The Six R's of Staying Organized

We all know someone who seems effortlessly organized. Their desk is never buried in papers, their pantry is always stocked, and they somehow remember everything from birthdays to bill payments. But their secret isn't magic—it's habit.

Whether you're managing a home, an office, or just trying to stay sane in the daily chaos, adopting a few simple routines can transform how you function. In fact, there are six key habits that organized people tend to practice consistently. The best part? These habits are easy to learn and powerful when applied together.

Replace: Put Things Back Where They Belong

It sounds almost too simple, but “replace” is foundational to an organized life. The idea is this: every item you use should go back to its designated place when you're done with it. Whether it's scissors, your car keys, or a charger, creating (and maintaining) a “home” for each item reduces clutter, saves time, and prevents frustration.

Ever spent 10 minutes searching for your favorite pen or your glasses? You’re not alone. But those minutes add up. Organized individuals save that time by developing a habit of replacing things immediately. The key is consistency—it takes a bit of discipline, but the payoff is peace of mind.

Refill: Restock Before You Run Out

Running out of paper towels, printer ink, or even coffee can throw a wrench into your day. The “refill” habit means keeping an eye on the things you use regularly and restocking them before they hit empty.

You don’t need to be obsessive—just observant. Make a mental (or written) note when you're halfway through something, and make it a habit to add essentials to your shopping list early. Some people even set reminders for things like changing air filters, refilling cleaning supplies, or buying more dog food. Staying ahead means fewer emergencies and less last-minute scrambling.

Review: Check In Regularly

Life doesn’t stand still—and neither should your systems. Organized people take time to “review” regularly. That might mean going over your calendar every Sunday night, scanning your to-do list each morning, or reviewing your pantry every month for expired goods.

Reviews don’t need to be time-consuming. A five-minute daily check-in with your planner or inbox can prevent missed appointments and help you prioritize. A monthly review of finances or storage spaces can reveal issues before they become problems. Think of it like routine maintenance for your life.

Rotate: Keep Things Fresh and Functional

If you’ve ever found a can of soup in the back of your cupboard that expired in 2020, this one’s for you. “Rotate” is the habit of cycling through items so that nothing is forgotten, wasted, or outdated.

This habit is especially important in areas like kitchens, wardrobes, or even office supplies. In the fridge, it means placing newer items behind older ones. In your closet, it might mean moving seasonal clothes to the front or wearing that shirt you haven’t touched in months before buying something new.

By rotating regularly, you’ll reduce waste, get better use out of what you already own, and keep things running smoothly.

Remove: Declutter with Purpose

One of the biggest myths about organized people is that they just have better containers. But the truth is, they often have less stuff. The “remove” habit involves decluttering intentionally and regularly—donating what you no longer use, tossing what's broken, and letting go of the excess.

Try asking yourself: “Have I used this in the last year?” or “Does this still serve a purpose?” If the answer is no, it might be time to part ways.

Decluttering isn’t just about space—it’s also about mental clarity. The less visual noise around you, the easier it is to think clearly and stay focused.

Reset: Start Fresh, Every Day

Finally, one of the most powerful habits of all: “reset.” Organized people often end their day with a quick reset of their environment—clearing off counters, prepping for the next day, or doing a 10-minute tidy.

This habit helps you start the next day with a clean slate. Your workspace is ready, your kitchen isn’t a mess, and your brain isn’t overloaded by a sea of unfinished tasks. Resets can also happen weekly—like resetting your inbox on Friday afternoons or tidying your car every Sunday.

It doesn’t have to be perfect—just intentional. The goal is to regularly bring things back to baseline, so chaos doesn’t creep in.

The beauty of these habits is that they’re flexible. You can apply them at home, at work, in digital spaces, or even with your schedule. Start small—pick one “R” to focus on this week, and add more as you build momentum. Think of them as maintenance tools, helping you stay ahead of clutter, overwhelm, and forgetfulness.

And of course, if you need some help getting started – your friendly, neighbourhood KonMari Consultant is just a call away!