Mastering Home Organization: 5 Expert Tips from The Perfect Square Organizing Company
In the chaos of daily life, our homes can quickly become cluttered, disorganized spaces that add stress rather than tranquillity to our lives. But fear not! With a few savvy tips, you can transform your living space into a haven of order and efficiency. I’ve gathered five DIY home organizing tips that I share with my client’s after I help them organize their space to help declutter and streamline their home with ease.
1. Declutter with Purpose
I often begin the process by decluttering, and there’s a reason—it’s the foundation of a well-organized home. However, decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things; it’s about making deliberate choices to keep what adds value to your life.
Start by tackling one area at a time. Whether it’s a closet, a drawer, or a room, focus on sorting items into categories: keep, donate, toss. The key is to be ruthless yet thoughtful. If an item hasn’t been used or doesn’t bring you joy, it might be time to part ways.
For clothes, the “hanger trick” works wonders. Hang all your clothes with the hangers facing one way. As you wear items, turn the hanger in the opposite direction. After a few months, it’s easy to see which clothes you wear and which ones can find a new home.
2. Create Zones for Efficiency
Once the clutter is cleared, it’s time to create designated zones for different activities and items. This step is crucial for maintaining organization in the long term. Assign specific areas for tasks like bill-paying, crafting, or reading.
In the kitchen, for example, create a cooking zone with all your pots, pans, and cooking utensils in one convenient location. Designate a spot for incoming mail and another for outgoing items like bills to be mailed.
Labeling can be your best friend in these zones. Invest in a label maker or use chalkboard labels for a flexible solution. Clear containers and bins also work wonders for keeping items contained and easily accessible.
3. Maximize Vertical Space
Professional organizers know the power of utilizing vertical space, especially in smaller homes or rooms. Walls are valuable real estate for storage, and there are countless DIY solutions to make the most of them.
Install floating shelves in the living room to display books, photos, or decorative items. In the kitchen, mount a pegboard for pots, pans, and cooking utensils. Don’t forget about the often-overlooked space behind doors—over-the-door organizers are perfect for shoes, cleaning supplies, or even pantry items.
For closets, invest in a variety of hanging organizers—from shoe racks to tiered sweater shelves. These simple additions can double or triple your storage capacity without taking up valuable floor space.
4. Streamline with Storage Solutions
Storage solutions come in all shapes and sizes, and the key is to find what works best for your space and needs. Professional organizers often recommend clear containers for a visual cue of what’s inside.
For smaller items like office supplies, makeup, or toys, drawer dividers are a game-changer. They keep everything in its place and make it easy to find what you need at a glance. In the pantry, invest in airtight containers for dry goods like pasta, rice, and snacks—they not only keep food fresh but also create a cohesive, organized look.
Don’t forget about furniture with hidden storage potential. Ottomans with removable tops, coffee tables with drawers, and bed frames with built-in drawers all offer extra space to stash items out of sight.
5. Establish Daily Habits for Maintenance
Finally, the key to long-lasting organization is establishing daily habits that keep clutter at bay. I can’t stress the importance of a nightly tidy-up routine.
Before bed, take a few minutes to do a quick sweep of the main living areas. Put away items that have strayed from their designated spots, file away paperwork, and clear countertops of any clutter. It’s amazing how a few minutes each day can prevent overwhelming messes from accumulating.
Incorporate these habits into your family’s routine as well. Encourage everyone to put away toys, shoes, and other items before bedtime. Designate a “drop zone” near the entryway for keys, bags, and jackets to avoid cluttering up other areas of the home.
What’s important to remember is that mastering home organization doesn’t have to be daunting. By following these top five DIY tips, you can transform your space into a clutter-free oasis of efficiency and peace. Start with decluttering mindfully, create zones for specific tasks, make use of vertical space, invest in storage solutions, and establish daily maintenance habits. With a little effort and intention, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a well-organized home in no time!
-Tania
