The Secret to Staying Organised: A Professional's Guide to Maintaining Order

As a Professional Organiser, I know that getting organised is only half the battle. The real challenge, and triumph, lies in maintaining order and keeping things organised. Here's your roadmap to lasting order.

Jo de Serrano OBE DUniv

1/3/20261 min read

Diary with handwritten - Everyday is a Fresh Start
Diary with handwritten - Everyday is a Fresh Start

The Daily Reset Ritual

The most successful clients I work with all share one habit: the daily reset. Spend 10-15 minutes each evening returning items to their designated homes. This simple routine prevents clutter from accumulating and maintains the systems we've created together.

Time-Saving Tips for Daily Maintenance

  • Never leave a room empty-handed as there's always something that belongs elsewhere

  • Deal with mail immediately upon receiving it

  • Follow the "one-in-one-out" rule for new purchases

  • Make your bed each morning to set an organised tone for the day

Weekly Maintenance Matters

Schedule a regular 30-minute weekly review to:

  • Quick-declutter key surfaces

  • Process any lingering papers

  • Reset any areas that have shifted from their organised state

Create a simple system to track:

  • Bathroom supplies (toilet paper, toiletries)

  • Kitchen basics (bin bags, washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets)

  • Cleaning supplies (surface cleaner, floor cleaner)

  • Laundry items (detergent, fabric softener)

  • Paper goods (kitchen roll, tissues)

Keep a running shopping list as items get low and don't wait until you're completely out. The goal is to avoid those urgent trips to the shop because you've run out of something essential.

The Power of Zones

Your home should be divided into functional zones. Each zone has its own:

  • Designated purpose

  • Storage capacity limit

  • Maintenance schedule

  • Regular review cycle

Preventing Common Setbacks

The "Just for Now" Trap

Avoid temporary storage solutions as they often become permanent clutter. Create permanent homes for items and stick to them.

The Buffer Zone Strategy

Keep some empty space in each storage area. This "breathing room" accommodates natural fluctuations in your belongings without overwhelming your systems.

The Seasonal Switch

Schedule quarterly reviews to:

  • Rotate seasonal items

  • Evaluate storage solutions

  • Adjust systems that aren't working

  • Update item locations as your needs change

When Systems Start to Slip

It's normal for organisation to need periodic refreshing. Watch for these signs that it's time for a tune-up:

  • Items no longer have clear homes

  • Storage areas are consistently overfull

  • Daily tasks take longer than they should

  • You're avoiding certain areas of your home

Professional Support for Long-Term Success

Sometimes a professional refresh can help you:

  • Fine-tune existing systems

  • Adapt to life changes

  • Learn new organising strategies

  • Stay accountable to your organising goals

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