Keeping your space tidy can feel overwhelming, especially when life gets busy. Finding smart, simple ways to store your belongings helps you stay organized without adding stress.
These 14 storage tricks help you maximize your space and keep everything easy to find. By using practical ideas, you can create a more orderly home that fits your daily routine.
Create an everyday caddy for frequently used items
You can save time by keeping your most-used items in one portable caddy. Choose a sturdy container with compartments to store things like pens, keys, chargers, or makeup.
Keep the caddy in a central spot so you can grab what you need quickly. This simple habit helps reduce clutter and keeps essentials within easy reach.
Use wall-mounted baskets instead of dressers
You can save floor space by using wall-mounted baskets to store clothes and accessories. They keep items visible and easy to grab without bulky furniture.
Baskets work well for socks, underwear, or scarves, while your main pieces can hang in the closet. This approach helps maintain a tidy and open room feel.
Plus, wall baskets are versatile and easy to move or rearrange when your storage needs change.
Sort, purge, organize, then containerize
Start by sorting everything out. Take your items and divide them into Keep, Toss, and Maybe piles.
Next, purge what you no longer need. Removing clutter makes space for what truly matters.
Organize your chosen items by category or use. This helps you find things quickly.
Finally, containerize. Use boxes, bins, or baskets to keep similar items together and tidy. This step keeps your space neat and makes cleanup easier.
Implement a ‘one in, one out’ rule for clutter
You can keep clutter under control by using the “one in, one out” rule. Whenever you bring a new item home, choose one to remove.
This simple habit helps prevent your space from filling up without you noticing. It works well with clothes, gadgets, or kitchen stuff.
Sticking to this rule encourages mindful buying and makes organizing easier over time. It’s a small step that keeps your home feeling balanced.
Set a regular timer for quick tidy sessions
You can make tidying less overwhelming by setting a timer for a short period, like 15 to 30 minutes. When the timer starts, focus only on organizing or decluttering without distractions.
This approach helps you stay committed and breaks tasks into manageable chunks. It’s easier to fit quick tidy-ups into your day, and you’ll see progress regularly without feeling drained.
Designate a drop zone near the entry for keys and mail
Create a small area by your entryway where you can drop keys, mail, and other daily essentials. This helps prevent clutter from piling up in random spots.
You can use hooks, trays, or small baskets to keep everything in one place. Choosing a spot that’s easy to reach makes it simple to maintain.
Having a clear drop zone saves you time searching for items and keeps your home feeling more organized.
Toss junk mail immediately at the door
When you bring mail inside, make it a habit to sort it right away. Keep a bin or basket near your front door to toss junk mail immediately.
This simple step stops clutter from piling up and keeps your space tidy. You’ll save time by dealing with mail in small doses instead of a big mess later.
Use cutlery drawer organizers for kitchen utensils
Using cutlery drawer organizers helps keep your utensils neatly separated. You can easily find what you need without rummaging through clutter.
Choose organizers with multiple compartments to fit different utensil sizes. This also maximizes your drawer space.
Keep in mind, some organizers may not work well with oddly shaped utensils. Pick one that fits your kitchen tools comfortably.
Repurpose tiny trays for small items like hair ties and pins
You can use small trays to neatly store tiny items like hair ties, bobby pins, and clips. These trays keep everything visible and easy to grab when you need them.
Try placing a decorative tray on your nightstand or bathroom counter. It helps avoid clutter and stops small accessories from getting lost in drawers.
Using trays also makes it simple to move your items if you’re tidying up or heading out the door. It’s a practical way to keep things organized.
Adopt the ‘do it, delegate it, dump it’ method for paper
When dealing with paper clutter, use the 4 D’s to stay organized. For each document, decide if you need to do it by taking immediate action.
If the paper requires someone else’s input, delegate it to the right person.
Some papers don’t need your attention at all—dump it to clear space.
If a task can wait, simply delay it by scheduling a time to review later. This method helps you control paper without overwhelm.
Use labeled bins to group similar items
Using labeled bins helps you keep like items together, making it easier to find what you need. Clear bins let you see inside without opening them, but labels add extra clarity.
When more than one person is using the space, labels prevent confusion. You can quickly identify where things belong, which saves time and keeps your area tidy.
Keep a daily 10-minute declutter routine
Set a timer for 10 minutes each day to tidy a small area. This keeps clutter from building up and makes decluttering less overwhelming.
Focus on quick tasks like clearing countertops, tossing junk mail, or organizing a drawer.
By making this a daily habit, you’ll keep your space more organized without needing long, exhausting cleanups.
Store folded clothes in baskets rather than hanging
You can save space by folding clothes and placing them in baskets instead of hanging everything. Baskets keep your items contained and easy to grab.
Folding clothes neatly also helps you see what you have without digging through piles. Try vertical folding so you can view each piece like files in a drawer.
Using baskets lets you mix different clothing types in one spot while keeping things tidy and accessible. It’s a simple way to avoid overcrowded hangers.
Use clear containers to easily spot contents
Using clear containers helps you quickly see what’s inside without opening them. This saves time and keeps your space more organized.
You can stack these containers to maximize space while still knowing where everything is. Adding labels is optional but can help if you store similar items.
Clear bins work well in places like the pantry, closet, or garage. You’ll spend less time searching and more time enjoying a tidy space.
