With the right home organizing tips and tricks, you can clear the clutter and create a more functional and peaceful environment. Many people struggle with keeping their living spaces tidy and organized. But most don’t need to hire professional organizers. In this blog post, we will provide you with practical advice and strategies for decluttering and organizing your home one room at a time. Say goodbye to chaos and hello to a more organized and stress-free living space.
Begin Each Room with Decluttering: Keep, Toss, Donate, or Store
Evaluate each item with a discerning eye. Ask yourself, “Does this item bring me joy or serve a purpose?” If the answer is no, it might be time to bid farewell. Items that are necessary and frequently used are for keeping. Things that are broken or worn beyond repair should be tossed. Objects that are in good condition but aren’t needed in your household can be donated to local charities or sold in a yard sale.
Seasonal or sentimental items, which might not be required year-round but are too precious to part ways with, fall under the ‘store’ category. Remember, the goal is not to get rid of everything, but rather to simplify and create a more organized, less chaotic living space. This thoughtful sorting process sets a solid foundation for the next steps in your home organization journey.
Create a System with these Organizing Tips and Tricks
Now that you’ve eliminated items you no longer need or use, creating an organizational system can be your next best ally in your decluttering journey. Now that you’ve eliminated items you no longer need or use, creating an organizational system can be your next best ally in your decluttering journey. Start by grouping items, store things you don’t need every day, and label items clearly so everyone knows where they belong.
One of the fundamental aspects of an effective system is understanding that not all belongings need to be on display.
The beauty of your home lies not just in what’s visible but also in the serenity achieved from hidden order. Use practical storage solutions such as bins, baskets, and drawers to house those items that are not in daily use.
Every item deserves a designated “home.”
By knowing exactly where something belongs, you are more likely to put it back, reducing the chance of clutter buildup. For example, keys might find their home in a stylish bowl near the front door, while remote controls may reside in a drawer by the TV.
Group similar items together.
Having all similar belongings in the same place not only makes locating them easier but also cuts down on duplicate purchases. As you tackle each room, move items that belong in a different area of the home to the right room. If you’ve already completed that room in this process, make sure you put it in its “home.”
Label boxes, baskets, bins or shelves.
Consider labelling – a simple strategy that can save you a lot of searching time later. The clear identification of boxes, drawers, or shelves helps keep everything in its assigned spot. Basic solutions work in storage areas but you can get creative in the living areas of your home for a more aesthetically pleasing result.
A systemized approach not only simplifies the organizing process but also fosters an environment that’s easy to maintain, making your home a peaceful haven, free from the stress of disorder.
Tackle One Room at a Time
Embarking on an organization spree doesn’t mean you have to tackle your entire home in one fell swoop. To prevent feeling overwhelmed, approach the task in bite-sized chunks: room by room.
You can begin with the area that’s causing you the most discomfort or stress. Once you’ve decluttered and organized this space, you’ll likely feel a sense of accomplishment, and this momentum can be a great motivator to move on to the next area. Not sure where to start? We started a challenge at the beginning of 2024 with a week-by-week suggestion – just follow along!
During the process, remember to apply the ‘keep, toss, donate, or store’ method to sort your belongings, and follow your newly created organizational system to ensure everything finds its ‘home.’ It might be a time-consuming task, but it’s a vital step toward achieving an orderly and serene living space.
Just imagine the satisfaction of walking into a room, knowing exactly where to find what you need, and seeing a place for everything and everything in its place. Isn’t that a scenario worth striving for? By focusing on one room at a time, you’ll see the fruits of your labour more quickly and enjoy a clutter-free, organized home in no time. And remember, it’s not a race. Go at your own pace, and celebrate your progress along the way.
Holiday Decor and Storage Room
Transforming your holiday decor and storage space from a chaotic jungle into a systematic, easy-to-navigate space is no small feat. Start by grouping similar items together. For instance, Christmas decorations should nestle together, separate from the Halloween or Easter trappings.
