Is your house cluttered and chaotic?
If so, you’re not alone.
According to the National Association of Professional Organizers study, the average American home has 300,000 items.
That’s a lot of stuff.
And it’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed trying to keep it organized.
The key is to find an organizational system that works for you and your home.
You can organize your whole house by taking it one room at a time.
If you want to learn how to organize your house room by room have a look at the tips below.
The Principles of Home Organization
Before we dive into organizing your home, let’s discuss the basic principles of organization.
This will give you an understanding of the underlying principles guiding your organizing efforts.
Let Go
One key to creating and maintaining a tidy home is to only keep what you need, use, and love.
In other words, you need to get rid of clutter in your home.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s often easier said than done.
We can be sentimental about gifts or items we’ve had for a long time, even if they don’t serve any purpose in our homes.
And sometimes we hang on to things “just in case” we might need them someday.
But if an item isn’t being used and doesn’t bring you joy, it’s probably time to let it go.
This applies to everything from clothes and shoes to furniture and knick-knacks.
If you’re not using it and it’s taking up valuable space in your home, get rid of it!
You’ll be surprised at how much lighter and more serene your home will feel when you do.
Divide and Conquer
It can be overwhelming to think about decluttering your entire home, but if you break the task into smaller,
more manageable sections, it will be much easier.
For example, start with one room at a time.
Or focus on decluttering a specific area, like your closet or kitchen cabinets.
You can even tackle one item at a time, like clothes or books.
Taking it one step at a time is essential, so you don’t get overwhelmed.
This makes the task easier and you see the progress you’re making as you go. And before you know it, your entire home will be clutter-free.
Create an Action Plan
The third principle is to create an action plan.
Make a list of all the tasks you need to accomplish, and break them down into smaller steps; this way, you’ll better understand how much work needs to be done
Create a System
Once you’ve decluttered your home, it’s important to create a system that will help you keep it organized.
Every item should have a designated spot in the home to be found quickly and easily.
Labeling shelves or drawers helps with this process.
If you run out of storage space, consider investing in storage solutions like clear boxes, baskets, or shelves.
These can help create an organized system for all your items and make it easy to find what you need when you need it.
Sustain Your System
Once your house is organized, you must maintain the system by practicing regular decluttering.
Set aside time each week or month to go through your home and eliminate any items that are no longer serving you.
This will help prevent the clutter from building up again and keep your home neat.
RELATED READING: Tips to get more organized and productive at home.
How To Organize Your House Room by Room
Now that you understand the principles of home organization, let’s look at how to organize your whole house,
room by room.
Organize Your Bedroom
If your bedroom is not the oasis you crave maybe is time to declutter and organize.
Here are a few tips on organizing your bedroom for maximum peace and relaxation.
And if you don’t have much space in your bedroom have a look at these clever storage ideas for small bedrooms on a budget.
1. Get rid of anything you don’t need
Donate clothes you never wear, books you’ve already read, and any other items taking up space that don’t serve a purpose.
Not only will getting rid of this clutter-free physical space in your room, but it will also declutter your mind, allowing you to relax when you’re trying to sleep.
2. Make use of underutilized space
If your closet is overflowing but still has empty wall space, consider installing shelves or hooks to increase storage space.
Under-the-bed storage containers are also great for stashing seasonal items or extra bedding without cramming your room.
3. Keep frequently used items within reach
For example, place a catch-all dish on your nightstand for things like loose change, jewelry, or your glasses so you can find them easily when you need them.
This will save you time and frustration.
4. Invest in multi-purpose furniture
- A trunk or chest can double as a coffee table or bench at the foot of your bed.
- Ottomans and trunks with removable lids offer hidden storage for things like toys, extra blankets, or out-of-season clothing.
- Benches with hinged tops can provide a place to sit while also providing ample storage for off-season shoes or other bulky items.
5. Utilize all available vertical space
- Hang things like scarves, belts, and purses from hooks mounted on the back of your door.
- Store out-of-season clothing in vertically oriented storage containers.
- Use over-the-door racks or command hooks to organize everything from jewelry to belts to hats.
6. Organize your closet
a. Color code
Consider color coding your clothing by season (e.g., summer clothes in one color scheme, winter clothes in another).
