1. The Magic of Baskets
Baskets are not only decorative but also functional. They can be used to store a wide variety of items, from toys to magazines and blankets. They come in different sizes, shapes, and styles which you can match with your home decor.
For instance, you can use a medium-sized basket to store all your remote controls in the living room. This way, you won’t have to spend a lot of time looking for a remote when you want to watch TV. You can also use a large basket to store your kids’ toys. After they finish playing, they can easily toss the toys into the basket, making clean-up a breeze.
2. The One In, One Out Rule
The one in, one out rule is a simple and effective way to manage clutter. The rule is simple: for every new item that you bring into your home, you have to get rid of an old one.
This rule is especially helpful for managing clothes clutter. For instance, if you buy a new pair of shoes, get rid of an old pair that you no longer wear. This way, you keep your closet space manageable and prevent accumulation of clothes that you don’t need. It might be difficult to implement this rule at first, but once you get used to it, it becomes second nature.
3. Utilize Wall Space
Often, when we think of storage, we think of closets, drawers, and shelves. However, your walls offer a great storage solution. Installing floating shelves, hooks, or pegboards can help you store and display items, freeing up floor space.
For example, in the kitchen, you can install a pegboard to hang your pots and pans. This not only saves you cabinet space but also makes it easy for you to find and reach for the pot or pan you need. In the bathroom, you can install hooks on the wall to hang towels, freeing up closet space.
4. Maximize Vertical Space
Just like walls, vertical spaces in your house are often overlooked in terms of storage. Maximizing these spaces can greatly reduce clutter in your home.
For instance, you can install shelves above doors and windows, where space is usually wasted. These shelves can be used to store books, display decorative items, or hold baskets full of miscellaneous items. In your closet, you can use hanging organizers to store shoes, scarves, or belts, freeing up shelf and drawer space.
5. Store Items Where You Use Them
Storing items where you use them not only makes your life easier but also reduces clutter. It ensures that every item has a designated place, making it easy to find and put away.
For example, store your coffee mugs and coffee maker near each other in the kitchen. This way, you won’t have to move around looking for a mug when you want to make coffee. In the bathroom, store your hair products near the mirror where you style your hair.
6. Use Furniture with Built-in Storage
Furniture with built-in storage is a great way to reduce clutter. It serves dual purposes: providing seating or surface space and offering storage.
For instance, an ottoman with storage can be used to store blankets, magazines, or toys. A bed with drawers can be used to store clothes or shoes, freeing up closet space. A coffee table with storage can be used to store books, remote controls, or coasters.
7. Organize with Labels
Labels are a simple yet effective way to manage clutter. They help you know where everything is, making it easy to find and put away items.
For example, in the kitchen, you can label jars and containers with the contents and expiration date. This way, you won’t have to guess what’s in a jar or when it expires. In the office, you can label file folders with the contents, making it easy to find a document when you need it.
8. Regular Decluttering Sessions
Regular decluttering sessions are a must to keep clutter under control. Set aside time every week or month to go through your items and get rid of what you no longer need or use.
For example, you can have a monthly decluttering session where you go through your clothes and get rid of what you haven’t worn in a while. You can also have a weekly session where you go through your papers and get rid of what you no longer need.
9. Use Drawer Organizers
Drawer organizers are great for keeping your drawers neat and tidy. They come in different sizes and shapes, allowing you to customize your storage.
For instance, in the kitchen, you can use drawer organizers to store your utensils, separating spoons, forks, and knives. This way, you won’t have to rummage through the drawer to find what you need. In your office, you can use drawer organizers to store your stationery, separating pens, pencils, and markers.
10. Clear Kitchen Counters
Keeping your kitchen counters clear can make your kitchen look cleaner and bigger. Store your appliances in the cabinets and only leave out what you use daily.
For example, if you only use your blender once a week, store it in the cabinet and only bring it out when you need it. This leaves you more counter space to prepare your meals and makes cleaning easier.
11. Have a Landing Strip
A landing strip is a place near the entrance of your home where you can drop off your items when you come in. It can be a small table, a shelf, or a bench.
For example, you can place a small table near your entrance where you can drop off your keys, mail, and purse. This way, you won’t have to scatter these items around the house, creating clutter.
12. Create a Paperless Kitchen
A paperless kitchen reduces clutter and is better for the environment. Instead of using paper towels, use cloth towels that can be washed and reused.
For instance, you can use cloth napkins during meals and cloth towels to clean up spills. You can also use a chalkboard or a whiteboard for your shopping list and recipes, instead of paper.
13. Use Multi-Purpose Items
Multi-purpose items save you space and reduce clutter. They serve more than one purpose, eliminating the need for multiple items.
For example, a sofa bed can be used as a sofa during the day and a bed at night. A dining table with leaves can be used as a small table for everyday use and extended for when you have guests.
15. Use Door Space
The space behind doors is often overlooked in terms of storage. However, it can be a great place to hang items, freeing up floor and wall space.
For example, you can hang a shoe organizer behind your closet door to store shoes, freeing up floor space. You can also hang hooks behind your bathroom door to hang towels, freeing up wall space.
16. Keep a Donation Box
Keeping a donation box in your home can be a great way to get rid of items you no longer need or use. Whenever you come across an item you don’t need, put it in the box.
For instance, if you come across a book that you’ve read and don’t plan to read again, put it in the box. Once the box is full, take it to a donation center.
17. Use Clear Plastic Bins for Storage
Clear plastic bins are great for storage as they allow you to see what’s inside. They also stack well, helping you maximize your storage space.
For example, you can use clear plastic bins to store your holiday decorations. This way, you can easily see what’s inside and find what you need without having to open each bin. You can also use them to store toys, crafts, or office supplies.