4 Tips for Organizing Your Home
Life can be chaotic and sometimes your home can reflect that. If you’re anything like me, it can be challenging to find the time to organize your home when you’re trying to balance work, family, and a hyper pup!
However, there is no rush to declutter everything at once. Organization experts suggest starting small and tackling one space of your house at a time. Walk around your home and assess the spaces that need to be organized and schedule it. It's best to choose a place that you use a lot in your house which will make a huge impact on your day-to-day life.
You can also use the Focus 15 method. All you need to do is set a timer for 15 minutes and focus on doing one task during that time. You will be surprised at how much can be done in just fifteen minutes and quite often that productivity adrenaline will keep you going long after your alarm sounds.
Below are some tips on how to stay organized. Don’t forget to have a donation bin around while you organize for any unused or gently used items:
1) Coordinate the Closet
When I’m on the go, choosing an outfit is time consuming enough; I don’t always have time to put everything away before I rush for the door.
You don't need to spend a lot of money (or any!) to make a functional closet. Start by revamping your organizing methods by downsizing your wardrobe, rotating seasonal clothing, and use clever folding and stacking methods. If you’re unsure of which items to drop, try the hanger method! Turn all hangers in your closet one way and every time you use something new, turn the hanger around. After a while, you will get an idea of what you don’t wear any more.
If you're fine with spending a few bucks on closet organization, start by shopping for some bins, baskets, and/or rack dividers.
2) Regulate the Restroom
The bathroom is a heavy traffic zone which means optimizing space is key.
- Keep the counter clutter free. Use jars or a tray for any products that you want kept out.
- Go through the cabinets, throwing away expired cosmetics. Use baskets to store and organize your products.
- If space permits, add a laundry bin specifically for dirty or wet towels.
- Hang towels on hooks instead of the towel bar. Not only is it much easier to hang your towel on the hook, it allows the towel to dry better. Use towel bars for hand towels instead.
- If your tub allows it, use a shower caddy. It is a great way to store your shampoos and soaps, and it leaves the tub looking much tidier!
3) Organize the Office
A lot of us work from home now and are well aware of how quickly a home office can accumulate mess. Scattered papers, old spilled coffee, you name it, it can build up fast!
- Start with your papers. Paper easily piles up in your home office so get control of the clutter before it takes over your space. Use the System of Three: shred/toss it, file it, or take action from it. File your paperwork in a colour-coded filing system. Invest in a label maker. It is a time saver!
- Store all of your office supplies in drawers, containers, baskets, and bins. Placing these items out of sight will give your desk a cleaner look.
- Organize your books by colour, genre, or size depending on your preference.
- Take advantage of your wall space and utilize it well. Use this space to hang a calendar, whiteboard, shelving, a to do list, and much more.
4) Compose the Kitchen
Do you ever find the urge to keep every container you see in the odd event that you might use it again? I just finished purging my tupperware and oh boy: there were a lot of mystery lids.
- Eliminate excess tupperware/containers and go for buying a set. Sets usually stack together which saves cupboard space. Also opt for using more ziplocks or getting yourself a set of reusable silicone covers.
- Take everything out of your pantry and sort it all into categories. Dispose of any out-of-date items. Opt for clear modular containers.
- Do you get tired of searching the stack for a particular spoon or your favourite spatula? Declutter your utensil drawer. Purchase a drawer organizer so you can have a special spot for each item. Anything you do not need can go right into your donation bin. I organized my drawer recently and didn't realize I had three wine openers. 😂
- Floating shelves are a great place for cookbooks, extra dishes, or even plants and artwork.
- Add a dry erase board. A dry erase board mounted on the inside of the pantry door or on your fridge can help you keep track of grocery items.
I know the fight against clutter is unending and I know it can be a daunting task to even begin but together we can take a stand against mess by following the tips in this helpful little guide. By now, your donation bin should be overflowing!
Here are some great places in Edmonton and St Albert where you can drop off your extras:
ReStore
The Edmonton ReStore is a building supply and home renovation store that accepts and resells new and gently-used building materials and home décor items. Proceeds from The ReStore help fund Habitat for Humanity Edmonton.
ReStore can also pick up items from your home!
St. Albert Goodwill Donation Centre
St. Albert Goodwill is One of the Largest Employers of Albertans with Disabilities.
Goodwill Industries of Alberta is a local non-profit and social enterprise, strengthening communities and making a positive impact across Alberta.
Note: This Donation Centre does not accept furniture.
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