Learn my best home organization secrets to corral clutter so you can keep you house tidy once and for all.
Do you want to know some organization secrets that will help you maintain a clean and tidy home?
I’m sure you do because no-one enjoys having clutter pile up or living in a space that’s not functional.
Here are ten things you need to know to improve the storage solutions in your home.
10 Organization Secrets You Need To Know
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1. Don’t Purchase Organizers Before You’ve Actually Organized
I know how it goes. You’re excited to declutter a space in your home and you know that you need storage solutions. So what do you do? You go out and buy them straight away.
The only problem is you haven’t sorted through your stuff yet to see what you’ll actually be storing. And, you have no idea how many containers to get or the best type of organizers that will suit your needs.
It’s hard to solve a problem when you don’t even know what it is. Sure you might have some idea of what is in a space but sometimes we forget what we actually have. I know I sure do!
The best thing to do is to sort through your belongings first and decide what you’re actually keeping. Then, and only then, should you make a list of the products you need to buy. Make sure to measure the areas where you’ll be placing the storage containers so you can purchase ones that will fit. Remember to include the space between shelves as well as the depth and width.
Doing this helps you to get the right number and type of storage products.
2. Use Broad Categories
Using broad categories that encompass similar items is definitely one of the organization secrets you need to know. For example, label a bin “Tea” instead of labeling it “Earl Grey Tea”.
It might seem like a great idea to be extremely specific when categorizing items but this can make it difficult to keep up with your storage system. As a result, you’ll probably abandon it and stash stuff anywhere.
3. Don’t Buy Too Many Varieties of Products
I understand how difficult it is to stick to just one type of container when you are shopping. I have a small obsession with storage bins and baskets. Not only are they functional, they are so pretty!
Having too many types of storage container in one space is a sure-fire way to make that area look just as cluttered as it did before you organized it.
Before you shop, decide on a colour palette and stick to that when you select your products. Most stores have a wide variety of colours and patterns that work with any style.
4. Be Practical
One of the many organization secrets is to make sure you’re being practical about how your store your stuff. Consider how often you access things. Don’t place frequently used items too high, too low or at the back of a cupboard.
Think about where and how you use things and store them within an arm’s reach. Instead of shoving all of your mugs into a cupboard, create a tea station near to the kettle. Store pens and a notepad near to the phone. Think about your routines and let your storage system enhance them.
Read 12 Clutter Hotspots and How To Banish Them For Good.
5. Don’t Place Items Too High
Don’t store breakable or heavy things high up. I have seen people place dishes on the top shelf of the top cupboard. That’s just plain dangerous and you’ll probably end up chipping or cracking your plates. Unless you very rarely use something, if you have it stored too high, you’ll get frustrated every time you need it.
The only things I recommend storing at a level where you need a step stool or ladder are items you seldom reach for e.g. seasonal decorations. Products that you bought in bulk, such as paper napkins or toilet paper can also be placed high up as they are not heavy.
6. Open Space Is A Good Thing
Some people feel that having extra space on a shelf or in a cupboard is a signal that they can add more stuff to the space. Resist that urge. Some open space is actually a good thing!
If every time you open a cupboard door, you fear an avalanche, it’s a sign that you have too many items stored in one place. The same is true if you can barely ever pull a drawer open. This is one of the organizing mistakes many people make.
You should group like items together but if you have a ton of similar things, then it’s okay to separate them. Display the items that are in use and your favourite things, then stash the rest in a basket or covered bin nearby.
7. Use Vertical Space
Don’t just think about shelves and drawers when you want to organize your home. There are vertical spaces everywhere and you just have to be creative in how you use them. Utilize walls, the back of doors and even the roof to store your stuff.
Install hooks on walls, under shelves or even on the roof. Attach S-hooks to closet bars to hang accessories and use Command hooks in areas you don’t want to damage. Hang shoe organizers on walls or on the back of doors. They’re great for storing everything under the sun including shoes.
8. Store Items Correctly
Be sure that how and where you are storing your possessions doesn’t damage them. For long-term storage, place items in airtight, waterproof storage bins in a cool dry area. This protects them from dust, bugs and water.
Clean clothing and linens first to avoid finding your favourite sweater moth-eaten the next year when you pull it out.
9. Don’t Ignore Habits
The best organization systems are ones that can easily be maintained. Think about your habits and those of your family’s. If someone is naturally messy, don’t store their belongings on open shelves because they won’t keep them tidy.
Instead utilize cupboards and baskets or bins that hide the mess and make it easy for the person to just stash their stuff. The mess will be contained and your home will still look organized.
10. Be Mindful of What You Bring Home
The biggest of the organization secrets is taking the time to think about what you bring into your home.
Consider every item before you purchase it. Do you really need it? Do you have a place for it? Is there already something you own that serves a similar purpose?
When you stop to think about these questions, it cuts down on the amount of stuff you own and have to store. This also helps you to save money as you will be far less likely to buy things you don’t absolutely need and love.
Read How To Create Better Money Habits And Control Impulse Spending
Many people don’t know these organization secrets and watch their systems fall apart. Now you know what to consider, you can decluttter your home and keep it that way. Shhh! Let’s keep these secrets just between me and you.
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