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Stumped organizing your home? Try virtual decluttering, Cambridge expert says

Bianca Baader reminds us that, like with so much else involving house and home these days, virtual can play a role in getting organized fast

By Tom Acitelli
A somewhat cluttered closet with winter coats hanging up and boxes and other things crammed onto shelves at the end. Shutterstock

The novel coronavirus pandemic has many Boston-area residents spending a lot more time at home—and often with a lot more people at once than most are used to really.

So home-organizing has taken on new prominence in the region. How best to fit everyone and everything as harmoniously as possible? To winkle tips on how to do so, Curbed Boston has been putting the same set of questions to local organizing experts.

Next up is ​Bianca Baader, founder of Haus Pixie, a home-staging and -organizing company based in Cambridge. She’s here to remind us that, like with so much else involving house and home these days, virtual can play a role in getting organized fast.

Top two or three tips for getting organized quickly?

Baader over email: Start with a smaller project in an area that is used frequently and most in need of some sprucing-up. Getting a kitchen drawer sorted won’t take that long. Don’t tell yourself you should organize the whole closet. Take one area at a time: Sock drawer, sweater shelf, etc. …

Small successes in areas of everyday use will have a great impact and will motivate you to tackle bigger projects next.

Most of my clients have read or at least heard of Marie Kondo, and I actually do like some of what she says. Like with most things, I don’t believe there is ONE way to do something. Really ask yourself: Do you NEED it and/or LOVE it? And why?

What’s the hardest habit for clients to break?

For some, it’s hard to stick to always putting things back where they came from. And several have a hard time saying no to free or cheap stuff they absolutely don’t need.

Donation possibilities in the Boston area

The Salvation Army. This group shuttered its thrift stores and its pickup operation in late March due to the coronavirus. It’s encouraging people instead to hold on to their clothing, shoes, furniture, and other household items for later donation. 

Would-be donors in the Boston area are encouraged to call 800-SA-TRUCK or to visit Satruck.org for the latest information. And, as for what the Salvation Army might accept, check out this list.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Based in Lynn and with several thrift stores, the society will take everything from clothing to cars to furniture. Check to see what’s needed and/or acceptable, though, and any changes due to the coronavirus. (The society has not responded to requests for comment.)

Habitat for Humanity. The Greater Boston wing of this operation pretty much ceased operations on April 4, and it’s not sure when those operations will resume. The shuttering includes Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore on the VFW Parkway in West Roxbury. 

In the meantime, the nonprofit is asking that people not drop off donations but rather hold on to them until things ease. Here’s what you can donate—and information on arranging free pickups once operations resume. 

Boomerangs. AIDS Action runs this thrift store chain, which has locations in Boston and Cambridge. All of the locations are closed, though, until on or around May 10, according to the organization. Hold on to any donations until then—and here’s a rundown of what you might be able to donate.

Goodwill. This organization is taking the same approach as the Salvation Army: Please hold on to any potential donations as Goodwill’s stores throughout the Boston region are shuttered and its operations, including donation sites, are pretty much suspended until at least May 4. Here’s a list of what Goodwill in Massachusetts might accept.

A couple of organizational essentials for any home office right now? (Or if you want to share an essential or two from your own office?)

Make sure that where you work is comfortable. Because it was hard to be stationary for super long stretches, I helped turn my husband’s desk into a “sometimes standing” desk. We didn’t order anything but were creative with what we had around the house.

My “office” is a desk in our living room. Just earlier this week, I totally rearranged it. I’m the kind of person who’d rather have a bit of clutter in a drawer than on the desk/shelf.

One trade secret (or a hint) for decluttering fast?

Do it with a friend (a virtual decluttering session? why not!), family member, or, once it’s safe again, a professional.

It may say “organizing” on my business card, but sometimes even I have a hard time motivating. So in the past I’ve traded services with another organizer. It’s so much more fun and effective. Set a timer and reward yourself.

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