If you feel like your home is constantly one step away from chaos, it’s time to reimagine your organization strategy. The key to maintaining an organized home is creating systems that do the work for you. With the right organizational hacks, you can transform your space into a well-oiled machine where everything has its place. In this post, we’ll explore actionable tips and tricks to hack your home so that staying organized becomes second nature. Let’s dive in!
If you are new to the blog, welcome! I blog and make videos about cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. You can find my free printables to help you get organized in the drop down menu under the Printables category at the top of this page. Also, check out this post on 10 things people with clean homes do every day. Now, let’s look at some ways to hack your home and make it easy to keep organized.
20 Ways to Hack Your Home to Make It Easy to Keep Organized
1. Declutter Before Organizing
The first tip to hack your home is to declutter. Before you even think about reorganizing, make decluttering your first priority. The less you have, the easier it will be to organize. Use techniques like the “Time Capsule Decluttering” method—box up items you’re unsure about, date the box for six months or a year, and revisit it later. If you haven’t missed those items, it’s a sign you can let them go. This approach reduces decision fatigue, making it easier to get started.
2. Utilize Vertical Space
Another way to hack your home is to think about the wasted storage space. Most people forget about the vertical spaces in their homes. Install shelves, hooks, and pegboards to store items off the floor and countertops. For example:
- Use wall-mounted shelves in the kitchen for spices and pantry items.
- Hang pots and pans to free up cabinet space.
- Add hooks in closets to hang bags, scarves, and belts.
- Use over-the-door organizers in bedrooms and bathrooms.
3. Create “Drop Zones” for High-Traffic Areas
A lot of clutter comes from not having a designated spot for items you use daily. Create drop zones in strategic areas:
- Entryway: Set up a small table or wall-mounted basket for keys, mail, and sunglasses.
- Kitchen Counter: Use a tray for items like wallets, charging cords, and earbuds.
- Bedroom: Place a catch-all tray on your nightstand for watches, jewelry, and small accessories.
4. Label Everything
Labels aren’t just for kids’ school supplies—they’re a great way to create order. Label bins, baskets, and containers so everyone in the household knows where things belong. This simple hack will:
- Make it easier to find things quickly.
- Encourage everyone to put items back in their designated spots.
- Reduce clutter from misplaced items.
5. Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture
If you’re working with limited space, multifunctional furniture is a game-changer. Look for:
- Ottomans that double as storage bins.
- Coffee tables with hidden compartments.
- Beds with drawers underneath for extra storage. These pieces can help you keep your space tidy without sacrificing style.
6. The “One In, One Out” Rule
To prevent clutter from accumulating, follow the “One In, One Out” rule. Every time you bring something new into your home, commit to getting rid of an old item. This is particularly useful for closets, where clothing and shoes can pile up over time.
7. Use Clear Storage Containers
Transparent containers are perfect for organizing items like pantry goods, toys, craft supplies, and bathroom essentials. Being able to see what’s inside eliminates the need to dig through drawers or bins, making it easier to find what you need. Opt for stackable containers to maximize space.
8. Create an Organized Cleaning Caddy
Cleaning supplies can quickly take over your cabinets and under-sink areas. Instead of scattering products throughout your home, assemble a cleaning caddy with all the essentials. Use this portable caddy to tackle cleaning tasks more efficiently and avoid doubling up on supplies.
9. Make Use of Drawer Dividers
Drawers are notorious for becoming chaotic messes. Invest in dividers to separate items like utensils, office supplies, or makeup. You can even DIY dividers using old shoe boxes or cut-up cardboard for a budget-friendly option. This keeps everything visible and prevents items from shifting around.
10. Set Up a “Donation Station”
Dedicate a small corner of a closet or garage to a donation station. Place a bin or box where you can easily drop items you no longer need. Once the box is full, schedule a trip to a local charity. This hack ensures that you’re consistently purging unused items and keeping clutter at bay.
11. Create a Family Command Center
A family command center can help you manage schedules, mail, and to-do lists. Here’s what to include:
- A wall calendar to track appointments and activities.
- A mail sorter for bills and important documents.
- A chalkboard or whiteboard for notes and reminders. This setup centralizes household communication and minimizes paper clutter.
12. Adopt a “Reset” Routine
At the end of each day, spend 10-15 minutes resetting your home. This could mean tidying up the living room, putting away dishes, or folding laundry. By maintaining a daily reset routine, you prevent clutter from piling up and make weekend cleaning less daunting.
13. Zone Your Home for Specific Activities
Assign each area of your home a specific purpose to maintain focus and organization. For instance:
- Create a reading nook in the living room.
- Set up a dedicated workspace in a corner of the bedroom.
- Keep toys in a designated play area to contain messes. This zoning strategy keeps your home organized and helps you make the most of your space.
14. Use Baskets and Bins Strategically
Baskets and bins are great for storing miscellaneous items while keeping them out of sight. Use them to:
- Corral blankets in the living room.
- Store kids’ toys for easy cleanup.
- Organize toiletries under the bathroom sink. Labeling these containers ensures everyone knows where things go.
15. Hack Your Closet with Tiered Hangers
Closet organization can be challenging, but tiered hangers make it easier to maximize space. Use them for pants, scarves, or even tops. Additionally, try using slim velvet hangers—they take up less space and prevent clothes from slipping.
16. Create a Clutter-Free Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the hardest areas to keep organized due to its high traffic. Try these hacks:
- Use lazy Susans for spices and condiments.
- Install a magnetic knife strip to free up drawer space.
- Hang measuring cups and spoons inside cabinet doors.
17. Digitize Documents and Photos
Paper clutter is one of the hardest to manage. Start digitizing important documents, photos, and receipts using a scanner or mobile app. Store them in the cloud for easy access and backup. This will reduce the need for bulky filing cabinets.
18. Go Minimalist with Decor
While it’s nice to have decorative items, too many can make your home feel cluttered. Stick to a minimalist approach by displaying only a few favorite pieces. Rotate decor seasonally instead of overcrowding shelves and tables.
19. Leverage Technology
There are countless apps designed to help you keep your home organized. Apps like Todoist, Evernote, and Tody can help you create to-do lists, schedule cleaning tasks, and track household projects.
20. Make It Fun and Rewarding
Keeping your home organized doesn’t have to be a chore. Turn it into a game by setting timers, playing music, or rewarding yourself after tackling a specific area. This can be particularly motivating if you involve the whole family.
Transforming your home into an organized haven doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right hacks, you can make the process smoother and more sustainable. Start small, focus on high-impact areas, and implement these hacks to make staying organized a natural part of your daily routine. Your future self will thank you!
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