9 Easy Ways to Organize Your Home

I love to declutter and organize spaces but it doesn’t happen overnight. Over the years, I’ve established practical habits to control clutter and organize our home. Here are nine easy ways to get started!

Stop Shopping

I really mean stop shopping. I know, it’s easier said than done. But question your purchases before you make them or wait 24 hours to click order.

Avoid stores that result in impulse buys and extra purchases. The bullseye store comes to mind. 🙂 Before you buy, identify storage for new items. Where will it live? Do you have space to store it?

Borrow, Repurpose, Reuse or Do Without

Save time, build relationships and borrow a cup of sugar from your neighbor.  Or maybe a weed whacker, power washer or crockpot.  I love building community through borrowing.  Several of my friends join me in saying “We own 8 folding chairs.” and “We own a piano.”  If you cannot borrow an item, try waiting a few days to see if the need passes. 

Shop Local

Are you already going to the grocery store? Consider buying toiletries and paper products there as well. Most store-brand items work well and are less expensive than big-box stores.  Also, I save money by just avoiding Target and Costco. They encourage impulse buys and result in waste from overbuying that erases any supposed savings. 

Advertising works really well in these stores. Note the Storm Troopers next to the boys clothing. By shopping in fewer stores, I save time, money, gas and buy less stuff.

Existing inventory

Whether it’s groceries or toiletries, refuse to buy new items until you’ve used everything. I receive a lot of pushback when it comes to the grocery idea but it’s so much fun for our family! How many days until we need to shop? Our current record is 35 days.

We laugh about our strange meals and find endless ways to substitute ingredients. You’d be surprised how many meals come from the pantry and freezer. Try it! The meals are healthier and always less expensive. Our first trip back to the store tends to be more health-conscious and small, which is easier to organize.

Set Boundaries

Instead of cramming utensils into a caddy on the counter, establish boundaries. Then, reduce the number of items to neatly fit the space. Just because you own 100 DVDs does not mean that you need to keep them. Instead of an overflowing cabinet of Tupperware, try just one drawer. Allocate space for these items, keep what fits nicely and donate the rest. Make more intentional purchases going forward and consider if your collections are adding value to your life.

Start With Your Own Stuff

The rest of the family will follow if you set the example. They will see the difference in you, just don’t force it. When it comes to our spouse and kids, more is “caught than taught.” Try starting in places you use daily, like your closet, kitchen or bathroom.

Check out this video tour of my closet. If you’re not ready to tackle the clothes, try your car or purse/briefcase. Decluttering everyday spaces helps to gain momentum.

Remove Furniture, Baskets, and Bins

Containment devices serve a purpose but can work against you. Furniture hides clutter. To truly organize a room, removing furniture has the most impact. Resist the need to maintain extra seating in your home. Try this….count the number of chairs compared to people in your house. For our family of three, the ratio is 6:1. Ouch!

Donation Box

Stage an ongoing donation box on each level of the house. Toss items in it as you find them. Schedule a donation pick-up or deliver to a local donation center as soon as it is full. Don’t let these items boomerang back into the house.

1-In, 1-Out

Respect the boundaries you established. Use a 1-In, 1-Out rule to ensure decluttered spaces stay organized. This is particularly helpful with clothing, shoes or any item you enjoy buying. Perhaps consider a shopping ban.  I resolved to go 6-months without buying new clothes and found it easy to extend to 8. During this time, I borrowed a fabulous outfit for a wedding. Trade retail therapy for a hike in the woods. 

When you remove the excess, there’s room for what matters most. For me, that is Faith, Family, Friends, Health and Generosity.

So, which one will you try first? Need more accountability? Share with a friend and make trips to the donation center together. 

Why are you decluttering? I’d love to hear your story!