Crammer Jammers.

Crammer Jammers dislike mess, and may “stash” items away quickly without much thought just to feel in control and tidy up their space. They value organization but find it hard to find the time to fully organize everything. Their “out of sight, out of mind” mindset works in the present but leads to issues living and functioning down the line.

Storage containers can help to organize things behind the scenes. They generally do well to fill their cabinets, closets and cupboards with containers for everything! Separate large areas that may be prone to “tossing” with special bins or containers that fit that space. Once everything has a place, it is likely to return to that place. Then, each week, set some time aside to make sure everything is getting put back where it needs. Almost all organizational systems need a little bit of help with maintenance.

Crammer Jammers also find it beneficial to create workable filing systems that are adequately labeled so things are easy to recognize and retrieve, and they do well to use storage systems for both active and longer-term projects.

Everything Out.

Everything Outs do well when they survey their desks and living spaces often to make sure that visible items are only those they use and/or are pleasing. When possible, Everything Outs should schedule consistent times for maintaining their spaces.

Use large containers to store all the supplies for a project. Take them all out when you are working and then put them all back at the end. When considering the actual container, this organizing personality type feels most organized when they use clear or translucent storage containers. Clear containers allow them to see and automatically know what’s stored there. However, don’t forget to label everything! If you feel like you sometimes forget what is in the cabinet, labeling can ensure that you can identify your things quickly.

Savers.

While it is great to plan ahead, excess of anything can easily turn into clutter because typically living and storage spaces are limited in size and scope. Savers should review their stashes to be sure they are easily able to find, use, and enjoy what they save. They should work to keep from adding to their collections as well as avoid keeping things longer than needed. It can be helpful for savers to follow the ‘One in, One out’ policy. Especially with clothing, this will help you to think about if you love and value the new item enough to get rid of an old one.

Savers often struggle with letting go of reading materials that are not current and may hold onto them as reference. When working to diminish clutter, Savers need to minimize collections so they fit within the space, and then save space for items they might get later. Focus on only obtaining new items that serve a specific function or give them pleasure.

If you are holding onto something in order to sell it, find out the item's actual value and if there is a market for resale of these items. Usually it takes more effort and time to sell an item than it’s really worth. If something is worth less than $20, let the stores keep it in case you need it in the future. Don’t let it take up your valuable storage space.

Minimalists.

If you are a minimalist, it is important to evaluate the importance of the items you do have so that something you value is not tossed in your next purge. (Especially if an item does not belong to you!) Take a moment before you get rid of something and think hard about if you really are ready to part with it. You may regret the item you hastily discarded. Try taking a photo of a sentimental item before throwing it out. Place the photo in a folder labeled “Sentimental” on your computer. (This works great for children’s artwork and schoolwork too!) Look at it and ask yourself if the image serves the same purpose as the actual item. If so, toss it. If not, find a place to store it.

Straighteners.

Straighteners need to monitor what they keep and avoid straightening items just because they have them. They will also want to approach organizing tasks with the end in mind: determine where and how they store items so they are able to easily find and retrieve things when they need them.

Straightener personalities can accept the fact that not all organizing systems are the same — there is no one right way to organize, and their resulting systems don’t need to be orthodox, as long as they’re functional for storage and retrieval.

No Rules.

It can be helpful for No Rules personalities to know that changes can come gradually, and that the best systems are those that are convenient and easy to manage and maintain. No Rules personality types may require unconventional solutions to help them get, stay, and feel more organized. The best organizing systems that last are those designed to match their unique space, behaviors, family, work, and needs. If this style is dominant as a result of life, whether transition or ‘situational’, No Rules personalities are encouraged to engage expertise and professional support to design reliable organizing methods and storage systems that are easy to maintain.

Perfect Perfectionist.

It can seem like if you are a Perfect Perfectionist that there is no possible way you could get better at organization in your spaces. You understand the benefits of an organized lifestyle and love the control it gives you in an otherwise uncontrollable world. However, with a love for control comes a risk of perfectionism. You may find yourself struggling when things don't work out your way. You may also find it rather difficult to share a space with others. Practice giving up some of the control when it comes to areas of the space you live and work in. Remember to focus on the important things in your life. If tidying comes naturally to you, use your gifts to help others and have fun!

No matter what your organizing style may be, if you are still struggling with how to set up a system that works for you, consider hiring a professional organizer. Pro organizers are used to working with all personality types and can help you set up a system that fits your needs and your style.