Home Organising Tips: Keep Your Space Clean and Clutter-Free

You walk into your home after a long day and sigh! Piles of clutter assault your senses and suffocate any peace you hoped to find. And that’s when it strikes you — drowning in stuff you don’t need is no way to live.

What if organising your home could be simple? And yes, it is; with a few easy tips, you can transform your space from chaos to calm.

In this home organising guide, we’ll share clever storage solutions, outline how to organise every room in your home, and discuss ways to curb clutter before it claims your sanity. Let’s jump right in!

Declutter First: The Importance of Getting Rid of Excess Stuff

The first step to keeping your home organised is decluttering. Get rid of anything you don’t need or use anymore!

Go room by room and declutter by sorting items into three piles: keep, donate and trash. Be ruthless — if you have not used something in the past year, donate or trash it.

Less Is More

Having too much clutter in your home can be overwhelming and stressful. Excess stuff collects dust and allergens and makes cleaning more difficult. Decluttering promotes a sense of calm and well-being by reducing clutter and distraction. You’ll find that you appreciate the things you keep more when you have less of them.

Make Space for What Matters

Getting rid of excess clutter also makes room for the things that really matter to you. With less clutter occupying your space, you can better showcase decor items, furniture, art, and collections that you love. Your living space will feel more open and inviting. Decluttering also boosts creativity by giving you a blank canvas to work with.

Stay on Top of It

To ensure proper home organisation after decluttering, develop habits to avoid accumulating clutter again. Have a plan for dealing with mail, laundry and household items as soon as they enter your home.

To prevent buildup, do quick cleaning like sweeping, mopping and wiping surfaces daily or weekly. Also, go through your storage space and drawers regularly and purge anything you don’t need. Staying on top of clutter and cleaning will help you maintain an organised, peaceful space.

With some decluttering and new habits, you can transform your home into an organised, inviting space. Continue reading as we delve deeper into top tips for organising home space and habits to stay organised.

Top 10 Organising Tips and Tricks for a Clutter-Free Home

An organised home is a happy home. When your space is clean and clutter-free, you’ll feel less stressed and more in control of your life.

Here are some tips to get your place in shape:

1. Designate a spot for everything.

Go room by room and decide where items should be stored. Keys, mail, charging cords — everything should have its own designated spot. This makes it easy to put things away and know right where they are when you need them.

2. Get storage furniture.

Invest in furniture designed for storage, such as cabinets, drawers, ottomans with lift-up lids, and storage beds. The more spots you have to stow stuff, the less likely you are to create clutter.

3. Purge regularly.

Go through your home once a season and get rid of anything you do not use or need. Donate or throw away clothes, books, knickknacks, and other items taking up space. A clean sweep makes room for the things you actually use.

4. File paperwork ASAP.

Don’t let papers pile up. File or shred bills, receipts, and other documents as soon as you’re done with them. Set up clearly labelled folders to make filing a breeze.

5. Use your vertical space.

Install shelves, racks, and cabinets that reach up to the ceiling. The more you can store up and off the floor, the more spacious your home will feel.

6. Group similar items together.

Keep things that are used together in the same space. For example, store all cleaning supplies in one closet and all office supplies in one cabinet. This makes everything easy to find when you need it.

7. Hire storage for overflow.

If your home is bursting at the seams, consider renting a self storage unit. You can store seasonal items, decorations, sports equipment, and other things you only use occasionally in a storage facility to free up space in your house.

8. Do regular maintenance.

Set a cleaning schedule to stay on top of chores like dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, and cleaning bathrooms. A clean space always feels more organised and clutter-free. Tackle one area or one chore each day to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

9. Get family members on board.

Talk to the people sharing your space and let them know your goals for an organised, clutter-free home. Together, come up with a plan for putting things in their place and doing regular purges. You can also hire a professional organiser to help with more organisation ideas.

10. Make it a habit.

The key to having a decluttered home over the long term is making organisation a habit and part of your routine. Even spending just 15 minutes a day putting things in their place will contribute to your goal of an organised apartment.

Adhering to these tips will help you maintain your sanity and keep your space organised. If you have more stuff that you’re not ready to part with, remember to rent a self storage unit. In the next section, we share some tips specific to organising each room in your home.

