Top Organizing Tips For Every Room in Your Home
Top Organizing Tips For Every Room in Your Home
Tips for every room.
An organized space is a beautiful space. Sometimes starting a project just takes a little inspiration…
especially when it comes to organizing. Whether you’re organizing your kitchen, great room, entryway, or bedroom, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Today, we’re talking about how small acts make a big difference in your overall organization. Don’t forget that the important crucial first step is to start with the editing process. In order to fully see the scale of what you need to organize, take out EVERYTHING and put it on a floor or table. From there, we decide what to keep, what to ditch, and what to repurpose. If you don’t purge items, you’ll end up shuffling clutter back and forth—and that should be avoided at all costs. From there, we group the remaining items into categories and decide on a functional storage system. Here are our top organizing tips, room-by-room.
“Having a physically organized space fosters a sense of emotional calm.”
Mudroom/Entry
We like to add styling pieces in the entryway that also create “drop zones” for items like keys, sunglasses, or shoes. For example, If you have a console table with an open bottom, adding baskets underneath is a great way to minimize clutter and add extra texture to welcome your guests. Add a pretty dish or tray to corral mail, keys and otherwise.
Create a “home” for everything. Things tend to pile up if you don’t have a dedicated spot for them that is properly organized.
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Textural + functional
“We think there are two types of storage. Closed for hiding away the stuff that you don’t want to see every day, and open for displaying things that can be beautiful and useful.”
Kitchen
Containers are a key part in creating a functional system. We believe that if things are free floating out in space, it’s just going to fall right back to where it was. Cutlery can be easily sorted with divided drawer inserts—same with most kitchen tools. Everyday dishes can be stacked neatly and stored in a space that’s easily accessible. Let’s put it this way: If you use something often, create a system that allows you to spot and return those items quickly. Don’t make the mistake of keeping your everyday plates on a top shelf and your nice dinnerware at eye level.
When adding organizing solutions to kitchens, we’re always thinking about styling regularly used items for easy access. We love adding clear canisters to display baking essentials, incorporating a pretty bowl for produce, and corralling trays or crocks on the counter for kitchen utensils or olive oil.
Turntables or pedestals are one of the most versatile organizational tools, especially for kitchen counters. Placing it next to the stove let's you contain all your everyday cooking items and clean up the countertop quickly. For those who prefer coffee to cooking, a turntable creates a stylized static for sugar canisters and coffee pods.
The key is to not overcrowd your counter. There should be plenty of space to prepare food. Plus, overcrowding a space creates clutter in itself. We suggest creating stations for your favorite things. This will allow you to access them more easily and at the same time, create a visually appealing space.
Most people neglect the space under the kitchen sink. It doesn’t have to be a cave of cleaning products. Adding some bins and labeled categories for other kitchen items make it just as pretty and functional as any other cabinet. We suggest keeping one all-purpose cleaner under the sink, then the rest in another area. You can create a bin with your cleaners in it that can be pulled out when it’s time to clean. For many clients with small children, the bin can be placed on a higher shelf in the kitchen so they stay out of reach. We also find that clients have more cleaners than they need. Editing cleaners is a great way to create space. Consider purchasing multi-use products. Anything you decide you don’t need can be taken to a local recycling center for proper disposal.
If you need the extra drawer, counter or pantry space, an over the door organizer is your option. We like the elfa system it can easily hang over a pantry door for easy access.
Just say no to junk drawers! It’s a slippery slope. The clutter will likely spill out to other parts of the home. We use drawer inserts to make the space functional and give it a purpose. Even if the items are random, it makes a huge difference if everything is edited and categorized.
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Organize your everyday essentials.
“There is a lot that goes on in the pantry, and let’s face it, it’s easy to get unorganized quickly without the right tools and systems in place. ”
Pantry
The pantry is usually the messiest part of any kitchen, and rightly so. It’s just a large open space intended to hold all those little packages of foods, spices, and so much more. Whether you have a reach-in or a walk-in, a helpful approach in getting organized is to decant as many of your foods as possible into clear containers. Not only will your food stay fresh longer, but you will eliminate the visual clutter of all that packaging. Baskets are fantastic for containing (and hiding!) larger items such as paper towels, while wood handled storage baskets help keep snacks tidy and accessible.
Different pantry categories require different types of organizing materials. For example, we like to incorporate large baskets on the bottom shelf for storage of beverages or pantry/kitchen essentials (paper towels, etc), and a mix of bins, boxes, more baskets, and glass jars to keep all of the snacks, baking essentials, and canned food together. The varied use of materials is what gives the pantry its stylized aesthetic.
