Clear the clutter with these 5 home organization tips
With our homes playing so many different roles in our lives, it’s easy to feel a little frazzled. Today our houses are also our offices, gyms, schools, workshops and more — and with that can come clutter that leaves rooms feeling disconnected.
Sometimes a breath of fresh air is all we need to fall back in love with our homes. Even simply organizing your house can reinvigorate you — and all the spaces that play such a large role in your life.
A plan goes a long way in tackling the jumble, and we have just the tips and tricks to revitalize your home and reduce your stress.
Take inventory
To get started, separate items into four bins: keep, donate, sell and recycle. With your home serving so many more purposes, you probably have a lot of extra “stuff” around that you’re using on a daily basis—stuff that was once housed in your office, your child’s desk at school, etc. So, you’ll want to be sure to clear some space and rid yourself of the things that are just collecting dust.
What are in those storage crates in your attic, how many boxes of old photos do you have under your bed, are you still storing your can’t-part-with college hoodie collection somewhere? Go room by room and pull everything out so you can really see what you’re working with.
Digitize it, then dump it
We’re not saying to throw out all your old photos, but there may be some you could part with and some that could be digitized. Do you have receipts from 2019? Skip the paper copy and have them emailed. Scan documents and store them in the cloud, or on a separate hard drive. You’ll quickly free your home from a mountain of paper clutter.
If you have a home office, this will also free up your space for work. Try installing an extra shelf or some cubbies with bins. The bins can help you easily tuck items away to keep your desk from looking messy. You can also try leaving a little space for some inspiration, whether it’s books, magazines, picture frames, etc.
Now onto the entertainment clutter. A collection of old DVDs and CDs? Consider donating some of those, as most can be streamed instantly. Save only your favorites or things you’d like to display. A vinyl collection? Favorite books? These are items you probably have out in full view, not eating up your closet storage space. The same goes for heirlooms…
Display or pass on your heirlooms
Grandma Shirley’s tea set, postcards from dear friends, old trinkets and old family heirlooms; these are the things that make a house a home. Instead of letting them collect dust in your basement, incorporate as much as you can into your décor. Create a gallery wall with framed postcards. Display Grandma’s tea set on the buffet in the dining room. Refinish an old hutch to fit your updated kitchen. If you can’t find a place for it, gift it to another family member.
Stick it to the wall or let it slide
Clear out those junk drawers and messy cabinets to ensure you can actually find what you’re looking for. One option is to use some of your wall space. Try adding magnetic strips to add both visual appeal and utility to storage. Another option is to add drawers or hooks inside your cabinets. You can try installing a sliding wire drawer to store cleaning supplies, pots and pans, boxes of cereal, etc.
A few ideas:
In the kitchen: Turn your under-sink storage into a wonder of functionality by mounting hooks on the inside cabinet door to hang scrubbing brushes. Then use the magnet trick for displaying cutlery or spice jars.
In the bathroom: Install a magnetic strip next to the sink to hold small metal items that you could easily lose, like bobby pins, tweezers and nail clippers.
In the garage: Ditch the toolbox and opt for easy accessibility with a magnet strip mounted on a peg board. Use the sliding wire drawers to store tennis balls, baseballs, jump ropes, etc.
Get crafty with your storage solutions
From over-the-door models to stackable racks, shoe organizers aren’t just for shoes.
In the mud room: Organize winter garments.
In the kitchen: Use as a snack organizer for your pantry.
In the office: Untangle those wires.
In the bathroom: Store toiletries or hand towels to free up shelf space.
In the hall: Store bulk items like paper towels and toilet paper (we all know there’s been lots of storing of these items).
And if you’re considering purchasing any furniture, look for double-duty options. A big, cushy ottoman can store blankets inside, a trunk can act as a coffee table or a bookcase with open shelving can act as a room divider. These versatile pieces can maximize your space.
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