If you spend much time reading (or writing) blog posts you know that there are MANY "Get Organized" plans going on right now. An area a week, a day, finish in a month and so on. I am going to tell you the very BEST, absolute NO FAIL system to organize your home (office, etc.) The one that you (and you those you live with) will do! That's the answer to almost any change or improvement that you might want to make! Exercise, organization, eating plan, those seem to be the top 3 I hear about. What ever you will DO will be the best choice for YOU. Now when it comes to organization, the plan is ONLY as successful as those that use it. So be prepared to maintain it yourself. It may not be important to those around you and so make peace with that and move on!
But here is the most important question (I believe)...WHY DO WE STORE SO MUCH STUFF? People pay hundreds of dollars a month to STORE STUFF! Now there are certain circumstances where storage is necessary, however if you are not in a temporary storage situation, consider getting rid of things! Sentimental items are tricky...some people take pictures and then sell the items. Others hold on and pass them to the next generation to figure out what to do with them. The only items I do not believe should NEVER be sold are pictures of family members. When I am in an antique store and I see old framed pictures, I want to take them home. They belong to a family and it hurts me to see them just "haning around".
Okay so that's my opinion on storage. No system to offer just suggesting that you find one that works for you and then do it! Accountability can be huge in your effort to declutter. Find someone that will check on your progress and keep moving forward. This is also my plan over the next few months...clean out! I'm pretty sure a person who does not enjoy cooking is not in need of 3 colanders!
Good luck and let me know how it goes.