Designate zones in your pantry for each type of cuisine or category (think specific as in “pasta” and “Mexican”, or general as in “breakfast” and “dinner”, etc.). That way you can quickly glance in the pantry and know exactly what you have, plus it makes meal prep time a breeze.
We especially love using divided turntables to store olive oils and and other jars or bottles of cooking supplies. Coffee grounds are best stored in glass canisters.
If your goal is to eat better in the new year, you can organize in a way that inspires healthy eating by keeping nutritious options front and center. Store your produce and snacks in stackable open front bins at eye level (and the junk food out of sight!). Also, showcase healthy snacks like nuts and seeds in clear canisters for a look that's functional and aesthetically pleasing. You can easily see what you need more of before heading to the grocery store.
Shop Pantry Accessories
Everything in the right place.
“We love to put trays on a coffee table to put our remotes inside or store coasters or a candle. Boxes are great because they add height, but you can also hide away gaming controllers and any other miscellaneous items”
Living Room
Organizing in the living room is all about creating simple solutions for hiding away things you use often but might not want to see every day. Try using baskets in built-ins or next to a sofa to store kid’s toys and extra blankets and utilizing trays and boxes for corralling or hiding away remotes, game controllers, or other miscellaneous items.
When organizing a living room, I like to start by taking inventory of everything that needs to be in this space so that I know what storage solutions to implement. I fully understand the importance of keeping kids toys and books in the main living space (it’s not practical to believe your kids will only play in their rooms!), so I like to design spaces that are geared toward real life while still looking “grown up.” A sideboard or media console with closed storage is a dream for hiding electronics, baskets filled with kids toys, or even extra blankets. Whether you’re short on space or simply need more storage, go vertical! When styling open shelves (or any surface), try to leave some open space. Storing smaller items in gorgeous boxes is a great way to hide the visual clutter while still keeping what you need accessible.
It’s important to designate a specific area in the living room where the toys will live. This allows kids to develop a sense of ownership, and they will be less likely to move playtime to other areas of the home. But more importantly, you must contain the items in a way that simplifies the clean-up process. Bulky items (stuffed animals, trucks, train sets) can be stored in large floor baskets, so toys are concealed with playtime is over, but still accessible. Items like puzzles and games can be stacked neatly on a shelf in rainbow order (of course!) Smaller items like Barbies, doll accessories, or blocks can be stored in stackable clear shoe boxes or modular drawers. Make sure to label each category and keep it general.
An etagere is a wonderful piece because the doors on the bottom hide less aesthetically pleasing items, and the open shelving above gives you room to showcase your treasures.
Shop LR Must-Haves
Utilize trays + baskets to hide away items.
“Storing smaller items in gorgeous boxes is a great way to hide the visual clutter while still keeping what you need accessible.”
Bedroom + Closet
First things first: Do an edit. Closets are valuable real estate — don't waste this space with clothes you don't wear. Keep a basket in your closet for donations so you can easily add items all year long.
Decluttering, or what we call purging, is a huge part of our process. It’s no longer about trying to have the most ‘it’ items or holding on to things for that ‘just in case’ moment; we want every single item to spark joy for our clients, and if it’s not doing that, then it’s time to go. Many clients can be sentimental about their things and we are very aware that parting with them can be an emotional process. We make sure to get to the root of what they’re holding on, and if it’s not serving them, fill that void with the excitement of how much better they will feel with that physical (and mental) space.
This one is huge: swap out your hangers! Investing in matching hangers is one of the best ways to elevate the look of your closet and also save space on a hanging rack. We cannot recommend this simple switch enough! To the eye, your closet will instantly look more organized and your clothes will stay in better shape. Our favorites are the black slimline!
Make sure you are keeping like items together, tanks with tanks, and sweaters with sweaters. This makes finding what you need and putting things away much easier. Each category should start the ROYGBIV color wheel over. This will give you a true glimpse into what all you own and help you shop your closet with ease.
We’re big fans of file folding. It gives clothes structure and allows our clients to see everything they own, therefore helping them wear more of their own clothing and making it easier to shop their own closets rather than buying new things.