This will make getting dressed each day quicker and easier and make it more difficult for clutter to sneak its way
back into your now well-organized bedroom retreat.
b. Sort by type of clothing
When you put your clothes back in the closet, sort them by type of clothing.
- Put all your shirts together, all your pants together, etc.
- Then, within each category, further sort by color or style. For example, within the “shirt” category, you might have a section for white button-down shirts and another for black t-shirts.
- Or, within the “pants” category, you might have a section for jeans and another for dress pants.
This system will make it easy for you to find whatever type of clothing you’re looking for quickly and easily.
c. Hang items properly
When hanging clothes in your closet, use the proper hangers.
Wire hangers can damage delicate fabrics over time, while velvet hangers can help prevent creases from forming in slacks and dress pants.
Using the same type of hanger throughout your closet will create a neat, cohesive look.
Check out closet organization hacks to find more tips to keep your closet organized.
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Organize Your Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home.
But all too often, it can be a source of stress.
If your kitchen is cluttered and unorganized, it can be difficult to find what you need when you need it.
This can lead to frustration and wasted time.
With that in mind, let’s start organizing your kitchen.
1. Designate a place for everything
One of the most important things you can do to keep your kitchen organized is to have a specific place for everything.
This means assigning a spot for your pots and pans, dishes, silverware, food items, cooking appliances, etc.
When everything has its place, it’s much easier to find things when you need them.
2. Keep countertops clear
Countertops tend to be prime real estate in the kitchen since they’re where we prep meals and assemble ingredients.
However, they can quickly become cluttered with cooking gadgets, books, spices, etc.
To combat this problem, keep only essential items on the counters and store everything else away in cabinets or drawers.
This will help create a more streamlined look and feel to your kitchen.
3. Invest in some good storage containers
A jumble of mismatched Tupperware can make even the most orderly pantry look cluttered.
But by investing in matching containers, you can turn your pantry into an organized masterpiece – and simplify your life simultaneously.
Labeled containers are perfect for everything from flour and sugar to cereal and snacks.
You can achieve pantry perfection by taking advantage of vertical space and grouping like items together.
4. Purge expired food items regularly
Another way to keep your kitchen organized is to purge expired food regularly.
We’ve all been guilty of holding onto that half-empty jar of mustard or box of cereal past its expiration date at some point or another.
But expired food can quickly lead to clutter in your pantry or fridge (not to mention attract pests).
So make it a habit to check expiration dates regularly and eliminate anything that’s no longer good to eat.
5. Keep everyday items within reach
Store frequently used items such as plates, silverware, and cooking utensils in an easily accessible location.
A tray or lazy Susan placed on or near the countertop is perfect.
This way, you won’t have to go rummaging through cabinets whenever you need something quick like a wooden spoon
or a spatula.
6. Designate a “drop zone” near the entrance of the kitchen
This is where you can put all the items that need to be put away as soon as you come in from outside.
Having a designated spot for these items can prevent you from getting sidetracked and forgetting to put them away later.
Is your under-the-sink area a mess? If so, have a look at these under-kitchen sink organization ideas to keep it neat and tidy.
Organizing The Living Room
All too often, living rooms can become cluttered and unorganized, making it difficult to enjoy the space to its full potential.
1. Start with eliminating clutter
Before you can start organizing your living room, you need to declutter it.
Get rid of any items you don’t use or need, and donate anything you haven’t used in the past year.
Once you’ve decluttered, give the whole room a good deep cleaning.
Decluttering and cleaning your living room first will make the organization process easier.
2. Maximize your storage space
Now consider how you can increase your storage space.
This may mean:
- adding shelves for books or knick-knacks
- investing in a coffee table with built-in storage
- using baskets or boxes to store items like blankets and throws
Try to find creative ways to store items out of sight.
3. Give everything a home
Everything in your living room should have its own place so that you can easily put it away when you’re done using it.
4. Create zones
Once you have a good storage solution in place, it’s time to start thinking about how to arrange your furniture.
One effective way to do this is by creating zones in the room.
For example:
- you could have a seating area with a couch and chairs
- a TV zone for watching movies and shows
- a reading nook with a comfortable armchair and side table
5. Accessorize wisely
When it comes to accessorizing your living room, less is more.
