Hey you, Ashley here! I have to confess—I haven't always been the most organized person. At one point, I was that person frantically searching through drawers for a missing earring or holding up everyone because I couldn’t find my car keys. Sound familiar? No judgment—life gets busy, and clutter just… happens! But here’s the thing: once I discovered a few game-changing organization tricks, it felt like my whole world opened up.
If you’re sick of rummaging through piles or just want to feel more at ease in your own home, I’ve got your back. Together, we’ll tackle the chaos and build a space that feels calm, cozy, and totally manageable. Let's get started!
Start with a Clean Slate: The Art of Decluttering
Okay, here’s the deal—getting organized starts with getting rid of what’s weighing us down. I like to think of decluttering as the ultimate reset button. It’s not just about clearing physical space; it’s about creating mental space too. And oh, the clarity it brings is unmatched!
My Lifesaver Rule? The 90/90 Rule
I love using the 90/90 rule when I’m feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of things in my home. Here’s how it works: If you haven’t used something in the last 90 days and can’t imagine needing it in the next 90, it’s time to say goodbye. It’s such a simple way to take the emotion out of decluttering and make quick decisions.
This rule is a total game-changer, and once you get started, you’ll find it gets easier to let things go. And don’t worry—you don’t have to do it all at once. Small steps lead to big results!
One-In, One-Out Keeps Things in Check
This little principle was a game-changer for me. I made this simple promise to myself: for every new thing that comes into my home, something else has to go. Bought a new pair of shoes? Donate an old pair. Once I started this habit, I stopped feeling like new purchases = new clutter disasters. You’ll love how it keeps things balanced.
Quick Tip from Me to You: Declutter by category, not by room. Instead of tackling the whole kitchen at once (stress overload!), start with something specific, like just your collection of mugs or Tupperware lids. Small wins add up fast!
Burst Bit! Try decluttering by category instead of room: start with clothes, papers, and duplicates for quicker decision-making.
Kitchen Solutions
According to The Daily Mail, the average person spends 10 minutes each day searching for misplaced items like phones, books, car keys, and even their car—adding up to over 60 hours a year lost to clutter-related searching. The kitchen, often the heart of the home, is also a major culprit for clutter.
Here’s how to keep it functional and stress-free:
1. Zoning Magic
One of the best changes I made was creating “zones” in my kitchen. Picture this—your cooking tools all near the stove, your cutting boards and knives in the prep area, and pantry staples grouped together. Suddenly, cooking felt less like a scavenger hunt and more like, well, fun!
2. The Clear Container Obsession
Confession time—I’m deeply in love with clear containers. Seriously, game changer! You can see everything at a glance, which means no more buying accidental duplicates or letting things expire because you forgot about them. Bonus? They make everything look so tidy and Pinterest-worthy.
Burst Bit! Stackable, transparent containers save both space and time when cooking. Bonus: they also look tidy!
3. Label It, Baby!
If there’s one thing I preach in the church of organization, it’s the joy of labeling. From pantry jars to freezer bags, labels are lifesavers. I recently labeled a spice rack, and not only does it save me time while cooking, but it also just makes me happy every time I see it.
Bedrooms That Breathe
A clutter-free bedroom is essential for restful sleep. Transform your closet and bedroom with these simple tricks:
1. Capsule Wardrobe Joy
Now, this one took me some time to wrap my head around, but once I did? Life. Changing. The capsule wardrobe concept (only keeping versatile items you love) means fewer decisions in the morning and a way neater closet. And honestly, it’s made me appreciate my clothes so much more.
2. Seasonal Swaps
Every winter, I used to wrestle with a closet clogged with sundresses and tank tops I wouldn’t touch for months. Now, I store off-season clothes in vacuum-sealed bags under my bed—out of sight, out of mind.
3. Folding Saves the Day
I resisted the whole “fancy folding techniques” trend for so long, thinking it was fussy. But wow, was I wrong. Vertical folding doubled my drawer space, and now I can actually see everything at a glance. Do it—you’ll thank yourself every time you open a drawer.
Burst Bit! Under-bed storage boxes are lifesavers for seasonal items or spare bedding.
The Living Room Hustle
Here’s a fact about me—my living room is my happy place. It’s where I hang out with family, binge my favorite shows, and cuddle up with a good book. But it’s also where remote controls like to disappear, toys pile up, and random stuff takes over. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, I’ve got this covered.
1. Hidden Storage Wins
The living room gold medal? Furniture with hidden storage. My ottoman holds blankets, my coffee table hides random stuff—it’s glorious. Out of sight, out of mind, but still easy to grab when you need it.
2. Bye-Bye, Cable Chaos
One day, I got super tired of the spaghetti mess of cables near my TV. That’s when I discovered cable organizers. They’re super cheap, super effective, and made my space look so much cleaner.
3. Daily Reset Routine
At the end of each day, I take 5-10 minutes to reset my living room. Putting things back where they belong makes the space feel welcoming and calm. It’s a simple habit that goes a long way in preventing clutter buildup.
"A simple daily reset, like putting items back in place, can prevent clutter buildup and maintain a calming atmosphere in high-traffic areas."
Bathroom & Personal Care: Keep It Clean and Zen
Bathrooms are tricky, especially when space is limited. But with the right strategies, you can turn even the smallest bathroom into an organized sanctuary. Here’s how I keep mine neat:
1. Counter Organization
I’m all about minimalism in the bathroom. By using trays or small baskets to hold daily essentials, I keep my countertops clear and easy to clean. A clutter-free counter makes a huge difference in how my bathroom feels.
2. Medicine Cabinet System
In my medicine cabinet, I use clear bins or trays to keep everything organized by category. And let’s be honest, we all have expired meds hiding somewhere, so I regularly check the dates and toss what’s no longer needed.