Organising by Room: Tailored Organisation Systems for Home

Every room in your home likely serves a different purpose, so organisation systems should be tailored to each space.

Here are some home organisation strategies for different rooms in your apartment:

1. Kitchen

A few key strategies can make a big difference in the kitchen.

• Start by grouping similar items, like all your pots and pans in one area and all your plates and bowls in another.
• Install drawer dividers to separate utensils and a pot rack to free up cabinet and dining room space.
• A bar cart is also useful for frequently used items.
• Establish zones for food prep, cooking, and cleanup to minimise backtracking.
• Simple daily habits like washing dishes and wiping counters before bed will also prevent clutter buildup.

2. Bedroom

The bedroom is your personal sanctuary and deserves to be kept tidy at all times. 

• Focus on storage furniture like dressers, nightstands, and wardrobes to keep clutter at bay.
• Use matching boxes or baskets on a dresser to sort smaller items, like jewellery, hair ties, or chargers.
• Add hooks on the wall or behind doors to hang robes, scarves, bags, and belts.
• Make your bed daily and do a quick tidy of any stray clothes, books, or electronics before going to sleep each night.

3. Living Room

The living room often becomes a dumping ground for mail, toys, blankets, and more.

• Choose storage ottomans, benches, and cabinets that match your decor.
• Have designated spots for toys, linens, books, and charging devices.
• Before bed, do a quick sweep of the room to put away anything out of place.
• For paper clutter, set up files or baskets to sort mail, bills, magazines, and kids’ artwork.

4. Closets

Closets are easy to neglect, but organising them makes a huge impact on your home.

• Purge anything you don’t use before arranging what’s left.
• Install matching hangers for uniformity and use shelf dividers to group similar items.
• Add hooks for scarves, belts, and bags.
• Place a dresser or drawer inside your closet for folded clothes and linens.
• Use storage boxes to contain smaller accessories like socks, hair ties, and jewellery.

Keeping your closets tidy daily takes just a few minutes but greatly contributes towards your organisational goal.

With a few simple strategies tailored to each room, you can gain control of clutter and chaos in your home. Staying on top of daily and weekly maintenance will help keep your entire home organised for good. Your home’s interior beauty and decor will shine through when there’s a place for everything. To better help you utilise every space in your rooms, check out the section below, where we outline some innovative ways that help create more storage space in your rooms.

4 Creative Storage Solutions for Every Room

When organising your home, it’s ideal to keep only the items you need. However, you don’t want the essential items to take up extra space, defeating the initial purpose of decluttering.

To blend your essentials into your room space, consider the following creative storage solutions:

1. Use multi-purpose furniture.

• Instead of buying furniture that serves a single purpose, consider the ones with storage options.
• Ottomans with lift-up seats provide hidden storage for blankets and toys.
• Look for coffee tables, benches, and stools with open bases or drawers underneath.
• Beds with storage headboards or drawers underneath are ideal for smaller rooms.
• Make the most of empty wall space with floating shelves. These pieces of furniture blend well into your interior design while providing storage without the eye-sore.

2. Maximise your closets.

• Most closets have wasted space, so install multi-level racks, drawers, and shelves to make the most of what you have.
• Use storage boxes, baskets, a junk drawer, and bins to keep smaller items tidy.
• Get your craft supplies and install a closet rod higher up on the wall. Then, hang a shoe organiser, mesh bags or fabric pockets to keep items within easy reach.

3. Use hidden storage.

• Trap doors, secret compartments, and hidden storage spaces add intrigue while keeping items out of sight.
• Look for wardrobes or chairs that open to reveal storage inside.
• Install recessed shelves or cabinets in walls for a custom built-in look.
• Other storage ideas involve creating a false cabinet front to conceal a safe or valuables.
• Similarly, staircases often have space underneath that’s perfect for built-in drawers or a cabinet.

4. Don’t neglect your garage and basement.

Don’t let extra square footage in the basement or garage go to waste.

