Organizing your home can be a daunting endeavor, especially when you’re faced with cluttered spaces and years of accumulated belongings. Fortunately, expert organizers Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin from The Home Edit have made it their mission to help transform even the most challenging of spaces into functional, aesthetically pleasing environments. Here are their six best tips for tackling your toughest organizing challenges:

1. Start Small and Specific – Clea and Joanna recommend choosing one small space to start, such as a junk drawer or a medicine cabinet. This allows you to focus on completing one task at a time, providing a sense of accomplishment that can motivate you to tackle larger projects.

2. Categorize Everything – Before organizing, sort items into categories. This not only helps in deciding what to keep or discard but also simplifies finding a place for everything. By grouping like items together, you’ll create an intuitive system where everything has its own spot.

3. Edit Ruthlessly – One of the main principles of The Home Edit philosophy is to keep only what you use and love. Be honest with yourself about whether or not you really need an item. If it doesn’t serve a functional purpose or bring you joy, it’s time to let it go.

4. Use Visual Consistency – Keeping containers consistent within a space is key for maintaining an orderly look. Using matching bins or baskets can make shelves appear neater and more cohesive as well as make it easier for everyone in the household to find what they’re looking for.

5. Label Everything – Labels are essential for maintaining order because they clearly define where items should go. They serve as both guides for putting things away and reminders for where items belong.

6. Maintain Regularly – An organized space is achieved through continual maintenance; setting aside time each week to upkeep areas will prevent clutter from building up again. The Home Edit suggests making organization a habit rather than a one-time event.

By following these six organizing principles from Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, you’ll be better equipped to handle your toughest home organizing challenges with confidence and ease. Remember that organization is not about perfection but about creating a functional space that makes your daily life simpler and more efficient.