5 Organization Tips For Your Home

silverware/utensil drawers in a kitchen island

Design Notes

5 ORGANIZATION TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

Organization is an essential part of maintaining a home’s optimal functioning and minimizing stress for everyone. Small piles of clutter can grow quickly, and as their size increases, so does the pressure to eliminate them. Unfortunately, the task can be daunting, especially if you don’t know where to start or what to do with it once it has been sorted. Another problem is figuring out how to prevent it from happening again. All of this can be a challenge, but that does not mean it is impossible. By having a few helpful tips and strategies in place, you can master the clutter just like a pro. Let’s discuss some of the best suggestions from professionals to make your home a place of rest and recharge, rather than one that feels like a disaster.

Start from scratch

Often, starting is the hardest thing to do, or more specifically, knowing where to start. When it comes to a cluttered room, the best method is to simply clear it out. Moving everything out gives you a chance to evaluate the number of items that will need to be removed, check each item as it comes out to see whether it should be kept or discarded, and assess the space available in the room once it is emptied. All of these steps are important, and though it can feel a little daunting, the result will be well worth it. One thing that would be advantageous during the removal process is having three boxes or sections to place things as they come out, labeled: trash, donate, and keep. As you bring items out, decide which area they best fit and put them there. This lets you know what to do with everything at the end, including what will need to be returned to the room. Utilizing this method means that taking things out will count as double since you empty the room and take inventory. Be sure to think through everything as you clear the room; don’t hold on to things that have no value or are no longer needed. Choosing to donate items means you are helping to support a good cause while also allowing others to have access to things they might not otherwise be able to afford. If you have specific items that still have significant value, consider hosting a yard sale or selling them online. When organizing your home, having a good plan is the best place to start.

What can you downsize or digitalize?

We live in a digital era where there is less need for paper copies and even certain types of mail. Paper and mail are the number one cause of clutter in the home. It is easy to drop a receipt, newspaper, or even junk mail on the kitchen counter or your desk, which inevitably leads to pile-ups. One way to eliminate a mail stack is to have a system in place, such as sorting through the mail near a trash can or recycling bin. Immediately discard junk mail and place bills or other items that require immediate attention into a designated folder or basket. This also helps you keep track of every bill; many companies now allow you to go paperless. You can receive an email instead of paper mail, efficiently eliminating clutter. Scanning is another great way to defeat messy stacks of paper and can be used for old bills that need to be kept for a few years, receipts and warranties, and other essential documents that you don’t need a hard copy of. If you subscribe to a newspaper or magazine but only read it once, consider switching to a digital version. This allows you to enjoy the same great content but without the heap mounting every week. You can print off or download the articles that were most interesting to you and keep them in a specific folder, either in your office or computer, all while minimizing the chance of clutter build-up. For more detailed ideas and tips on going paperless, read this article from Money Crashers. Switching to a digital filing and storing system means you can find things faster and keep your home from being overrun with junk. A home with fewer cluttered spaces eases the mind and helps everyone feel better.

Sort Items Into Zones

Now that you have decided what trash is and what doesn’t belong in a particular room, it’s time to put it all back together. Consider this particular space and ask yourself what its purpose is and how often you will use it. Be sure to watch for trouble areas, such as spots that are more prone to collect clutter, such as flat surfaces like countertops and tables. These require extra attention, such as clearing them off each evening or morning. As you put things back, create zones strategically in their placement. Items you use daily should be within easy reach, such as pens on your desk or in your purse. Having a designated spot for them makes it easy to put them back after every use. Drawers are an excellent addition to any space, as they allow you to store items that you use regularly or at least once a week. If possible, try to incorporate other storage containers throughout the design. Many furniture pieces feature a hollow space inside for extra storage, and oversized baskets are ideal for storing items like blankets or shoes. Sometimes, lidless bins are also helpful for maintaining an organized home, as it is easier to quickly place an item inside versus having to stop and open a lid. Knowing that there is a purpose to every area within a room can help you continue to win the war against clutter and allow everyone in the family to stay on the same page. A clean and organized home can be achieved by implementing this simple system.

Let’s Get Started

Although having a professional come in and assist is sometimes the best solution, there are certain things that you can do to get a head start or do yourself altogether. Clutter is a friend to no one and can quickly overwhelm and suffocate you. Although it is never easy to begin the task of removing piles of junk from a home, the end results are well worth the investment of time and effort. But that is only half the battle; the other is knowing what to do after it has all been neatly tucked away. Organize like a pro by having a plan and being deliberate about its implementation. As you regain control over your home, you will feel the stress melt away as you enjoy coming home again.

bySierra/onMarch 21, 2025/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes

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