Top 10 Organization Must Haves

I met Alejandra Rivera from Your Organizing Studio (http://www.yourorganizingstudio.com/) at a Galentine’s event two years ago, when I learned that she is from Guatemala (I’m Mexican) we connected and bonded right away; so when I started thinking about this blog post, I immediately thought about collaborating with Ale, since she is a professional organizer. I honestly couldn’t think of a better person to tell us about the Top 10 Organization Must Haves. Here is what she had to say:

“​​It can be hard to keep everything organized when many things demand our attention. Disorganization can lead to an increased stress level and depression. However, being organized can benefit our health and help us feel happier and more relaxed. Here are my Top 10 Organization Must-Haves to start organizing your home and simplifying your life:

1. Closet Systems with adjustable shelving

Elfa Classic 6' Platinum Walk-In Closet The Container Store

A closet organizer system includes a combination of rods, shelves, and perhaps drawers, shoe shelves, and other accessories built into your closet. Adjustable shelves will enable you to maximize vertical space and create a fully customizable storage solution that can change over time as your needs change. There are many closet systems. My favorite closet system is: The Elfa system at the Container Store

2. Hooks

I use hooks anywhere and everywhere throughout the home.  I use them in my mudroom to hang coats and keys or in bedrooms to hang belts and scarves, or jewelry.  I especially love to use command hooks.

3. Drawer dividers

Drawer organizers use storage space more efficiently, allowing you to find items quickly. They are ideal for organizing small things within a larger area. I routinely use them in dressers, kitchens, and desk drawers.

Drawer organizer

4. Door rack systems

Adjustable door rack systems drastically increase storage space by utilizing that often-forgotten area. I have installed these in clients’ homes on the backs of doors.

5. Lazy Susan

Lazy Susan allows you to easily access several items in your cabinet without having to move them around or reach into the back. A Lazy Susan can be a great option if you have limited space in your kitchen, pantry, and bathrooms, and it is one of my absolute favorites.

pantry organized by your organization studio, using baskets, lazy susans and can containers

6. Storage Bins and Baskets

storage bins and baskets are essential for organizing your home. They help you to store items neatly and protect them from damage. They are also helpful in reducing visual clutter.

7. A Vertical Filing System

The vertical Filing system is an excellent storage solution for important documents, receipts, and other paperwork. The vertical file system will help you stay organized and ensure you can quickly find what you need, reducing paper clutter and preventing it from piling up.

8. A Calendar or Wall Calendar

It is vital to keep track of import dates, appointments, and events. It can also help you plan your week and stay ahead of deadlines. There are many written calendar options, but if you are more tech-savvy, my favorite is the Cozy app. Cozi makes it easy to keep on top of everything and track everyone’s activities in one shared place. You can even share your grocery lists!

9. A Command Center

A command center is a designated area in the home where you can keep a family calendar and everyone in the family's vital information, homework, to-do lists, meal plan, activities, and more—think of it as your family record of where everyone needs to go and what they need to get done.

10. Hire a Professional Organizer

Do you have a hard time getting organized and staying organized? There’s no shame in admitting that. If organizing your home or office is too overwhelming, think about calling a professional organizer. Hiring a pro will be an investment at first, but it will help you get your life on track quickly and will save you time and stress”

So what do you guys thing? I loved every single one of Ale’s suggestions, and I use most of them at my home already, but I am already thinking about hiring her as a professional organizer. If I do, I will be sure to post about the results!

Dany Amparano in collaboration with Alejandra Rivas (follow her IG @yourorganizingstudio)

Alaina's Top 5 Must-Haves in a Home

1. Wood Floors in the Main Living Area: These allow you the option of  style changes. Houses are living breathing creatures and without the option to totally change my style/mood on whim is pure tragedy. Wood floors throughout the home brings warmth and continuity to any design palette

2. Owner's en Suite Bathroom: After living in a 2/1 San Marco Bungalow with my husband and our two kids (now we have a gaggle of six), our own private bathroom is at the tip top of my priority list. Having our own space sans dinosaurs and barbies is essential to maintaining our sanity.

3. Backyard with a Privacy Fence: As previously mentioned, I have a family with four kids. If we can't let those anklebiters run off their energy with minimal supervision on the daily,  it makes for a VERY spirited evening in the Burt House. We could definitely do without the upkeep of the grass, however!! So fenced AND xeriscaped FTW! 

4. Porch: I love entertaining! Some of my favorite gatherings are getting everyone together and playing Heads Up or just chatting on our back porch for hours on end. Bonus if the porch has an outdoor fan that keeps your thighs from sticking to the chairs in the Florida heat. 

5. Home Office: People tend to think Realtors are always out on the road showing houses; they're not wrong, but a lot of the *magic* in Real Estate happens behind the scenes! That magic is curated in the home office preparing contracts, researching properties, organizing tour routes, and strategizing marketing blitzes. Having a little retreat tucked away from the noise is vital for the success of my growing business! 

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