General Organizing Tips
🧹 General Organizing Tips
-
Start small – Begin with one drawer, shelf, or area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
-
Declutter first – Don’t organize what you don’t need. Sort items into Keep, Donate, Trash, or Relocate piles.
-
Group similar items – Store like with like (e.g., all cleaning supplies together, all office supplies together).
-
Label everything – Labels make it easy for everyone in the household to find (and return) items.
-
Use clear bins – Transparent containers help you see what’s inside without digging through boxes.
-
Go vertical – Use shelves, wall hooks, and over-the-door organizers to maximize space.
-
Create zones – Assign specific areas for specific categories (e.g., mail station, snack zone, craft corner).
-
Keep “everyday” items accessible – Store frequently used things at eye level, and seasonal or occasional items up high or down low.
-
Follow the “one in, one out” rule – When something new comes in, let something go.
-
Maintain daily – Spend 10–15 minutes a day tidying up to prevent clutter buildup.
🥫Kitchen:
-
Declutter First:
Remove expired food, duplicate tools, and items you never use before organizing. -
Group by Category
Keep similar items together — baking supplies, snacks, canned goods, spices, etc. -
Use Zones
Create zones for cooking, prepping, cleaning, and storing. For example: -
Cooking Zone: Pots, pans, utensils, oils, and spices near the stove.
-
Prep Zone: Cutting boards, knives, mixing bowls near your counter workspace.
-
Cleaning Zone: Soaps, sponges, dish towels under or near the sink.
-
Maximize Cabinet Space:
Use shelf risers, lazy Susans, and stackable bins to make the most of vertical space. -
Drawer Dividers:
Keep utensils, cutlery, and small gadgets neat and easy to find. -
Label Everything:
Clear labels help everyone in the household know where things go. -
Use Clear Containers:
Store dry goods (like flour, sugar, rice, or pasta) in clear airtight containers for visibility and freshness. -
Keep Counters Clear:
Only keep daily-use items (like a coffee maker or toaster) on your counters to maintain a clean look. -
Rotate Items:
Follow the “first in, first out” rule so food doesn’t expire in the back of the pantry. -
Utilize Door Space:
Add over-the-door racks for spices, wraps, or cleaning supplies. -
Categorize Shelves:
Dedicate shelves or bins for specific categories: snacks, breakfast items, canned goods, baking, pasta, etc. -
Use Bins and Baskets:
Contain loose or small items in labeled bins for easy access and tidy shelves. -
Decant Dry Goods:
Transfer bulk foods into matching containers to create a uniform, clutter-free look. -
Use Tiered Risers:
Store cans or condiments on tiered shelves so you can see everything at a glance. -
Adjust Shelves:
Move shelves up or down to better fit tall bottles or bulky items. -
Store Snacks at Eye Level (for kids):
Create a “grab & go” snack bin that’s easy for kids to reach. -
Label Clearly:
Use simple, consistent labels — either printed or handwritten — to make upkeep easier. -
Check Inventory Regularly:
Once a month, scan for expired or near-empty items. -
Use Turntables for Corners:
Lazy Susans are perfect for oils, vinegars, or sauces. -
Add Lighting:
Battery-operated motion lights make dark pantry corners visible and inviting.
👗 General Closet Organization Tips
-
Start with a Clean Slate:
Empty the entire closet so you can see everything you own and start fresh. -
Declutter First:
Sort items into keep, donate, sell, or toss piles. Be honest—if you haven’t worn it in a year, it might be time to let it go. -
Group by Category:
Separate clothing into categories like tops, pants, dresses, jackets, shoes, accessories, etc. -
Color Code:
Within each category, arrange items by color (light to dark). It looks neat and makes getting dressed easier. -
Use Matching Hangers:
Uniform hangers instantly make a closet look more organized and help clothes hang evenly. -
Maximize Vertical Space:
Add a second hanging rod for shorter items or install shelves above for storage bins and off-season clothes. -
Use Shelf Dividers:
Keep sweaters, jeans, or handbags stacked neatly without toppling over. -
Incorporate Bins and Baskets:
Perfect for accessories, belts, scarves, or seasonal items. -
Label Everything:
Labels help maintain order—especially if multiple people share the space. -
Utilize Door Space:
Over-the-door organizers can hold shoes, bags, or accessories.
👠 Closet Storage & Maintenance Tips
-
Rotate Seasonally:
-
Store off-season clothes in labeled bins or under-bed storage to make more room.
-
Use Clear or Labeled Boxes for Shoes:
Keeps pairs together and visible. -
Hang Strategically:
-
Long items (dresses, coats) on one side.
-
Shorter items (tops, pants) on another, with space below for bins or shoes.
-
Use Slim Drawer Organizers:
Perfect for socks, underwear, and jewelry drawers. -
Add Hooks or Racks:
Great for hats, handbags, or outfit planning. -
Add Lighting:
A well-lit closet makes it easier to see and maintain your system. -
Invest in Quality Storage Solutions:
Sturdy bins, velvet hangers, and drawer inserts make your system last. -
Maintain Weekly:
Do a quick tidy-up once a week to hang items back where they belong. -
Keep a Donation Bag Handy:
When you try something on and decide you don’t love it, drop it right into the bag. -
Make It Pretty:
Add a small rug, framed art, or scented sachets—when you love the space, you’ll keep it organized.