For an added layer of organization, consider further categorizing these seasonal items. Perhaps you could separate tree ornaments from outdoor lightings within the Christmas decorations. Following such a system will make setting up and packing away decorations a breeze, with every item having its own designated space.
Next, pay attention to your storage methods. Cardboard boxes or clear plastic bins can be used to house your holiday decorations. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, you might color-code these containers to match the holiday they represent. For instance, red and green for Christmas, orange for Halloween, and so on.
Don’t forget to clearly label each box. A simple yet effective tool, labels will save you hours of rummaging when the holiday season rolls around. Get friendly with your label maker!
As for your storage room, make the most of the vertical space with sturdy shelving units. They can hold your labelled boxes, keeping the floor space clear and your items accessible.
Remember, an orderly storage room not only saves you time but also protects your beloved holiday decorations from damage. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to a holiday decor and storage room that’s organized, efficient, and ready to spread cheer at a moment’s notice.
Pantry, Refrigerator, and Freezer
The kitchen, often referred to as the heart of the home, is a vibrant space where delicious meals are concocted, family recipes are passed down, and midnight snack adventures unfold. However, this central hub can quickly morph into a whirlwind of clutter if not managed effectively. Fear not, as an organized, functional kitchen is within your reach!
We’ll start with food storage and get to the other cupboards and drawers next. Begin by tossing all expired foods and spices. Not only will this declutter your space, but it will also ensure a healthier meal preparation environment. Next, determine if you will consume the remaining items. If not, consider donating to your local food bank.
Now that you’ve whittled food items down to what you use, here are some tips to keep them organized. These apply to the pantry and the fridge and freezer too!
Use stackable containers or baskets
Empty goods from oddly shaped bags and boxes and place them in clear uniform containers that can be more easily organized on shelves. This also makes item quantities more visible to help to know when you need to restock. Alternatively, you can place baskets or bins on the shelves to group similar items together.
Label containers
Not only does this help you remember what’s inside but reminds you where to put replacement items after your next grocery shopping trip. You can even jot down expiry dates with a chalk marker if you like. If you need to know the ingredients or cooking instructions found on the box or bag, you can cut it out of the packaging and stick it on or in the container.
Take advantage of all spaces
Use risers and rotating trays, like a lazy suzan, to increase shelf space and make things more accessible. Hang organizers on the back of doors or install wall-mounted dispensers and hooks to increase shelf space.
Kitchen Cupboards and Drawers
As a reminder, begin with identifying what you use and don’t. Keep only what you use and cut down on duplicate items. Toss anything broken items and donate the rest. Next, think about how often you use the remaining items and position them accordingly.
The tools you reach for every day should have a reserved spot within an arm’s reach, while those used less frequently can inhabit the top shelf, the back of the kitchen cabinets, or placed in storage. Keep baking tools together, group pots and pans, and designate a spot for your glassware.
Don’t forget to exploit the vertical space within your cupboards. Use similar organizing tips and tricks from the pantry for the rest of your cupboards. This includes labelling. If you’ve ever stayed in a vacation rental property with labels on the shelves for where things belong, you’ll understand how helpful this can be.
Utilize your drawers efficiently with dividers for cutlery and cooking utensils. Try placing bins in bottom drawers to keep items like tea towels and dishcloths organized. Pegboards and doweling can keep bowls and bakeware from creating a jumbled mess. Use dividers to separate cookie sheets and cooling racks and keep them standing vertically. This even works for frying pans!
With each item purposefully placed and unnecessary ones weeded out, your kitchen transforms from a mess hall into a haven of order and productivity. The clutter is no more, and in its place is a kitchen that truly serves as the heart of your home, ready to nourish and nurture.
Don’t worry about the junk drawer. We’ve saved that for a special category of its own!
