1) Get rid of stuff you don't need or love - The best way to feel organized is to have fewer things. It's a huge job to de-clutter an entire house, so take it room by room... drawer by drawer. Pick a drawer or space, empty it out, and only put back the things you use. Everything that is left over should be donated, sold, or thrown out.
When it comes to sentimental items, only keep what you truly value. I have designated one bin for each of my boys. Each bin contains special items of clothing, report cards, special stuffies, and favourite art pieces. If it doesn't fit in the bin, it doesn't stay in the house.
2) Make leaving the house easier - Finding things you need on the way out the door can be a challenge, but I have a few tips to make it a bit easier.
- Quick grab basket - A few dollar store baskets by the door will make mornings a little easier for everyone. Everyone gets their own basket, and every pair of mittens has a home. (Click here for more details.)
- Makeshift mudroom - A few hooks in an unused corner is all you need to create a makeshift mudroom. It's a simple and inexpensive storage solution when space is limited. (Click here for more details.)
- Backpack hooks - Hang some hooks on the back of a door, and you won't trip over the kids' backpacks ever again. It will also make your mornings run a little more smoothly too. (Click here for more details.)
- Clean and dirty mask baskets - Having two dollar store baskets by the door to manage masks is simple... and genius. I even designed "dirty" and "clean" baskets that you attach to the front of the baskets with a bit of twine. To download the tags I designed (for free): click on the picture of the tags below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.
3) Organize the bedrooms - Bedrooms can quickly get out of control... especially childrens bedrooms that are filled with clothes (in multiple sizes) and tons of toys. Here are a few ideas for getting the clutter organized.
- Fold clothes correctly - In my house, the socks are flat, and the clothes are folded in thirds and stored vertically. It looks super-tidy, and my boys can easily find the items they are looking for in their drawers. Check out the video below to see exactly how I do it.
- Use baskets and bins - A couple of baskets on top of a dresser are perfect for all the odds and ends in a child's room. Kids can put their miscellaneous items in these baskets... instead of on the floor.
- Store stuffed animals in a bean bag chair cover - Instead of having stuffies all over the floor, they can be stuffed into a bean bag chair cover. It contains the chaos, and it makes a comfy reading seat too.
- Use a clear shoe rack on the back of the door - I use these clear shoe racks all over my house, and they are awesome! The clear pockets make it easy for kids to store and access their stuff. I use them for LEGO, but they work well for clothing, craft supplies, and any small toys.
- Make books organized and accessible - Make sure all the books have a "home". You can use a nightstand, baskets, or shelving. Also, rotate books on a regular basis... out with the old and in with the new.
I made a little video in my son Jack's room you might find helpful.
4) Organize the kitchen - The kitchen is the heart of the home... and cupboards and counters can get out of control and untidy very quickly. Here are a couple simple ways to calm the chaos:
- Cupcake wrappers - Dollar store jars make perfect storage containers for cupcake liners... and they look cute too.
- Containers for snacks/school lunch staples - Taking snacks out of their original packaging and putting them in plastic containers from the dollar store is an easy organization HACK. This little trick helps save money, makes lunch items quicker to access, and frees up cupboard space. (Click here for more lunchbox HACKS.)
5) Create a place for odds and ends - Accessible over the door shoe racks - Clear shoe racks hang on the backs of doors, which is a wonderful way to utilize unused space and see a variety of items at a glance. Over the door shoe racks are great for holding craft supplies, hats and mitts, stuffed animals, and pantry supplies, LEGO kits. (Click here for more details.)
A shoe organizer also makes a wonderfully organized homework station.
Try out one or two of my ideas, and let me know what you think. (And if you have any ideas to share with me, I'd love for you to leave them in the comments.)
♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)
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