A few well-chosen accessories can make all the difference in the overall feel of the space.
Opt for quality over quantity when selecting décor items, and edit as needed so that your living room doesn’t end up feeling cluttered again.
Bathroom Organization
1. Eliminate clutter
Get rid of anything that you don’t use on a regular basis – old toiletries, old makeup, expired medications, etc.
2. Keep counters clear
One of the quickest ways to make a bathroom look cluttered is to let the counters get overrun with products and general everyday items.
To avoid this, designate specific areas for specific items.
For example:
- create a “toiletries” caddy to hold items like your toothbrush and toothpaste
- keep a basket on the counter for items like your hairbrush and hair products
- use a cosmetics organizer to keep all your makeup items, skin care products, and perfumes
Doing this will free up valuable counter space, and your bathroom will look much neater.
3. Keep only the essentials out in the open
Once you’ve decluttered and sorted through everything, take inventory of the items you use daily.
These items should be within easy reach on your countertops and cabinets- everything else can be stored in baskets or bins.
4. Put things back where they belong
One of the simplest tips for keeping a bathroom organized is to put things back where they belong after using them.
This applies to everything from toiletries to towels to general everyday items.
If everyone in the household makes an effort to do this, it will go a long way toward keeping the bathroom tidy between cleanings
5. Implement a “one in, one out” policy
This tip is especially helpful if you’re the type who tends to hoard toiletries and beauty products.
Every time you bring a new product into the bathroom, ensure you get rid of an old one you don’t use anymore.
This will not only help to declutter your space but also force you to be more mindful of the products you purchase.
Home office organization tips
1. First, create a dedicated space for your office
If possible, find a room that can be used solely for work.
This will help you to stay focused and avoid distractions.
If you don’t have an extra room, try to designate a corner of another room as your office space.
Make sure to choose a location with good lighting and plenty of space to spread out.
2. Next, invest in some storage solutions
A good filing system is essential for keeping track of important documents.
Shelves or file cabinets can help you to keep your desk clutter-free.
And if you need to store items such as printer paper or office supplies, consider using baskets or bins.
3. Finally, take the time to personalize your space
Invest in a quality chair that is comfortable and supportive.
Add some personal touches to the space to make it feel like your own.
Hang up artwork or photos that inspire you.
With a little bit of effort, you can transform your home office into a space that is both functional and stylish.
Want to be more productive? Check out these home office hacks to increase productivity when working from home.
How to organize your laundry room
If you don’t want to waste time sorting through a pile of dirty clothes you need an organized laundry room.
1. Create a dedicated laundry space
If possible, set up your washer and dryer in a separate room or area away from the rest of the house.
This will help to keep the noise and mess contained.
2. Keep essential supplies nearby
Store laundry detergent, fabric softener, and other necessary items close to the washing machine so you don’t have to go hunting for them every time you need to do a load of laundry.
3. Use storage bins
This will help you to keep your laundry sorted by color, fabric, and load type.
4. Have separate bins
Having separate laundry bins for your dirty white or colored items will save you time and effort in the long run.
5. Sort your laundry as you go
Get into the habit of sorting your dirty clothes as you take them off.
This will save you time later when it’s time to actually do the laundry.
If you are short of space check out these ideas to organize linens without a linen closet.
How to Organize the Playroom
For parents of young children, the playroom can quickly become a nightmarish jumble of toys, clothes, and half-eaten snacks.
However, with a little bit of effort, it is possible to keep the playroom neat and organized.
1. Designated storage containers
Designate specific storage containers for different types of toys.
For example, dolls can go in one bin, while action figures can go in another.
2. Declutter
It is also important to keep clutter to a minimum by getting rid of unused or broken toys on a regular basis.
3. Involve your kids
Another helpful tip is to involve your children in the organization process.
Ask them where they would like their favorite toys to be stored, and involve them in regular cleanup sessions.
By following these simple tips, you can help to keep the playroom tidy and organized.
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If you take action you’ll create a more orderly and functional home even if it requires some effort at first.
Remember that organization is an ongoing process – clean up messes as they happen and implement systems that will help keep things neat and tidy going forward.
In time, you will create a home that you love to come to.