Drop Zones
A few areas in your home can become clutter magnets. As you begin your #GetOrganized journey, you may have added to this special place of chaos. We suggest tackling the junk drawers, mud room, hall closet, front entry or any other spot that collects random clutter as an individual step. But do it now before we go any further!
Our best piece of advice is not to eliminate the drop zone but to embrace it and make it work for you! Create a specific place for daily items to save time and stress when you rush out the door. But don’t let it evolve out of control.
Follow the same advice for the rest of your home: sort items to keep, toss, donate and store. Use labelled containers and make use of all spaces. But here are a few tips for those unique areas:
- Give each family member their own basket, bin or tray.
- Make use of all spaces including hooks or racks on the wall
- Establish a weekly reset to return non-essential items to their “home”
Bathroom Cupboards, Drawers, & Linen Closets
Start your bathroom organization with our usual keep, toss, donate or store. Then sort the remaining items into categories. Daily essentials such as toothpaste, makeup, and skincare products should be easily accessible, preferably at eye-level in your cabinet or on a countertop organizer. This will ensure a smooth, hassle-free morning routine.
For those items used less frequently, consider stashing them away in cabinets, drawers, or attractive bins. They’ll be out of sight, but not out of mind, preserving the room’s tranquillity while keeping your essentials within reach. Remember to label and just like the kitchen, clear containers work great!
Don’t forget the under-the-sink area, a frequently overlooked storage hotspot. With the right organization tools like stackable bins or pull-out drawers, this space can house your cleaning supplies, extra toiletries, or bulkier items.
Use dividers and small containers.
To keep your drawers clutter-free, employ dividers or small containers to store smaller items like hair ties, clips, and travel-size products. This system prevents these little items from getting lost among larger ones and ensures every item has its own ‘home.’
Hooks, towel bars and trays keep frequently used items handy.
Towels and robes could be hung on hooks or towel bars to keep them dry and ready for use. Additionally, a stylishly arranged tray on your countertop can hold your perfumes or fancier skincare products, marrying functionality with aesthetics.
Sort your linen closet by shelf.
For the linen closet again toss damaged items and donate things you don’t use. Store seasonal items like Christmas bedding for instance. Now you can organize the remaining items by task. Bedding on one shelf, towels on another, toiletries on another. Remember to stack items in labelled baskets.
One of my favourite organization tips and tricks for the linen closet is to fold bedding sets and store them inside one of the pillowcases.
Bedroom Closets, Dressers and Nightstands
The bedroom should be a haven of peace and tranquillity. Often, this sacred space gets flooded with clutter, disturbing the serenity we crave. By implementing smart organization techniques, you can reclaim your restful retreat.
Use space under your bed wisely.
Consider the hidden treasure trove that is your under-bed storage. It is perfect for stashing away bulky items like winter bedding or out-of-season clothes. For easy accessibility, utilize clear plastic bins or roll-out drawers. This ensures your items remain dust-free and easy to locate when needed.
Use bedside table with drawers to keep clutter out of site.
Investing in a bedside table with spacious drawers can be a game-changer. It offers the perfect spot to store your night-time reads, glasses, or even your collection of soothing essential oils. With your essentials still within reach, you can keep the surface clutter-free.
Remember to use containers in addition to hanging items.
Your closet can be a potential black hole of clutter. Create a system within your wardrobe by categorizing your clothing by type, occasion, or even colour. Use dividers for socks and underwear, and stackable boxes for accessories. This not only makes getting dressed in the morning a breeze, but it also makes maintaining your organized closet a simpler task.
Make use of vertical spaces.
Lastly, consider utilizing vertical spaces. Floating shelves or wall-mounted racks can hold books, mementos, or even indoor plants. This keeps your floor space open, enhancing the feeling of tranquillity in your bedroom.
By incorporating these bedroom organization strategies, you’re not just creating an orderly space, but also cultivating a serene haven that promotes restful sleep and peaceful mornings.
