Let’s face it:those perfectly curated Instagram feeds and Pinterest boards can make us believe that a beautifully organized home is only achievable with a shopping cart full of matching bins, baskets, and labels. But guess what? That’s simply not true!
While having the right tools can certainly be helpful, the truth is you can conquer clutter and create an organized oasis without breaking the bank or filling your home with unnecessary products.
Before you embark on another TikTok fueled shopping spree, let’s dive into some simple, practical organization strategies that will set you on the path to a clutter-free home.
Simplify Your Possessions
One of the most important steps in getting your home organized is to simplify your possessions. This means getting rid of items that you no longer need, use, or love. By doing so, you’ll have less clutter to organize, and it will be easier to find a home for the items that you do keep.
To simplify your possessions, start by going through each room in your home and making a pile of items that you want to donate, sell, or discard. Be honest with yourself about what you really need and use on a regular basis. Remember, the less you have, the less you need to organize.
Maximize Your Existing Storage
Before you rush out to buy more storage solutions, take a look at the storage you already have in your home. You may be surprised at how much space you’re not using to its full potential.
For example, if you have a closet with a single hanging rod, you may be able to double your hanging space by adding a second rod or installing a hanging organizer. If you have a bookshelf that’s only half-full, consider rearranging your books or adding decorative storage baskets to fill the empty space.
By maximizing your existing storage, you can create a more organized space without spending any money on additional products.
Use Multi-Purpose Items
Instead of buying products that are designed for one specific purpose, look for items that can serve multiple functions. For example, a basket can be used to store blankets, magazines, or toys, depending on the room it’s in. A wooden tray can be used to corral jewelry on a dresser, or to organize spices in a kitchen cabinet.
By using multi-purpose items, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also have fewer products to store and maintain.
DIY Your Storage Solutions
If you’re feeling crafty, consider DIYing your storage solutions instead of buying them. There are countless tutorials online for creating your own storage bins, drawer dividers, and shelving units.
Not only is DIYing your storage solutions a great way to save money, but it also allows you to create custom solutions that fit your specific needs and personal decor style.
Shop Smarter for Organizational Products You Do Need
I’m not saying here that you should ignore organization focused products altogether, some can be very helpful. However, you should shop smart when purchasing them, rather than getting sidetracked by stuff you see promoted on Instagram or that has ‘gone viral on TikTok’ that you really don’t need.
As a professional organizer, I do indeed often make use of some products when organizing clients’ homes, and you may need to as well. Here are some tips to keep in mind to avoid buying things that you don’t need and that may well end up only adding to the clutter in your home that is already preventing it from being truly organized.
Storage Bins and Baskets
Storage bins and baskets come in a huge variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, making them versatile for any room in your home. For example, you might use smaller bins in your closet to organize socks and underwear, or larger ones in your garage to store sports equipment.
When choosing storage bins and baskets, consider the material they’re made from. Plastic bins are durable and lightweight, making them a great choice for storage in a garage or basement. Wicker baskets are stylish and can add a touch of warmth to your decor, making them ideal for living areas or bedrooms. Additionally, look for bins or baskets with lids to keep items dust-free and to create a cleaner look.
Drawer Organizers
If you really struggle to keep your drawers organized, drawer organizers may work well for you. They help keep drawers tidy and make it easy to find what you need. There are a variety of drawer organizers available, including ones for utensils, makeup, and jewelry.
When selecting drawer organizers, think about the items you need to store and the size of your drawers. For example, if you have a lot of makeup, you may want to opt for a larger organizer with adjustable compartments. If you’re organizing a kitchen drawer, you may want to look for organizers that have specific slots for knives, forks, and spoons.
Shelving Units
Shelving units can be a great way to add storage space to any room in your home. They can be used for books, collectibles, or even kitchen appliances. There are a variety of shelving units available, including ones with adjustable shelves and ones that can be mounted on the wall.
When selecting a shelving unit, think about the space you have available and what you need to store. For example, if you’re using a shelving unit in your living room to display books and collectibles, you may want to opt for a unit with adjustable shelves so you can customize the space. If you’re using a shelving unit in your kitchen to store appliances, you may want to look for a unit with a mix of open shelves and cabinets.
One final note here: make sure you’ll be able to assemble and install the shelving unit(s) you choose. I have been to more than one clients’ home and found unused shelving units, still in their boxes, hidden among the clutter in a garage or basement that were purchased with the best intentions, but then discarded when they proved too hard to put together or impossible to mount.
Hooks and Hangers
Hooks and hangers can be an easy way and often inexpensive way to add storage space to your home without taking up too much room. They can be used in a variety of spaces, including closets, bathrooms, and entryways.
When choosing hooks and hangers, think about the items you need to store and the space you have available. For example, if you’re using hooks in your closet to store belts and scarves, you may want to look for ones with multiple hooks to maximize the space. If you’re using hangers in your entryway to store coats and bags, you may want to look for ones with a shelf on top for additional storage.
Labeling Supplies
Labeling supplies are an important part of many home organization projects. They help you keep track of what’s stored in each container or drawer, making it easy to find what you need.
When selecting labeling supplies, think about the size and material of the containers or drawers you’re labeling.
For example, if you’re using plastic bins, you may want to use a label maker to create durable labels that won’t peel off. If you’re labeling drawers in a wooden dresser, you may want to use labels that ARE easy to remove so that you do not damage your furniture when doing so.
Focus on Systems, Not Products
Finally, remember that home organization is more about creating systems than it is about buying products. An organizational system is simply a set of habits or routines that help you keep your home tidy and functional.
For example, you might create a system for sorting mail as soon as it enters your home, or a system for putting away dishes as soon as they’re clean. By focusing on systems rather than products, you’ll be able to create a more sustainable and long-lasting organizational system.
So while it can be tempting to buy all sorts of products to get your home organized, the truth is that you don’t need to. By simplifying your possessions, maximizing your existing storage, using multi-purpose items, DIYing your storage solutions, and focusing on organizational systems rather than products, you can create a tidy and functional space without breaking the bank.
Let Us Help You Get Organized
Ready to ditch the overwhelm and finally create a home that feels both functional and beautiful? Sometimes, having a fresh perspective and a helping hand can make all the difference. If the thought of tackling your clutter alone feels daunting, reach out to us!
At Just Organized by Taya, our Houston-based team is passionate about creating personalized organization solutions that work for your life, not some idealized version. Let’s chat about your unique needs and goals, and see how we can transform your space into a haven of calm and order.
Your dream of a clutter-free home is closer than you think. Let’s get started!
Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608
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