• Install sturdy wall racks, cabinets and shelving to organise seasonal items, sports equipment and tools.
• Look for heavy-duty storage solutions like steel cabinets, mesh racks and wooden workbenches.
• Add lighting so you can easily find what you need.
• Designate areas for recycling, yard tools, sports gear and work areas.
• Lastly, keep a dehumidifier running to prevent mould and mildew.

With some creativity, you can find storage solutions for every room in your home. Adopting multi-purpose furniture, maximising closet space, using hidden storage, and organising your garage and basement are all easy ways to keep your home clutter-free. Staying organised will make your space feel open, cosy and inviting for you and your guests.

Note that the way you organise your home will differ across seasons. We’ve put together some checklists to aid your home organising activities during these different periods.

Seasonal Home Organising Checklists

The key to keeping your home clutter-free is maintaining a regular cleaning and organisation system. A printable to-do list that breaks down tasks by season is a simple way to keep on top of it all without feeling overwhelmed.

Here are some practical checklists for each season:

1. Spring Cleaning

The warmer weather means it’s time for a deep clean after the long winter. Focus on airing out the house, cleaning windows, and reorganising storage areas.

Tasks include the following:

• Open windows to freshen the air and vacuum/sweep under furniture.
• Clean fans, vents, baseboards, and corners for built-up dust.
• Wash curtains and linens and swap heavier bedding for lighter layers.
• Clean out and reorganise the pantry, closets, laundry room, and garage. Donate or throw out anything expired or not used.

2. Summer Maintenance

With the busy summer season comes more frequent cleaning. Set a regular schedule to complete tasks quickly before the heat sets in.

Activities include the following:

• Sweep patios and decks and clean outdoor furniture and grills after each use.
• Vacuum and mop hard floors more often. Run an air purifier to reduce dust.
• Clean bathrooms thoroughly each week using a disinfectant to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
• Do a quick fridge clean-out each week and wipe down the exterior. Clean oven and stove top after spills.

3. Fall Overhaul

The cooler fall weather means it’s time to prepare for the winter and holiday season ahead. Focus on decluttering, deep cleaning and home maintenance.

Tasks are as follows:

• Have carpets, air vents, and chimneys professionally cleaned.
• Clean and organise the attic, basement and garage. Donate or throw out anything not needed.
• Have the furnace serviced and stock up on air filters.
• Plant bulbs and prepare garden beds for winter. Rake leaves and compost.
• Wash or dry clean winter coats and accessories before storing.

Using seasonal checklists will help you break down organising and cleaning into manageable bite-sized tasks. In no time, you’ll have a cosy home and organised space ready for whatever the season may bring. However, you want to maintain your home aesthetic and even redefine it when organising. Continue reading for some home decor tips to maximise your space.

The Best Home Decor to Maximise Space

Here are some home decor and organisation ideas to keep your space at its peak:

1. Furniture on Legs

Choosing furniture with legs rather than solid bases creates an open feel and makes a space seem more spacious. Couches, chairs, tables, and beds that sit on legs allow air and light to flow underneath, making the room feel lighter and airier. If you have existing furniture without legs, you can add bed risers or furniture sliders to raise them and get the same effect.

2. Folding Furniture

Invest in furniture that can fold up or collapse when not in use. Folding chairs, tables, and stools can be tucked away to open up floor space. A folding wall table or Murphy bed that folds into the wall is ideal for small spaces. When you need extra seating or sleeping space, simply unfold it; when done, fold it back into the wall to regain your open space.

3. Decor With a Light Touch

In small spaces, opt for decor with a light touch — both visually and physically. Bulky decor and lots of heavy accents will make a room feel cramped.

Choose lightweight, minimal decor, like:

• Framed Art: Group several smaller pieces together or choose one large statement piece.
• Greenery: Plants help bring life to a room without adding visual weight.
• Throw Blankets: Add warmth and colour without bulk. Look for thin, woven blankets.
• Candles: Provide ambience without taking up space. Choose unscented or lightly scented options to maintain natural fresh air.
• Baskets: Use for stylish, lightweight storage. Label baskets to keep items organised but out of sight.