Living Room or Family Room
The living room, often the heart of social interactions in a home, should exude comfort and warmth. However, without careful organization, it can easily become a magnet for clutter especially if you use this room for a game room or a toy room. Start your living room organization by creating designated zones based on function. For example, a reading nook, an entertainment center, or a play area for children.
Ensure that every item in the room serves a purpose. Discard or relocate items that don’t fit the aesthetic or function of the living room. Multipurpose furniture, such as a coffee table with storage or an ottoman that opens to hold blankets, can be your best friend in keeping clutter at bay.
Make use of vertical spaces. Install shelves to showcase your book collection, cherished photos, or travel souvenirs. This provides visual interest while keeping items off your tables and floor. For media components, a well-designed entertainment center can house everything from your television to gaming consoles, with a place for controllers, games, and movies.
To tackle toy clutter, consider attractive storage bins or baskets that complement your decor. Teach your children to return toys to these containers after playtime. Likewise, create a system for mail, magazines, and remote controls so they always have a home.
By carefully curating and thoughtfully organizing your living room, you’ll create a peaceful, welcoming space that caters to your family’s needs and tastes. Whether hosting guests or enjoying a quiet night in, you’ll appreciate the order of your organized living room.
Home Office and Craft Room
Creating a productive workspace in your home office or an imaginative haven in your craft room is all about organizing with intention. Begin your organizational journey in these spaces by gathering all similar items together. This could be your office supplies like pens, staplers, and notepads or your craft supplies such as paints, brushes, and fabrics.
An effective way to keep your desk clutter-free is by using organizers. A desk caddy or a pencil holder can neatly store your stationery, while file organizers can hold your important papers and folders. This ensures your workspace is not only tidy but also efficient, with everything you need within arm’s reach.
Don’t shy away from utilizing your walls. Install shelves to house your professional or craft books, or hang a pegboard for a fun, visual display of your craft materials. This way, your supplies are always accessible without cluttering your workspace.
Invest in storage solutions like labelled bins or drawers. By doing this, each item has its own ‘home,’ making it easier to find what you need, and clean up becomes a breeze. Follow the organizing tips and tricks outlined for your pantry and kitchen.
One essential tip for your home office is to establish a system for your important papers. Using a filing system with clearly labelled folders can save you hours of looking for that one crucial document. And it’s easy to know where to put new papers. Remember to toss unnecessary items to save space and improve the organization of needed items.
Creating an organized space in your home office or craft room doesn’t just make these areas aesthetically pleasing, but it also enhances your creativity and productivity by creating an environment that is conducive to work or craft. With everything in its place, your focus can truly be on your tasks at hand.
Bonus Digital Organization Tips and Tricks:
- Delete old files no longer needed
- Organize files with folders and subfolders. We recommend using the same naming convention for your digital documents for consistency.
- Back up data to the cloud or external storage kept in a separate location
- Maintain passwords with a password manager
- Keep a regular schedule for decluttering and backing up your digital files.
Maintaining Your Organized Space
Creating an organized space is only half the battle. Staying organized is where the real challenge lies. It’s all about adopting new habits and making conscious choices every day. It’s as simple as hanging up your coat when you come home, putting dishes in the dishwasher after meals, and returning items to their designated ‘homes’ once you’re done with them. These little actions, over time, become second nature and significantly contribute to maintaining your organized space.
Set aside some time each week for a ‘mini decluttering session’. Perhaps a weekend afternoon could be devoted to quick organization touch-ups, making sure everything is where it should be. Remember to periodically review your storage systems, ensuring they’re serving their intended purpose efficiently.
Maintaining your organized space is not about achieving perfection, but rather about creating a living space that is functional, serene, and uniquely yours. With a bit of regular effort and conscious choices, you can keep your home looking as organized as the day you first decluttered it. This way, you can continuously enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free and well-ordered home, thus promoting a healthier and more productive lifestyle. So go ahead, embrace these habits, and enjoy your home in all its organized glory.
