Innies or Outies

Helpful Organizer BlogHave you ever heard the terms innie and outie? If so, you may be looking at your belly button right now, because these words refer to the shape of it. Are you wondering what that has to do with organizing, and why I would write a blog article about it? It’s because a friend of mine, who is also a Professional Organizer, mentioned that she uses these terms when organizing. She uses the term innie to describe situations where clutter and mess are contained behind closed doors and outie for when clutter and mess are visible. I have found in my 10 years as a Professional Organizer that the projects with which I help my clients can be categorized as one or the other.

Innies stash clutter in drawers, closets and file cabinets. The surfaces of the counters, desks and tables may be clear, but the real issues lurk behind closed doors. Here are four solutions that may help control the clutter and create order in the hidden areas.

  1. Practice the one in one out guideline to keep the quantity of stuff manageable.
  2. Devote some time to answering the question, “When is enough?
  3. Follow the 3 step organizing process on the clutter that’s stashed away.3 steps to organizing process
  4. Schedule time to edit items from your space.

Outies have piles of clutter everywhere, which can create stress from the constant visual reminder that something needs to be done with it. Here are four solutions that may help lessen the stress.

  1. Schedule clutter aerobics at least 3 times a week to attack the piles.
  2. Practice the confirming process to help continually remove what is no longer used, needed or wanted.
  3. Mark off time on your calendar to reclaim order in your home. I’d recommend at least two hours twice a month.
  4. Incorporate one or two daily organizing routines into your day.

Which term would describe your home situation? Whether your answer is innie or outie the solutions above will help you remove clutter, establish order, and feel less stressed. I would like to hear of your progress, please email me with details.

©January 2018  Janine Cavanaugh, Certified Professional Organizer®  All Rights Reserved

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