How to Sort like a Pro: Advice from a Professional Organizer

​Whether you are organizing one room in your house or decluttering a home full of stuff, knowing how to efficiently sort is crucial to your success.  Professional Organizers use the tips and tricks on this checklist to help clients, and now I'm sharing those hacks with you. 

Ready to learn a professional organizer's tips for Sorting? Read on...

Set yourself up for success

Before starting any organizing or decluttering job, make sure you have all the supplies you need before you get started. ​
Tools/ Supplies Needed:

• Post-it notes (consider the heavy ones) and/or painters tape
• Color coded dots (for larger jobs)
• Sturdy boxes/Packing materials/Packing tape
• Sharpies
• Trash Bags (preferably heavy duty)
• Sturdy Step Stool
• Work gloves

Logistics to Consider:

• Work when not hungry or tired
• Set small attainable goals
• Make work area safe (trip hazards, pets, temperature, pests)
• Clean as you go or do regular spot clean-ups

Keep

The first step is to sort your "keepers" into a pile or one area. Keep items that you love and actively use.  Items that aren't actively used should be moved into a long term storage area, such as a basement or attic. 
Tools/ Supplies Needed:

• archival photo boxes and vital document storage
• long term storage solutions (like large Rubbermaid bins)
• short term storage solutions to sort into

Logistics to Consider:
*available space in actively used items
*temperature variation in for long term solutions
*transporting “keepers” to new location, if applicable

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Sell

Don't love it, but you'd like to make a little money from it?  Consider selling online or offline.
Tools/Supplies Needed:

• Internet connection

Logistics to Consider:

• Selling online?  Think about packaging and shipping costs for the item.
• Consigning locally?  Research how to transport items to the shop, the details of the contract, and how unsold items are disposed of.
• Safety first!  Use caution when meeting strangers and exchanging money. 

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Donate

Have items that don't need to live with you anymore, but are still in great condition?  Give to a local charity. 
Tools Needed:

• Post-its or colored dots
• Bags or sturdy boxes to transport the items

Logistics to Consider:

• Document, document, document.  Itemize your donations if giving a large amount.  Check outhow to easily keep track of donations here.
• Whenever possible, schedule a pick-up for items at your home.  
• No pick-ups available?  Immediately put the donations in your trunk and drop off on your next round of errands. ​

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Discard

Some things just need to be discarded.  If the items can't be sold or donated, its time for the trash/ recycling bin.  ​
Tools Needed:

• heavy duty trash bags
• floor protections for larger jobs (spills and scrapes)
• broom/dustpan and vacuum
• recycling bins

Logistics to Consider:

• Household hazardous waste disposal
• City trash + recycling pick-up and standards
• Rental of a dumpster
• Bulky item collection

Related Articles
HOW TO DOWNSIZE YOUR HOME BEFORE MOVING
4 Smart Ideas to Sell Your Stuff Offline and 1 Really Dumb One
with free printable How to Sell Items Offline Cheat Sheet
5 Tips to Sell Your Stuff Online
with free printable How to Sell Items Online Cheat Sheet

YOU'RE ready to sort like a pro!

Using this checklist, you now have the tools to Keep, Sell, Donate or Discard when you are decluttering and organizing. 

Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.

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