🧴 General Bathroom Organization Tips
-
Declutter First:
Toss expired products, empty containers, old makeup, and anything you no longer use. -
Group by Category:
Keep similar items together — skincare, haircare, dental care, medications, cleaning supplies, etc. -
Use Clear Containers or Bins:
Store products in clear or labeled bins so you can easily see what you have. -
Drawer Dividers:
Use small trays or dividers for makeup, hair accessories, or daily essentials. -
Maximize Vertical Space:
Add shelves or stackable bins inside cabinets or over the toilet for extra storage. -
Use Lazy Susans:
Great for under-sink cabinets to easily access products stored in the back. -
Keep Counters Clear:
Only keep daily-use items (like toothbrushes or face wash) on the counter. -
Use Matching Containers:
Decant soap, lotion, or cotton swabs into matching jars or bottles for a clean, cohesive look. -
Label Everything:
Especially helpful for shared bathrooms — everyone knows where things belong. -
Add Hooks or Towel Bars:
Hang towels, robes, or even baskets to keep items off the floor.
🧼 Under-Sink & Cabinet Organization Tips
-
Use Stackable Drawers or Baskets:
Separate cleaning supplies, toiletries, or backup items. -
Install Tension Rods:
Hang spray bottles from a tension rod under the sink to save space. -
Use a Pull-Out Organizer:
Makes it easier to access items stored deep in cabinets. -
Keep Backup Stock Together:
Designate a bin labeled “Extras” for things like extra toothpaste, soap, or shampoo. -
Protect the Base:
Line the bottom of cabinets with a mat to protect from leaks or spills.
🪞 Linen Closet & Small Space Tips
-
Roll or Fold Towels Neatly:
Store by size or color to make your closet look tidy and intentional. -
Use Baskets for Categories:
Group washcloths, extra toiletries, and cleaning supplies in labeled baskets. -
Add Shelf Dividers:
Keep stacks of towels or sheets from toppling over. -
Over-the-Door Organizers:
Perfect for small bathrooms — store hair tools, extra supplies, or cleaning items. -
Use Vertical Storage:
A tall, narrow shelving unit can hold towels, bins, or decorative jars.
🌿 Maintenance & Style Tips
-
Do a Monthly Edit:
Check for expired products or half-used bottles you don’t need. -
Create a Spa-Like Feel:
Add small touches like candles, plants, or a pretty tray for essentials. -
Keep a Donation or Disposal Bin:
For unused or unwanted products. -
Wipe Down Regularly:
Clean surfaces weekly to keep your space feeling fresh and organized. -
Keep Everyday Items Easy to Reach:
Store backups higher or lower — keep only daily items in your most accessible spots.
🗂️ General Office Organization Tips
-
Clear Everything Off First:
Start fresh by removing everything from your desk and drawers before reorganizing. -
Declutter Ruthlessly:
Toss old papers, dried pens, tangled cords, and anything you don’t use or love. -
Keep Only What You Need Daily on the Desk:
Computer, notepad, favorite pen, and maybe a small plant or photo — everything else can be stored nearby. -
Create Functional Zones:
-
Work Zone: Computer, planner, daily supplies.
-
Storage Zone: Files, office supplies, equipment.
-
Reference Zone: Books, manuals, inspiration materials.
-
-
Use Drawer Organizers:
Keep pens, paper clips, sticky notes, and small tools neatly separated. -
Go Vertical:
Add floating shelves, pegboards, or wall organizers to free up desk space. -
Label Everything:
Label drawers, file folders, and bins so everything has a home. -
Contain Cords:
Use cord clips, cable boxes, or ties to manage wires and chargers. -
Add Lighting:
A well-lit workspace boosts focus — add a desk lamp or under-shelf lighting. -
Keep Personal Touches Minimal:
A few inspiring items are great, but too many can become visual clutter.
📁 Paper & File Organization Tips
-
Go Digital When Possible:
Scan receipts, notes, and documents to reduce paper piles. -
Set Up a Simple Filing System:
Use categories like To Do, To File, Reference, and Archive. -
Use Color-Coding:
Assign colors to categories (e.g., green for finances, blue for clients, red for personal). -
Limit Incoming Paper:
Open mail immediately, recycle junk, and file or act on the rest right away. -
Keep a “To-File” Tray:
For papers you’ll organize weekly — not daily clutter piles. -
Shred Sensitive Documents:
Regularly shred papers you no longer need but that contain personal information.
🖥️ Digital Organization Tips
-
Declutter Your Desktop:
Keep only shortcuts or current projects visible. -
Create Consistent Folder Names:
Use clear, uniform naming (e.g., “ClientName_ProjectName_2025”). -
Back Up Regularly:
Store important files on the cloud or an external drive. -
Unsubscribe from Unnecessary Emails:
Reduce inbox clutter by setting filters and unsubscribing from newsletters. -
Set a Weekly “Digital Cleanup Day”:
Delete old files, empty your trash, and tidy up your email inbox.
🪴 Maintenance & Productivity Tips
-
End Each Day with a 5-Minute Reset:
Put everything back where it belongs and prep for the next day. -
Use a Planner or Digital Task System:
Keep track of deadlines and priorities. -
Keep Supplies Minimal:
Only stock what you use regularly — store extras elsewhere. -
Add Plants or Artwork:
A touch of greenery or inspiration boosts mood and focus. -
Revisit Every 3–6 Months:
Do a mini declutter session to maintain your system.