When organizing your bedroom, a great place to start is with your nightstands. I always prefer having a nightstand on each side of the bed (symmetry!), and preferably one that offers you both closed and open storage space. The drawers allow you to keep your bedside essentials neatly tucked away, while the open shelf space allow you to add your signature style. I always keep a book, a journal, a gorgeous candle, and my fave hand cream nearby. If you need additional storage, try using a trunk at the foot of your bed. This is so handy for storing extra bedding, or even out of season clothing. Another bedroom essential is a beautiful hamper. Make your everyday items beautiful - you’re going to see this every day, so you may as well be in love with it!
Don't try to tackle it all in one day. It's not like a pantry where you get rid of items because they're expired. Clothing holds more emotional value. That's why we always suggest breaking up a closet project into bite-size steps. Start with one category of clothing per session and go from there.
Shop Bedroom + Closet
Clear space = clear mind.
“Organizing is essential to create a serene feeling in the bathroom”
Bathroom
Organizing is essential to create a serene feeling in the bathroom, and we love utilizing baskets, trays, and boxes to streamline these spaces.
We often use baskets at the bottom of nightstands to maximize storage, add bins for towels or toiletries in bathrooms, and keep small pinch-pots or trays around for placing jewelry at the end of a long day.
Create boundaries for products like skincare and travel in drawers and cabinets with labeled bins and baskets so they don’t mix together. Consider space saving items if necessary, like Turkish towels, and always make sure you can see everything you have!
Use drawer inserts to keep your morning and nighttime daily routine at your fingertips. Setting yourself up with your routine within reach is basically its own self-care practice. It’s an easy win, every day.
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Create a serene feeling.
“Labels act as a set of instructions to help you find what you need and guide you on how to maintain the space.”
Playrooms/Kids Rooms
Clear the clutter. When organizing kids’ spaces, sometimes there just isn’t room for everything. Our recommendation? Stick to the spaces you’ve dedicated for storage, and if their things are growing beyond that, begin clearing out pieces they no longer use. Rather than continuing to add to the room, it’s helpful to pare back and keep only the things that make your little one’s lives (and their space) beautiful.
For kid-centric spaces, it’s all about the materials. Our go-to organizing materials in these spaces are always durable but also add beauty and a sense of character to the room.
Give everything a place. With kids, every day is a play day. It can make their rooms a bit of a mess as they use their imaginations throughout the day, but that mess is nothing that can’t be tackled with some planning. Designate a space for each of their toys and knick-knacks, making cleaning up a little easier.
Embrace built-ins and bookshelves. Whether it’s a set of simple wooden blocks or a beloved stuffed animal, some kids’ things deserve to be displayed. We love incorporating these pieces into bookshelves, cabinets, or built-ins. Not only do they bring more personality to the space and allow kids to feel represented, but it also keeps things cohesive and elevated.
Use jars and baskets. Placing textural baskets and decorative jars throughout the room not only gives the space a thoughtful, collected feel, but it also expands your storage space. Giving everything from beaded bracelets to small toys a home, jars keep surfaces clear while baskets house all the extra textiles and toys that would otherwise lie around the room.
Add a label! Labels act as a set of instructions to help you find what you need and guide you on how to maintain the space.
Color-coordinating (ROYGBIV) is another form of labeling, especially for kids. If you ask them to grab something from the blue section, it is an intuitive system for them.
If your children(s)’ play area is a multi-use space, play with the furniture layout within the room to create an optimal setup. For example, if your living room doubles as a play space, although it may seem counter-intuitive, sometimes moving your couch to the center of the room can actually make your space look larger. In some instances, it’s possible to maximize functionality by placing a sofa near the center of the room and creating a play area for the kids behind the couch. Separating these areas with a console also created a barrier that made them feel distinct. Then, you have a multi-purpose space for both playing and relaxing.
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Hide away items with style.
“An organized office space paves the way for productivity.”
Office
Use a combination of small and large inserts to fit the measurements of a drawer and the categories that live there. We always suggest adding a few dots of museum gel to the bottom of each insert so they don't move around.
Electronics, like printers and laptops, come with a lot of connected cords. Using cord wraps to collect them helps keep everything streamlined and less cluttered.
Using a letter divider and a large USB port, create a docking station for your daily electronics (phone, laptop, etc.). This not only gets rid of all those loose wires from cluttering your desk, it may even encourage you to be more productive.
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Wrangle office clutter.
We hope you enjoy the items recommended here. At A Good Home, we put a lot of thought and intention into our recommended items, only suggesting things we love and use (and think you might, as well). We also like transparency, so, full disclosure: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation if you purchase through the external links on this page.