As a professional organizer, I’ve seen firsthand how a few simple changes can completely transform a home and a family’s daily life. If clutter has taken over your living spaces, even simple daily tasks can feel overwhelming. The good news? Getting organized doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach and these 10 organizing tips you can reclaim your space and make it work better for you and your family.
1. Start Small for Big Wins
When people think about getting organized, they often picture tackling their entire home in one weekend. That’s a recipe for burnout. Instead, choose one small area to start, like a single kitchen drawer, your bathroom cabinet, or the entryway closet.
Example: If your junk drawer is overflowing, pull everything out, toss expired coupons or broken pens, and add small organizers for batteries, scissors, and everyday tools. That one change can make your daily life feel easier.
Organizing Tip: Success builds momentum. The smaller the project, the more likely you’ll finish and stay motivated.
2. Declutter Before You Organize
One of the most overlooked organizing tips is don’t buy bins and baskets before decluttering. It’s tempting to shop for pretty storage solutions, but if you’re holding on to items you don’t need, you’ll just be storing clutter.
Example: Before organizing your linen closet, pull everything out and get rid of old towels with holes, mismatched pillowcases, or extra blankets you never use. Then, neatly fold what’s left and place them back in the closet.
Organizing Tip: Remember the golden rule – less stuff means less stress.
3. Use the “One In, One Out” Rule
A clutter-free home stays that way when you set boundaries. The “one in, one out” rule is simple: every time you bring something new into your home, something else has to leave.
Example: If you buy a new pair of shoes, donate or toss an old pair. This keeps your closet from getting out of control.
Organizing Tip: This strategy is especially helpful for kids’ toys and clothing, which tend to multiply quickly.
4. Maximize Vertical Space
When storage is limited, think vertically. Walls and the back of doors often hold the key to extra space.
Examples:
- Install shelves above doorways for storing extra linens or books.
- Use hooks behind doors for coats, bags, or hats.
- Add a pegboard in the garage for tools or craft supplies.
Organizing Tip: Vertical storage keeps items off counters and floors, giving your rooms a cleaner, more open look.
5. Label Everything
Labels are one of the most practical organizing tips you can use. Labels eliminate the guesswork, make it easier to put things away, and keep everyone in the household on the same page.
Example: In a pantry, label bins as “Snacks,” “Breakfast,” “Cans,” and “Baking.” That way, no one has to ask where the cereal goes, and food stays grouped together.
Organizing Tip: Invest in a label maker for a clean, consistent look, or use chalkboard labels for flexibility.
6. Group Like Items
The key to organization is creating categories that make sense for your life. Grouping similar items together helps you see what you have, prevents duplicates, and saves time.
Examples:
- Keep all cleaning supplies under one sink or in a caddy.
- Store holiday decorations together in clear bins by season.
- Place office supplies—pens, paper, tape—in one drawer or basket.
Organizing Tip: This method also helps when you’re short on time – no more searching in three different places for scissors!
7. Create Drop Zones for Daily Items
The messiest areas of the home are often the ones we use the most, entryways, kitchens, and living rooms. That’s why creating “drop zones” is one of my favorite organizing tips.
Example: Place a decorative tray near the front door for keys and sunglasses. Add a basket for mail and a hook for bags. Suddenly, your counters are clear, and you always know where your belongings are.
Organizing Tip: Assign every family member a basket or hook in the entryway to cut down on cluttered floors.
8. Rotate and Refresh Regularly
Organization is a lifestyle not a “one-and-done” project. Set aside time to refresh your spaces so things don’t spiral back into chaos.
Examples:
- Go through your closet seasonally and donate what you didn’t wear.
- Empty and wipe out your refrigerator before grocery shopping.
- Declutter kids’ rooms before birthdays and holidays to make room for new items.
Organizing Tip: Small, consistent efforts are more effective than massive decluttering sessions once a year.
9. Contain the Chaos with Bins and Baskets
Once you’ve decluttered, bins and baskets can be game-changers. They corral small items, keep shelves neat, and make it easier to clean.
Examples:
- Use clear bins in the pantry so you can see contents at a glance.
- Place baskets under sinks to hold toiletries or cleaning supplies.
- Add fabric bins to living room shelves to hide toys or remote controls.
Organizing Tip: Always measure your space before buying containers to avoid wasted money and awkward fits.
10. Focus on Function, Not Aesthetics
Pinterest-worthy homes are beautiful, but real life is real. These 10 organizing tips are about making your home work for you and your family not creating a picture-perfect space.
Example: Your pantry doesn’t need color-coded snacks in glass jars if that’s unrealistic for your family. Instead, focus on systems you can maintain, like using sturdy bins for chips and cereal boxes.
Organizing Tip: A functional system you can keep up with will always beat a “perfect” one you can’t.
Frequently Asked Questions About 10 Organizing Tips
1. Where should I start if my whole house feels overwhelming?
Start small. Choose one drawer, shelf, or corner. The sense of accomplishment from finishing a tiny space will motivate you to keep going.
2. How do I know what to keep and what to get rid of?
Ask yourself: Do I use it? Do I love it? Do I need it? If the answer is no, it’s probably time to donate, recycle, or toss it.
3. Do I need to buy expensive containers to get organized?
Not at all. While bins and baskets help, you can start with what you already have, shoe boxes, mason jars, or repurposed containers. Once you know what works, you can invest in storage solutions that fit your space.
4. How do I keep my family on board with staying organized?
Make it easy for them. Use labels, create drop zones, and give everyone their own designated space. Simplicity is key when multiple people share a home.
5. How often should I declutter?
A seasonal refresh works well for most people. That means going through closets and storage spaces four times a year. But quick weekly or monthly tidy-ups prevent clutter from piling up.
6. What’s the biggest mistake people make when trying to get organized?
Buying storage before decluttering. This leads to wasted money and bins full of items you don’t actually need. Always purge first, then organize.
7. How do I keep my home organized long-term?
Consistency is everything. Use systems like “one in, one out,” set aside 10 minutes a day for tidying, and commit to regular refreshes.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Getting organized doesn’t have to be something you tackle alone. If you’ve tried these 10 organizing tips and still feel overwhelmed, I’d love to help. As a professional organizer, I work with women just like you to create practical, stress-free systems that actually fit your lifestyle. Whether virtually or in person, we’ll design a home that feels peaceful, functional, and clutter-free. Click here to get started!
*Disclaimer: SimpLeigh Organized uses affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission if you purchase using our links at no extra cost to you. We appreciate the support! Click here to read our disclosure policy.
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