3. Shower and Towel Storage
If your shower is cramped, consider a hanging shower caddy to store all your products. For towels, I use hooks on the bathroom wall. It keeps the space from feeling overcrowded, and everything is still easily accessible.
Burst Bit! Roll towels instead of folding them for easy storage and a spa-like look.
Don't Forget Digital Clutter
Okay, confession time—my phone used to be a digital hot mess. Notifications everywhere, photos I didn’t need, and emails out of control. Sound familiar? Here’s what helped me tame the chaos.
1. Document Management
I keep my documents organized in clearly labeled folders. It’s simple, but it works! For important files, I back them up on a secure cloud service to keep them safe and accessible.
2. Photo Purge Party
Every month, I set aside 15 minutes to delete blurry photos, duplicates, or anything I don’t need. Then, I organize the rest into albums. No more scrolling for 10 minutes to find that one picture of my dog—it’s all easy to find.
3. Email Folders for Sanity
I used to dread checking my inbox, but now, folders have saved my life. I label important emails as they come in, and suddenly everything feels way more under control.
Maintenance & Habits
Consistent organization routines make a significant difference. Here are a few habits to build for a long-lasting organization:
10-Minute Daily Tidying
Spending just 10 minutes tidying up daily can keep your home feeling calm and collected. Focus on high-traffic areas or hotspots where clutter tends to accumulate.
Weekly and Monthly Resets
Schedule a weekly reset to tidy major areas and a monthly review to clear out any new clutter. Regular maintenance routines prevent clutter from re-establishing itself.
Budget-Friendly Organization Tools
Organizing doesn’t need to be costly. Many affordable items can make a huge difference.
1. Repurpose Household Items
Turn jars, boxes, or baskets you already own into organizers. A shoebox, for example, can work perfectly for organizing drawers or small items.
2. Dollar Store Finds
Dollar stores often carry a range of storage solutions like bins, hooks, and trays that are just as effective as pricier options.
3 DIY and Multi-Purpose Organizers
Consider DIY solutions, like making drawer dividers from cardboard or crafting a wall-mounted jewelry holder. Multi-purpose organizers are also great for maximizing space in small areas.
Entryway & Mudroom Hacks for a Welcoming First Impression
The entryway is the first thing you see when you walk in, setting the tone for your entire home. Keeping it organized can make a big difference in creating a calming atmosphere right from the start.
1. Shoe Storage That Actually Works
Okay, real talk—there was a time when my entryway was a hazard zone of scattered shoes. I had to step over sneakers, sandals, and boots just to get inside my own house. Not fun! That’s when I decided to get a handle on the shoe chaos. A simple shoe rack or cubby system made a world of difference. Suddenly, everything was in one place, easy to grab, and (bonus!) no more tripping.
If you’re short on floor space like I was at one point, try a wall-mounted shoe rack or even a small bench with hidden storage. I found one that doubles as a seat where I can put on my shoes—so functional, and it keeps everything nice and tidy.
2. Hooks and Hangers = Life Savers
I don’t know about you, but I used to have a serious “where’s my stuff?!” problem every morning. Keys? Missing. Jacket? Somewhere. Bag? Who knows! Then it hit me—the magic of installing a few hooks by the door. It was like everything finally had a home.
Now, my keys, jackets, and bags are all in one spot. I even added a little wall organizer for things like sunglasses or mail. No more mad dash out the door! Plus, it keeps my counters free of clutter, which instantly makes the space feel more put-together.
3. The Drop Zone That Saves My Sanity
True story—there was a time when I’d walk in the door and just dump my wallet, loose coins, and random receipts on the dining table. (Sound familiar?) The mess would pile up, and I’d feel overwhelmed before I even got my shoes off. Then I discovered the genius of a “drop zone.”
All it took was a pretty basket near the entrance, and voilà—game-changer. Now, all those little items land in one spot instead of wandering around the house. It’s such a simple fix, but it seriously makes a HUGE difference. Give it a go—you’ll wonder how you lived without one!
Home Office Organization: Boost Productivity with a Tidy Workspace
A clutter-free workspace helps clear mental fog and boost focus, whether you’re working from home full-time or just need a place to pay bills. Here’s how to create a streamlined, productive home office.
1. Desk Drawer Dividers for Office Essentials
Organize your desk drawers with dividers to keep pens, sticky notes, and other office supplies in their place. Knowing exactly where each item is can save time and keep your desk surface clear.
2. Cable Management for a Neat Setup
With many devices plugged in, cables can quickly turn into a mess. Use cable clips or a cable management box to keep cords untangled and out of sight, giving your workspace a cleaner, less distracting look.
Burst Bit! Label each cord near the plug so you can easily find and switch off devices when needed.
3. Paperless Solutions for Minimal Clutter
Consider going digital to reduce paper clutter. Use apps or cloud storage for notes and documents, and recycle any paper files you no longer need. For necessary papers, a compact file organizer or wall-mounted file holder can keep everything within reach without taking up desk space.
4. Productivity Zones for a Balanced Workflow
If space allows, create distinct zones for different tasks, like a computer area for digital work and a separate table for creative or paper-based tasks. This approach can boost focus and prevent clutter from spreading across your workspace.
Discover the Joy of a Clutter-Free Life
Look, I totally get it—getting organized can feel like a huge, overwhelming task. But trust me when I say this… You’ve got this. Take it one step at a time. Try out one trick, then another, and before you know it, your space will start feeling lighter, calmer, and a whole lot more YOU.
Remember, your home doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to feel good for YOU. Together, we’ll create an organized, joyful space that sparks a little more happiness every single day. Sound like a plan? Awesome. Now go grab that first pile of clutter, and let's do this!
