10 Easy Organizing Tips to Help You Get Started Without Feeling Overwhelmed - Part 1
Let’s be real—organizing your home can feel like a giant project you’ll “get to someday.” But Stephanie Radman from Mayflower Home Organizing wants you to know you don’t have to tackle it all at once. In fact, her advice is the exact opposite. Stephanie shared her best quick-win tips that make it easier to begin, easier to keep going, and way easier to live in your home without feeling like it’s always fighting back. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start, this is it.
1. Start small with just one space
Stephanie says the best way to start is to take one drawer or shelf and give it an hour. That’s it. No pressure to do the whole house. Just start somewhere small and manageable.
2. Group similar items together
Take everything out and sort things by category. Put all your t-shirts in one pile, all your long sleeves in another. This helps you clearly see what you have and what you don’t need.
3. Clear the space completely before organizing
Stephanie says it will look worse before it looks better. Pull everything out, lay it out, and then begin. That way you’re working with a clean slate.
4. Don’t rent a storage unit
A storage locker seems like a good idea, but Stephanie says it’s just moving the clutter to a new location. You’re not going to visit it. You’re just avoiding the real problem.
5. Wait to buy bins until after you sort
Don’t shop for organizing supplies until you know what you’re keeping. Stephanie always organizes first, then finds the right containers for what’s left.
6. Get the whole household involved
A system only works if everyone uses it. Stephanie says if you’re the only one organizing, it won’t last. Make sure the rest of the family understands and follows the system.
7. Put things where you use them
Instead of focusing on how your space looks, focus on how it works. Stephanie gave the example of moving the coffee maker next to the faucet to save time and energy.
8. Prep items before asking someone else to help
If you want someone to help you sort or make decisions, lay things out first. Stephanie does this for her clients so their part is quick and easy.
9. Use what you already have to get organized
Stephanie often repurposes boxes or trays to bring order to drawers. You don’t need fancy bins to make progress. Start with what you’ve got.
10. Schedule a free consultation to get unstuck
If it all feels like too much, Stephanie offers a free in-home consultation. She’ll walk through the space, help you figure out what’s not working, and make a plan that fits your life.
Ready to keep going?
These tips will help you clear space and feel a little more in control—but what happens when you hit that emotional wall? When you’re staring at a box of old baby clothes or your dad’s high school report cards and have no idea what to do?
In Part 2, Stephanie shares what really gets in the way of lasting change—and how to finally get unstuck. Stay tuned.
About Stephanie Radman & Mayflower Home Organizing
Stephanie Radman is the owner of Mayflower Home Organizing, based in New Canaan, Connecticut. She helps busy families and homeowners create calm, functional spaces without the pressure of perfection. With a warm, no-judgment approach, she’s helped dozens of clients organize their homes one drawer, one decision, and one hour at a time.
