How to properly organize your home? Organizing your home can be a very cathartic exercise: putting everything in exactly its place, each individual item in a designated place, with no clutter in sight (don’t open the drawers on the hall table).
That’s a real ASMR level tingle, isn’t it? Nope ? Only U.S ? Even if tidying up isn’t your thing, nothing says “My life is perfect and organized” better than a tidy space. And before my fellow maximalists jump in, organization doesn’t equate to minimalism — it can actually mean quite the opposite. Consider these home organization ideas as (hopefully) helpful tips for getting the most out of your space, no matter how small. You will find below our secrets of.
1. Ladder your shelves
Staggered shelving not only looks good, it also allows you to play with height, providing more storage space for taller, more sculptural items.
2. A tote for every occasion
It’s no secret that we love catch-all dishes. Rather than stocking up on brand new trays and dishes to store your jewelry or random trinkets, shop a little more sustainably and go in search of thrifty finds. Follow in the footsteps of our favorite antique dealers, like Wildfang Home, Home Thangs and The Lam Label, so you’ll never run out of a swan dish again (see below for another dish).
3. Decant everything
There’s nothing like opening a cupboard to see all your grains, legumes, spices, and other produce in neatly lined mason jars. Go the extra mile and throw an etiquette party.
4. Designate a play space
Designating a play space for your little ones is a great way to shore up the inevitable mess of toys left behind after an afternoon of playtime. Choose a rug or blanket that is larger than the dedicated space to make everything more comfortable.
5. Opt for a Murphy bed with built-in storage
Murphy beds are really ahead of the curve for home organization or space saving, especially those that include shelves and cabinets. They optimize floor space and are perfect for any home, especially studio apartments.
6. While you’re at it, try a foldable desk
Just like a Murphy bed, this desk can be tucked away. The small area will motivate you to stay organized and not let too much clutter pile up.
7. Consider a bench with storage
Whether built-in or freestanding, a bench with storage space at the base could be just what you need. Are you renovating? Consider a built-in bench that opens for more storage and top it all off with newly upholstered cushions. These recessed benches are perfect for seating in any corner.
8. Use your library for more than books
A tale as old as time but hey, it really works. Add jars and trays to the shelves for maximum organization.
9. Store your clothes in your sideboard
For those of us with a little too much clothes and way too little closet space, this is great organization. No one needs to know your winter sweaters are stacked behind those sliding wooden panels.
10. Invest in multipurpose furniture
It’s no secret that wardrobes and chests of drawers are usually very expensive. We suggest a piece of furniture that does it all. Choose a wardrobe/dressing room combination to ensure you have enough space to hang and fold.
11. Hang What You Can
While we usually see pans hanging in kitchens, hanging your visually appealing cutting boards on your wall is another great way to free up coveted counter space.
12. Use wider shelves
Place taller items like a record player or a sculptural vase on wider shelves, or even add a chair and use a low hanging shelf as a desk.
13. Organize the clutter with large trays
And we’re back with our beloved trays! This time around, we suggest placing a larger tray on a coffee table or console table to house a variety of belongings that tend to be lying around. Follow Hannah Dahl (below) and turn any table into a mobile bar.
14. Use fireplace space
Mantelpieces provide ample ledges for artwork, large mirrors and ever-growing candle collections.
15. Not your usual magazine rack
Magazine racks don’t need to be reminiscent of nail salons and doctor’s offices – just ask the one below. Store magazines and books in a custom-made rack to be seen…
16. Bet on roulette
For whatever reason, no matter the size, kitchens can always use the extra storage for organization. Pull-down buffets are a useful way to add counter space, not just for bowls and plates.
17. Turn your walls into an art gallery
Do you have frames lying around? Organize them in a fun way by creating a gallery wall. The beauty of it all is that you don’t have to commit to a big piece of art — swap frames every time you pick up something new.
18. Hang Your Shoes
Shoes take up an ungodly place and always seem to be lying around everywhere. Try a shoe rack above the door.
19. Take advantage of hard-to-reach places
Line up sturdy door frames with antique bottles or decorative objects to create a whimsical and unexpected ambiance.
20. Be creative in how you hang
Whether you leave your outfit of tomorrow on the (turned off) radiator in your bathroom or use your sconces as a necklace holder, if you let your imagination run wild, just about anything can be used for hanging…
21. Stack your storage
Efficiently organize take-out menus and important documents using stackable files or smaller boxes.
22. Use windowsills
Often overlooked, the windowsill is the perfect counter for all those trinkets we were talking about earlier.
23. Choose a kitchen island with hidden storage
A kitchen classic, islands with hidden shelves are perfect for large pots, pans, juicers, and even cookbooks.
24. Stack
Use small decorative chairs that your guests probably won’t want to sit on anyway (it’s not about comfort, it’s about style…) and add a stack of books row. Top it all off with a vase full of fresh peonies, and you’ve got a new (and organized) favorite nook.
25. Jars, jars and more jars
We’ll say it once and we’ll say it again: jars are the best organization hack ever. There’s one for every occasion. Check out these multi-purpose containers from HAY that are perfect for storing cotton swabs, cotton balls or other toiletries…
26. Don’t be (too) afraid of the radiator
Although safety comes first, in the warmer months when your radiator is off, add a thin tray on top to accommodate candles, vases and even a potted plant or two.
27. Build shelves in the wall
By placing shelves in the wall, you not only save space, but also create the possibility of better organization. It’s a win-win situation.
28. Add a pegboard
A cardboard wall is an interesting way to organize everything from kitchen utensils to gym equipment.
29. Coordinate the color of your books
Organizing your books by color is a great exercise in decluttering and remembering the books you actually have in your collection.
30. Buy an acrylic container or two
Acrylic containers, especially those with built-in dividers, are great for organizing makeup and any other miniature products that can easily cause a serious mess.