Start big, then go small:

Look at all of the big items in that room, like furniture. Do you have a piece of furniture that doesn’t quite fit in this room, like a desk in your kitchen? Make sure each room has a specific purpose and the items in that room work with the purpose. For instance, your bedroom should only hold your bed, dressers, and maybe a nightstand. You shouldn’t have a desk in your bedroom or the kitchen. If you live in a small space, your desk might better serve you in your living or dining room (leave your kitchen for eating, your bedroom for sleeping).

Set everything out, piece by piece, and then organize every item into similar piles:

Once all of your items are with similar items, you can then decide what to toss, donate, or keep. By organizing similar items, you’ll see just how many of the same item you have. For instance, you might realize you have four pairs of scissors or three Macbeth books. Do you need multiples?

Once you have made your piles, decide what to toss, donate, or keep:

Toss: these items are either irreparable, useless, or recyclable.

Donate: these items don’t serve you, but could serve someone else.

Keep: these items are functional and necessary, and you need all of them (note: need, not want “just in case”).

Organize them according to similarity, use, and aesthetic appeal:

Time to organize! All of the pens should be together, and maybe placed in a drawer, since pens aren’t particularly decorative. Your pottery, however, might add an artistic touch to the room, and when showcased together, will add beauty. Make sure your similar items are near each other.

Rearrange your big items so that they balance out the small:

Create a flowing space in each room so that the small isn’t hidden by the big. Make sure that your space doesn’t allow for you to accumulate and hide more items. Designate a place for your items and always return them to their designated places.