I have some of the same questions as the OP that I haven't seen answered yet: How do you establish places for things to begin with?
DH & I both come from disorganized homes, and we're both packrats to some extent. The house is driving us nuts, and with DD very close to becoming mobile, I've GOT to get it cleaned up. DH FINALLY gave me permission & encouragement to do this a couple of weeks ago -- before, he complained when I tried.
I've been doing massive decluttering . . . a bag a day either for trash or donations. But there are whole categories of things that I don't know where to put them. Such as tools (who knows where you're going to use them? And if they are too far away, they won't get used!). Games (there's definitely no extra storage space in the kitchen, which is where we're most likely to play them). "Office" type stuff. . . does it go in my desk, his desk, or the eBay shipping area? Books . . . do cookbooks go in the kitchen (and if so, where?) And what room is most appropriate for bookshelves? (We're both book lovers, and we tend to like books that we can't get at the library) Shoes? (I tend to think they belong in the bedroom closet, but I can't get DH to keep his there)
I know we don't have enough storage furniture, and we can't get any right now.
Also, what do you do with things you're not currently using, but LOOKING FORWARD to using? I've been dreaming of being able to spend time at home with my family for a long time, and buying/saving things for that time (like kitchen supplies for baking cakes and making cookies with DD).
FLYlady.net has been helpful in learning to declutter, but I'm far from being out of what she calls CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome)
Jo
DD#1 "JellyBean" 6/08
DD#2 "Ha" 6/10
"Theory is great, but as I'm in the trenches of diapers and dishes and ear infections, I try to relax and focus on what's most important: love."--mjs64