How to use the SPRUCE Method to get organized

Here’s the thing, there is not just ONE right way to get yourself organized. However, in my professional experience, I have seen people attempt methods that were too difficult and did not fit their specific style, so the method ends up not working….I know, shocking! Here at Simply Spruced, we use a method that is very similar to other methods, but with our own “sprucey-spin”. Give this method a try the next time you get started with an organizing project.

The SPRUCE Method for getting organized

SORT

What it is: The first step is one of the most important steps in the organizing process. It is a common mistake to skip this step and move right on to step two. But, I promise this is worth your time and energy! In this step, take out ALL of the items in the area you are organizing and sort them into piles of “like items”. For example, if you are doing a closet, start by putting all of the shoes together in one area, move all the shirts to one staging area and move all your pants to another area.

Why it is important: During the sorting process, you will start to notice that you have an abundance of certain items (like   15 pairs of black leggings). When you get all of these like items together, it helps you better visualize what you need to keep and what you need to get rid of during the next step. 

PURGE

What it is: During this step, the goal is to get rid of things you no longer need, are broken, or things you just don’t like. Maybe you decide you really don’t need to have 15 pairs of black leggings and that in reality you hate the way some of them fit. This is the stage to make a final decision about those items. Set up three main staging areas for items at this point. You will have one area/pile of  things you are keeping, one pile of things you are donating and one pile of things that need to be trashed. 

Why it is important: Purging is a huge step if you are really wanting to organize. Most people feel like they don’t have enough storage space in their homes, when the truth is they really just have too much stuff. The only way to get your clutter under control is to get rid of things that don’t serve you and your family. Remember, everything you keep takes up valuable real estate in your home, which is costing you money! 

REORGANIZE

What it is:  Look at the newly empty space and create a strategic plan of where to put things back. Don’t just put things back  where you once had them out of habit, ask yourself if that is really the best place for that item. Some things to consider during this stage are: 

• Am I taking advantage of vertical space?

• Does every item have a specific home?

• Am I storing things near the place I use them most often?

Why it is important: This is a stage a professional organizer can be most helpful! Being intentional about the way you reorganize your space can help you better maintain the organization and will keep things from going back to the way they were. This step also forces you to think about the limits of the space. If you only have one shelf set aside for folded jeans…then if you have too many jeans, that means you need to go back to step 2 and get rid of more!

USE SYSTEMS

What it is: Systems can really be ANYTHING that helps you keep a space organized and helps you get the most out of your space. It can be something as simple as putting a shoe rack near the natural spot your family seems to leave their shoes, or something more elaborate like a paperwork system for managing household papers. The thing to ask yourself when setting up systems is,  “what can support me in making this reorganization last?”.  

Why it is important: Systems are ultimately the backbone of any good organizing plan. You can sort and purge all your clothing, but if you don’t have a system (or habit) in place for what you do when you go on a shopping spree and bring in more items, then your organized space will fall apart again. Systems can be “rules” you follow, bins you use, or questions you ask yourself. Again, professional organizers are gifted in the area of setting up sustainable systems, so reach out to one if your brain just doesn’t think in this specific way!

CONTAIN + LABEL

What it is: Notice how buying beautiful containers is one of the LAST steps in the SPRUCE method? That is because it is really one of the last things you should do,  but it is commonly one of the first things people attempt to do. When we “contain”  items we use bins, boxes, shelves, and other tools to create a specific area for like items. Start by “shopping” your own stuff for containers and bins that can be used. If you have the budget, you can also choose to buy matching bins. If you do this, make sure you know your measurements and do your research. ALWAYS measure first and then buy. I cannot tell you how many beautiful bins I see in people’s homes that are empty because they didn’t fit in the intended space. That just becomes more clutter!

Labeling can be super fancy or super simple. If you want to buy a nice labeling machine, great, do it. But, you can also use tape and a marker. The point is to identify what you are containing!

Why it is important: When you assign a container to a specific type of item, it sets a natural barrier for your brain to know when you have too many of that item. It is a trigger to remind you that you need to do some purging again. 

Labeling is one of the most important, but often overlooked, steps you can take when you are organizing a space used by more than one person. If you have a family, or work in an office with other people, taking the time to label helps everyone know how to use that space and where to put things back. This step can help you maintain your organized area for a lot longer!

EVALUATE + MAINTAIN

What it is: Take time to get used to your newly organized space and make note of anything that doesn’t seem to be working. Sometimes the thing we tried first, just isn’t the right answer to the problem we were facing. It is ok to change a system, or change an area you reorganized if you find that it is not helpful.

Why it is important: Organizing is not something you do just once. It will take maintenance. However, maintenance is easier when you have an organized space with systems.

Next time you tackle an organizing project, give the SPRUCE Method a try and see if you find more long term success!

Happy Sprucing!