When organizing a space, there are a few key elements to keep in mind: Zones and Structure.
Creating an organization zone is like blocking off a certain area of the space to serve a certain function. A closet can have one zone in the whole space or several zones, depending on your home and how much space you have to work with.
Within each zone, there needs to be structure. Structure is created from organizational systems unique to whatever it is you need to store. All different kinds of bins, baskets, boxes, drawers, and dividers can make up the structure in your space.
This pantry needed a Zone & Structure overhaul! I started by breaking down how the family used the space. There were kids toys, outdoor sporting equipment, holiday decorations, coats, pantry items and more! I pulled everything out, yes EVERYTHING, and made zone piles. Toys with toys, food with food, etc. This made it very easy to see what zones needed to be created.
Next, I took measurements of the space to plan for structure. I found bins and baskets to fit each shelf. Don’t be afraid to move shelves around! They’re adjustable for a reason.
Picking organizational product for a space can be challenging. There are a million options out there! There are different factors such as price point, material and style to consider. You can even use items you already have around your home such as shoe boxes, spaghetti jars, or tupperware. It all depends on your objective. Do you simply want it to function or do you want it to look uniform and elevated? That is up to you! For this space, we decided to eliminate the visual clutter and invest in some uniform bins and baskets to bring it all together.
One of my favorite structural additions to the space was the Elfa Door & Wall Rack from The Container Store. It uses forgotten door space and adds TONS of storage. I also love the plastic storage bins with handles. They are great for all different kinds of spaces at an affordable price point.
Once I mapped out the zones and structure, it was about figuring out how to make it all fit back in, like a puzzle. Every space is different and everyone’s stuff is different, so there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for organizing. You have to put things on shelves, move them around, and make adjustments until suddenly, it’s all back in! Remember to consider how often items are used when deciding where they should live within the zone. Frequently used items should be in easily accessible spaces. Lesser used items should be in the slightly less accessible spots.
Creating Zones and Structure will dramatically increase the functionality of your space. It will also make it way easier to find things and save time in life! For more tips and organization ideas, visit our Instagram page @sageorganization.