“A place for everything, everything in its place” – Benjamin Franklin
Gratitude can be embraced across multiple subject matters on a daily basis. From special people to basic needs, we all cherish gratefulness in our own special way. Our move in December has me spending my “free” time finding a place for everything. The chore extends beyond the basic process of opening a cupboard, plopping the item inside and shutting a door. I yearn for the tranquility that is found within a very organized compartment.
Ask my mom, and she would say that my fascination with order began at an early age. Don’t get me wrong, my bedroom could be a complete and total disaster but open a drawer and you were instantly transported into a portal of logical nirvana. Two basic components shaped the state of my living space, my love to sort things and having the time to devote to the project. I could transcribe thousands of words depicting the dance my mother and I would compose of me moving every content of my room into the hall to establish order. All the while she would be on the other end scoping up piles of papers (very neatly organized and created into files) into garbage bags. Oh the index card boxes, binders, color-coded paper doll clothes and the memories of nonsense.
Grateful for the art of organization and the feeling of peace it radiates. I am truly thankful for a lifetime of becoming proficient in the skill. Let’s be honest, I am not going to star in my own reality TV show on HGTV, nor publish that best-selling novel titled, “Getting Your Act Together is Only a Container Away.” Yet having the time and blank canvas, my routine in this household “sport” has taught me a few tricks to find success in the final product. Keeping with my gratitude 2025 pledge, allow me to share my blog on how to achieve an orderly cupboard.
Simplicity – Consistency – Uniformity
The basis to my method is keep it simple, stay consistent (both in look and putting your items away) and establish a uniform look, feel and product. Lesson number one. It is unrealistic to tackle it all at once. Not only will it overwhelm your brain but damage your pocketbook. Start small. Choose a shelf or a drawer. Tackle a space that you can easily empty to the foundation. Joy can be found in a clean bare space. Less is more and the progress will snowball faster than your imagination.
Example – The kitchen drawer that houses baggies, foil, plastic wrap, etc can easily look over crowded and in disarray. One day while shopping I discovered bamboo holders for these items at Costco. Why not give this a try? (Hint I am in deep admiration of bamboo containers) I went home emptied the drawer, took the contents out of the worn out cardboard and re-homed all into the new holders. Instant transformation was gained. One small step for the kitchen, one giant step for order in the home.
Second piece of advice, search for bargains or items not necessarily created for home order. Organization can be a very pricey endeavor to get your space looking tidy. I have learned to be patient with the chore and pace my spending. My go to locations are Home Goods, Amazon, and every clearance shelf found in my neighborhood store. Using coupons and promotions (Kohls bucks or birthday bonuses) embrace these opportunities to invest in a few new items. Even consider cleaning out empty food jars and saving for use in the future. (I keep ours in a small clear plastic container in the garage) My office is filled with sorted pens, highlighters, pencils, and notable desk staples housed in old condiment jars.
Example – One of my favorites and most versatile pieces in a little green box found on the entry shelves when walking into Target. A spring time décor piece, the six compartment, wooden treasure cost a whopping $3 and fits perfect in a bathroom drawer to house make-up.
Now that you know where to shop, what is my purchasing secret? Buy in multiples of two or three. Find a cool basket, that classic glass jar or the perfect bamboo tray, get more than one. Maybe it is my math-oriented mind, yet the balance of space elevates the cleansing process. Lining a shelf with the same canister adds style. Try this technique with baskets too. To get daring try this method not only horizontally, but vertically. Height is a game changer for a visual space.
Example – My home is filled with this technique. From baskets to glass jars, I dare you to open a cupboard and not discover this action in motion.
Finally, to hit that organizational high, take items out of their original packaging and place in a container. Yes, this seems like more work, but honestly it just becomes habit. This one practice has been a major game changer for me. Throwing out boxes and placing items in permanent containers, not only mellows the space but preserves your food. I even discovered these nifty bed sheet holders on Amazon, talk about cleaning up a linen closet. Tidy yes, but more importantly you can easily find complete sheet sets in a blink of an eye.
Example – They say a picture is worth a thousand words, check out my examples below.
During my organization journey, keeping it simple, consistent and uniform has been the key to my success. Grabbing my cell for a quick internet search, has proven there is a method or tool to tidy up EVERYTHING. A label maker is a handy investment to take your work to the next level. Trying new pieces are great, just make sure that returns are easy and effortless, in case the fit or use don’t make the cut.
Maybe I have adapted these habits, because I can squirrel more stuff away than the furry creatures that house nuts for the winter. True confession, the joy created in my new pantry has made me consider posting a “keep out” sign to those that could disrupt the order. I can’t begin to express the happiness experienced when I hid the toaster away in the basket under the bread box. No cord hanging out, no crumbs laying around, and both pieces purchased with reward funds from Pottery Barn and Kirklands. Pure bliss. How can one not be grateful? Who knows what new cool sorting device I will unearth or space waiting to be rearranged in the next 365 days. It simply will be a consistent, uniform approach to order.
a little bit about a lot of things 
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