As a professional organizer with over 20 years of experience, I frequently help clients in private areas of their homes. But before we embark on the delicate art of decluttering and organizing our collection of discrete devices, it’s important to acknowledge that this article is for adults only.

Firstly, adult-only pleasure products are typical in many homes. However, this topic is rarely discussed openly, and many people might be uncomfortable or embarrassed to talk to a home organizer about their collections. That’s why I’m writing this guide to tidying up your sex toy collection. In fact, organizing them is essential so you can store them appropriately yet have them accessible when desired.

Assess Your Collection

As with organizing almost everything else, the first step in decluttering discrete devices is to assess what you have. Since these are personal items, choose a time when you have privacy and will not likely be interrupted. Feel free to work with your romantic partner(s) or work alone if you prefer – whatever makes you most comfortable.

Lay out your pleasure products in a clean space. Throwing a clean sheet over the bed is a great option. This step will allow you to see what you own and decide which items you no longer use or need. Ask yourself questions like:

• Is this item in good condition?
• Does this item still bring me pleasure?
• Would I buy this item again?

Additionally, note the emotional energy you feel with your items. That will help you in the decluttering step.

Decluttering Your Discrete Devices

After assessing your collection, it’s time to declutter. Dispose of any broken, worn-out, or no longer used items. As with many personal care products, health and safety are paramount. Consider the item’s material and structure when deciding whether to keep or discard it. Porous materials like jelly or rubber may deteriorate over time and can harbour bacteria, making them unsafe to use.

Additionally, if you have products you no longer enjoy or resonate with or have some that conjure negative emotions, place them in a discard pile.

You should also review your collection of lubricants and lotions. Check the expiry dates on the containers and dispose of expired products. Once opened, lubes and lotions only last about a year, so if you can’t remember when you bought them, you should probably let them go.

Clean and Sanitize

Before we discuss how to organize your adult-only products, it is crucial to thoroughly clean and sanitize them. Using the incorrect soaps or sanitizers can damage your items, so always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning directions. You may need to contact the company directly to find the cleaning directions. Alternatively, Womyn’s Ware (in Vancouver) has an excellent section on caring for many types of discrete devices.

Once your items are clean, let them air dry completely before storing them. Consider investing in food-grade, rechargeable silica packs to keep your products dry during storage.

Device Disposal

Generally speaking, you can’t donate personal pleasure items for sanitary reasons. Because many items are mixed plastics or non-recyclable materials, you must throw them in the garbage. If the item contains batteries (rechargeable or not) or other electronics, ensure you put them in the appropriate electronics waste stream.

Sexy Storage Solutions

Nothing ruins a mood more than taking too much time to find the item you want. That’s why I suggest organizing your personal products by category. For example, group your items by type (e.g., vibrators, dildos, bondage gear, etc.) or by use (e.g., solo, couples, etc.). Once you decide on categories, the next step is to find appropriate storage solutions.

Many discrete devices come with a storage pouch to keep them clean. You should use the pouches and store your items together in another container—ideally, one that locks.

If you are in the market for new bedroom furniture, consider a lockable nightstand or repurpose a stylish filing cabinet. You can use baskets within the cabinet or drawer organizers to keep your discrete devices tidy.

Here are some alternatives:

• Travel case with built-in shelves and compartments
• Waterproof pouch case or hanging case you can use with a luggage lock.
• 3- or 5-drawer steel lockable tool chest
• Stylish steel lockable toolbox

Please don’t store your personal pleasure items in areas with fluctuating temperatures and humidity. Remember to bring your items home if you’re locking up your cottage or chalet for the season.

Maintain for Sustained Enjoyment

Finally, make it a habit to clean your personal pleasure products regularly as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Additionally, set aside an hour or so once or twice a year to assess your collection. Discard unused or worn-out items and re-arrange your collection as your desires and relationships change.

Decluttering your discrete devices can be challenging, but with the right approach (and perhaps the right partner), it can be rewarding. Follow the steps outlined above to create a well-organized and easily accessible collection that enhances enjoyment and leads to a more satisfying life.

Do you need help decluttering and organizing your home? Contact the Out of Chaos team – discretion is assured!