the hall or bedroom closet. If the home is old and has shallow cabinets, some appliances may need to be stored in the pantry or basement. We'll still try to find the closest location to final use that we can, but sometimes the storage location is not ideal.

Every space is different and often professional organizers have to be creative in our solutions to disorganization, but there are often guidelines we use to make the storage and use of items easier for clients. If you're finding yourself stuck on figuring out where to create homes for your items, try following the guidelines the professionals use.