Client Resources
Maintenance Tips: How to Keep Up Your Organizing Systems
Staying organized isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating simple habits that keep your space feeling calm, functional, and totally you. Once your home has been transformed by Meat & Potatoes Organizing, these quick maintenance tips will help your systems stay fresh, intuitive, and working beautifully for your everyday life.
1. The 15-Minute Reset (Your New Secret Weapon)
Every evening, do a fast, focused sweep through your main living areas. Put items back in their labeled homes, toss any trash, and reset surfaces.
Why it works: It prevents small messes from becoming weekend-long projects and keeps your systems “alive.”
2. Follow the One-In, One-Out Rule
When something new comes in — a pair of shoes, a water bottle, a toy — choose one item to let go of.
Why it works: It preserves the balance we created and keeps clutter creep from sneaking back.
3. Keep a Donation Bin Handy
Place a cute basket or bin in a closet or laundry room for items you no longer love or use. When it’s full, donate it.
Why it works: It builds decluttering into your routine effortlessly.
4. Use Labels Like a Pro (Psst… We Recommend This Label Maker)
Labels are the glue that hold your organizing systems together. They tell your brain — and everyone else in your home — exactly where things live.
Our Favorite Label Maker
We absolutely love using our Brother P-Touch Essentials Cube because:
- It prints crisp, easy-to-read labels
- It syncs with your phone for quick edits
- It makes every shelf and bin look elevated and intentional
- It’s user-friendly (even for the label-curious spouse or teenager)
You can purchase yours on Amazon or at The Container Store:
Default Label Tape: Label Maker Tape 24mm 0.94 Laminated White 1 Inch Replacement for Brother P-Touch Label Tape, 24mm Black Label Tape Replacement for Brother TZe355 1 Inch White on Black
Default Label Font: FuturaT, FuturaT Bold
Default Label Settings & Size: 45.1pt, 3.0″ Tape Length
5. Master the Fold (Or a refresher for those of us who are forgetful!)
A clean fold is the magic behind those gorgeous drawers and linen closets you see in our before-and-afters.
Check out this short video showing our typical file fold: CHECK IT OUT! Cori’s REFRESHER COURSE
Why it matters: Consistent folding keeps drawers tidy, keeps your items easy to see, maximizes space, and ensures the system stays easy to maintain for the whole family.
6. Give Your Systems a Monthly or Seasonal Tune-Up
Take 15 minutes once a month to adjust categories, move seasonal items, refill containers, and toss expired food or products.
Why it works: Life evolves — your systems should evolve with you.
7. Choose “Homes,” Not “Heaps”
If something doesn’t have a designated home, that’s when clutter returns. Whenever you feel resistance putting something away, it’s a sign that item needs a better location or category.
Why it works: Systems should adapt to your lifestyle—not the other way around.
8. Involve the Whole Family
Organization works best when everyone is part of the process. Teach kids where things go, show partners the new categories, and label clearly so everyone can succeed.
Why it works: Shared systems = shared responsibility = a calmer household.
Of course, if you’d rather have one of our team members do your organizing maintenance for you – we offer that! Our monthly or seasonal maintenance organizing plans are always 15% off!! Just send us a message and we can get that set up for you!
