Let’s Get Organized
Organizing your home can seem like a daunting task–for us it is a constant battle to keep an organized house, especially since our oldest daughter’s 1st birthday! But we recently started all over again in preparation for our 4th baby! Recently I read a post from Abby Organizes and she gave some wonderful ideas to help on our organizing journey!
We are still going through each room of our house currently, but breaking it down room by room has made the process manageable and even enjoyable. This guide will walk you through what steps we are doing to declutter, organize, and maintain each room in your house. While we are not finished yet- after much researching (trail and error haha) I will be covering what we have used to organize, with the best labels and products to use, how to prioritize rooms, and the benefits of an organized life.
Choosing Where to Start
Start with the room that causes you the most stress or disruption in your daily life. Often, this is the kitchen, as it’s a high-traffic area and essential for daily functioning. Once the most problematic room is tackled, follow this suggested order:
1. Kitchen
2. Living Room
3. Bedroom(s)
4. Bathroom
5. Home Office
6. Entryway
7. Garage/Basement/Storage Areas
Room-by-Room Guide
Kitchen
What to organize
- Pantry
- Cabinets and Drawers
- Refrigerator
- Countertops
Best Products
- Clear storage containers for pantry items
- Drawer dividers
- Lazy Susans for spices and condiments
- Over-the-door organizers for additional storage
Labels
- Use waterproof, easy-to-read labels for pantry containers
- Color-coded labels for different types of food (e.g. blue for grains, green for snacks)
Tips
- Remove expired items
- Group similar Items together
- Maximize vertical space with shelf risers
Having an organized kitchen really does change your life, it makes things like meal prep, a place for your kids to do their school work, a gathering place all more enjoyable. I notice when our kitchen is clean an organized it makes me want to go on in and be creative! Like experimenting with a new recipe for French Brioche!
Living Room
What to organize
- Media Center
- Bookshelves
- Coffee tables and side tables
- Remote Controls and Electronics
Best Products
- Cable management boxes
- Storage ottomans
- Floating shelves
- Magazine holders
Labels
- Label electronic cables and chargers to avoid confusion
- Use decorative labels for baskets and bins
Tips
- Keep only current reading material on coffee tables
- Create zones for different activities (e.g. reading nook, TV area)
Bedrooms
what to organize
- Closet
- Dresser drawers
- Nightstands
- Desk
- Bookshelves
Best Products
- Under-bed storage bins
- Drawer organizers
- Velvet Hangers (space saving hangers for pants/shirts/skirts etc) for more space
- Jewelry organizers
- Desk top organizers
Labels
- Label storage bins for out-of-season clothes
- Use tags for identifying shoe boxes
Tips
- Donate clothes you haven’t worn in a year
- Organize clothes by type (short or long sleeve/ shorts or pants/ dresses or skirts)
- Organize by color
- Store items by frequency of use (e.g. daily wear in easy-to-reach places)
Bathrooms
what to organize
- Medicine cabinet
- Under-sink storage
- Shower Caddy
- Linens
Best Products
- Stackable acrylic drawers
- Over-the-door towel racks
- Wall-mounted dispensers for soaps
Labels
- Waterproof labels for under-sink organizer
- Label medication with expiration dates
Tips
- Discard expired products
- Use small trays to corral daily-use items
Home Office
What to organize
- Desk drawers
- filing cabinets
- Bookshelves
Best Products
- Desk drawer organizers
- File folders and holders
- Cable organizers
Labels
- Color-coded labels for files (e.g. red for urgent, blue for long-term storage)
- Label drawers and bins for supplies
Tips
- Digitize important documents to reduce paper clutter
- Create a daily filing system to keep paperwork under control
Entryway
What to organize
- Coat closet
- Shoe rack
- Key and mail station
Best Products
- Wall hooks for coats and bags
- Shoe cubbies
- Mail sorter
Labels
- Label hooks with family members’ names
- Use tags for identifying shoe storage
Tips
- Keep only season outerwear in the entryway closet
- Designate a spot for keys and mail to avoid misplacement
Garage/Basement/Storage Areas
I will say this is predominantly Gordy’s area that he maintained so he has things pretty well organized to how he can find them, but this is the basics of how we started!
What to organize
- Tools
- Seasonal items
- Sports equipment
- Longterm Food Storage etc
- Misc.
Best Products
- Pegboards for tools
- Clear bins for visibility
- Heavy-duty shelving units
- Food Storage bins
Labels
- Use large, easy-to-read labels for bins
- Color-coded labels for different types of items (e.g. red/green for Christmas decorations, black/orange for Halloween)
Tips
- Hang tools on pegboards to save space
- Store rarely used items in hard-to reach places
Simplifying Your Organization
Purge Regularly
Regularly go through your items and donate or discard anything you don’t need or use.
Create Systems
Develop simple systems for daily tasks, such as a mail sorting station or a dedicated laundry area.
Use Uniform Storage
Matching storage bins and containers create a cohesive look and simplify stacking and storing.
Benefits of an Organized Life
Reduced Stress:
An organized home can reduce stress and anxiety, creating a more peaceful environment.
Increased Productivity:
Finding what you need quickly saves time and boosts productivity.
Enhanced Well-Being:
A tidy space promotes a sense of well-being and can improve your mood and mental health.
Better Spae Utilization:
Maximizing your space allows you to enjoy your home more fully.
Epilogue
Organizing your home room by room doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By using the right products, labeling systems, and following a structured plan, you can transform your space into a haven of order and tranquility. Start with the room that needs the most attention, and enjoy the benefits of a well-organized home.
Happy organizing!
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