Keeping your space clean and clutter-free is key to making a small room feel open. Pare down to the essentials, choose multi-functional and space-saving furniture, and opt for lightweight decor. The result will be a room that feels spacious, organised and perfectly styled. Lastly, let’s consider the various ways to keep your home organised after an overhaul.

Maintaining Organisation: Habits to Keep Your Home Tidy

Certain habits and routines are key to keeping your home looking neat and organised long-term. Making your bed and decluttering regularly will make maintaining an organised home second nature.

1. Make your bed daily.

Starting your day by making your bed establishes a productive mindset and ensures your bedroom looks tidy. A made bed instantly makes a room appear neater and more organised. This simple habit takes just a minute but has a big impact.

2. Declutter regularly.

Go room by room and get rid of items you don’t need or use. Donate or throw away clutter, and surfaces and storage spaces will clear up. Aim for tossing or donating one item per day or a bag per week.

An easy rule to follow is, “If you have not used it in the past year, you likely do not need it.” However, if you have items you’ll need regularly but lack enough space, you should consider renting a self-storage unit.

3. Adopt a “one-in, one-out” approach.

Before bringing new items into your home, get rid of one item you no longer need. This helps prevent clutter buildup and ensures you only keep things that are useful or meaningful to you. Donate or throw away one item each time you go shopping to maintain balance.

Implementing these simple habits and routines into your daily life will transform your home into an organised oasis. An organised home will give you peace of mind and free up your time to focus on what really matters to you. Remember, if you have items you don’t need regularly but can’t part with, rent a self storage unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start organising at home?

To start organising at home, first, find your zen so you’re not overwhelmed. Next, sort your items into categories. Then, declutter by deciding what to keep, donate, or toss.

Organise your remaining items in a way that makes sense for your daily life. Use containers to store things neatly, label them for easy identification, and finally, maintain your new, tidy space by building habits that support a clutter-free home. It’s all about taking it one step at a time!

In what order should I declutter my house?

When decluttering your house, start with storage areas like the garage or attic since unused items often accumulate there. Next, move on to shared spaces like the living room and kitchen, where daily activities happen. Finally, tackle private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms.

This order helps you clear out excess first, making it easier to organise the spaces you use the most before personalising the process in your private retreats.

Which room should you declutter first?

Start decluttering with the room that sees the most action, like your kitchen or family room. These areas impact daily life the most, so clearing them can instantly boost your home’s functionality and feel.

Work through each space by sorting items to keep, toss, or donate. This focused approach helps you quickly see results and keeps the momentum going as you move on to less frequently used spaces.

What should I remove first when decluttering?

When decluttering, begin by removing items that are in plain sight, such as the clutter on bathroom counters. Then, empty out the drawers and tackle the linen closets.

Doing all your bathrooms together can give you a real sense of your surplus — you might discover you’ve been stocked up on soap for years! Clearing these visible areas first can have an immediate impact and inspire you to keep going with the decluttering process.

How to declutter a bedroom in one day?

To declutter a bedroom in one day, clear a space in the middle as your staging area.

Begin at one corner of the room and systematically work your way across. Tackle one section at a time — empty every drawer, shelf, or floor space, and place everything into the central pile.

Sort through this pile, deciding what to keep, discard, or donate. Organise the items you’re keeping back into their places, ensuring everything has a purpose and a spot.

Why can’t I declutter my house?

You may struggle to declutter your house due to emotional ties — your belongings may feel like a part of your identity, providing a sense of security. Guilt can also play a role, as getting rid of items often feels wasteful or ungrateful.

These feelings create a mental block known as decluttering paralysis, even when you yearn for a clutter-free home. It’s a common challenge, but recognising these emotions is the first step toward overcoming them.

Conclusion

With some simple home organising tricks, a bit of decluttering, and making the most of the storage you’ve got, you can transform your space into a clean, clutter-free oasis. Don’t let messes and disorder get you down; take control of your space, embrace your inner home organiser, and find what works for you. Your home is your sanctuary — transform it into a place of peace that fills you with joy when you walk through the door.

Decluttering and organising is an ongoing process, but with some determination and these handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to living clutter-free. And for those items you can’t just seem to part with or will need in the future, consider renting a self storage unit to stash them!