Turn your organizing task list into a set of written goals. “The act of writing gets the goal into your subconscious,” professional organizer Laura Leist says. “Plus, it’s nice to be able to go back during and after the project to see how you’re progressing.” Check off items on the list as you progress through the space.
Quick fixes work in a pinch, but a bigger organization strategy takes time to implement. To make a big project easier to manage, break it down into mini-projects you can do in 15-60 minutes and keep the list specific. “Having to move around or make lots of different types of decisions will wear you out quickly,” professional organizer Kathy Jenkins says. She recommends focusing on one small project and consciously reminding yourself with something like, “All I need to do for the next 15 minutes is sort clothing by type.”
S: Sort like with like.
I: Identify what to keep.
M: Make a home for it.
P: Put it into containers.
L: Label it.
E: Establish a routine.
Organize Items into Containers
Containers are essential for organization and storage, but they’re not all created equal. Baskets, boxes, and bins are best suited for certain tasks. Watch this video to find out which container is right for each job.
Tackling major reorganization and decluttering is a big accomplishment, and you should feel good about it. Maintain the momentum by making it a habit. “Your routine should be whatever you need to remind you of what you’re suppose to do,” Jenkins says. Successful routines are simple ones, such as having a house rule to put things away after use, or tackling the mail every evening when you come home.
When it comes to outdoor privacy, wood fences are a practical necessity. There are a variety of species to choose from, ranging from light to dark, and just as many style choices. Wooden fencing not only enhances backyard privacy – it also enhances the overall design. Compared to other materials, wooden fencing can be cost-effective and long-lasting with routine maintenance. For additional privacy in their backyard, the homeowners also installed a 
A tall hedge provides as much privacy as fences. In fact, it’s known as a living fence. While trees usually create a sense of traditional look to an exterior, hedges are often synonymous with a modern flair. A hedge often reaches higher than a fence for even more screening. This privacy landscaping idea provides year-round screening for homeowners. Where space may be tight, fast-growing evergreens or a sheared private hedge can provide a simple solution for separating joined yards or blocking sight lines out of the kitchen window.
A short wire fence encloses this backyard and a wooden lattice screen is erected at the back of the pergola, adding architectural interest and creating privacy. Privacy screens are normally made from lattice, shutter-like louvered wood panels or sections of ornamental iron. They have anchoring posts that can be set into the ground, enclosing a cozy corner while preserving desirable views. Wooden screens may not provide complete privacy, however, they add that visual interest to a landscape and allow natural light and breezes in.
Just like curtains in your bedroom conceal what’s inside, outdoor curtains will also work like a charm in your backyard. The curtains on this pergola help block the neighbors’ view as well as add to the exterior design of the space. Provided by ShadeFX, these outdoor curtains are available in different styles and colors, which means you can pick ones that blend seamlessly into your outdoor décor, or pick a color with pop as a focal feature.
Going natural with a mix of ornamental trees and grass is a great alternative to create a bit of privacy while adding a pop of color. If you are lucky enough to have space in your backyard like this residential project, you’re really only limited by your budget. It’s a good idea to check with a nursery or landscape professional to see what combination of trees, grass, and tall-growing flowers might be best to fit your needs. If you have a small balcony, you can use potted trees or plants to easily block off your space.
It may seem farfetched, but retractable canopies provide plenty of privacy from second-story windows, particularly those of neighboring houses. Of course, you also gain protection from sun and rain, as well as an attractive addition to your pergola, trellis or outdoor structure. This backyard has a ShadeFX custom structure and a retractable shade attached to the house.
Sunshine and warm temperatures continually invite you and your loved ones to spend entire days outdoors. It is important that you be able to enjoy endless hours in your backyard without worrying about too much exposure to the sun or curious onlookers.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 
