The best way to get organized is to start with a plan. That’s why we’ve created this room-by-room organization guide. We’ll help you figure out what needs to be done in each room, so you can get your home in order once and for all!
Room-by-Room Organization Guide:
Living Room:
The first step is to declutter the living room. Get rid of any items that you don’t use or need. Once the clutter is gone, you can focus on organizing what’s left. Try to create a system that makes sense for your space and lifestyle. For example, you might want to keep all of your DVDs in one place, or organize your books by genre.
Kitchen:
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house, so it’s important to keep it organized. Start by decluttering the counters and cabinets. Get rid of any appliances or cookware that you don’t use. Then, create a system for storing what’s left. For example, you might want to keep all of your pots and pans in one place, or organize your spices by category.
Bedroom:
The bedroom is a place for relaxation, so it’s important to keep it clutter-free. Start by decluttering your dresser and nightstand. Get rid of any clothes or shoes that you don’t wear. Then, focus on organizing your closet. Hang up your clothes by category, such as shirts, pants, and dresses. Store your shoes on a shoe rack or in a storage bin.
Bathroom:
The bathroom is another important room in the house. Start by decluttering the counters and cabinets. Get rid of any products that you don’t use. Then, focus on organizing what’s left. For example, you might want to keep all of your makeup in one place, or organize your towels by color.
Office:
If you have an office in your home, it’s important to keep it organized. Start by decluttering your desk. Get rid of any papers or files that you don’t need. Then, focus on organizing what’s left. For example, you might want to keep all of your important documents in one place, or organize your books by subject.
These are just a few tips for getting your home organized. For more ideas, check out our blog or browse our organization products. With a little effort, you can get your whole house in order!
When decluttering my kitchen like the article suggests, do you have any tips for deciding which cookware or appliances I might actually need as a college student who doesn’t cook a lot?
As a college student who doesn’t cook often, keep only the basics: one saucepan, one frying pan, a spatula, and maybe a baking sheet. For appliances, stick to essentials like a microwave or coffee maker if you use them regularly. Donate or store anything you haven’t used in the last few months.
For organizing a small kitchen, do you have any tips on maximizing storage space when cabinet and counter space is really limited?
To maximize storage in a small kitchen, use vertical space by adding shelves or hooks on walls and the inside of cabinet doors. Stackable containers, magnetic strips for knives, and pull-out organizers can also help. Consider hanging pots or utensils, and keep only essential items handy to reduce clutter.
When decluttering the office, are there recommended methods for sorting through old paperwork, especially for items that might be important to keep for tax or legal reasons?
For office paperwork, start by sorting documents into categories like taxes, legal, financial, and miscellaneous. Keep tax and legal records for at least 7 years, or longer if required. Shred outdated or unnecessary papers, but double-check anything that might be needed for audits or legal matters before discarding.
When tackling the living room, what would you suggest for people with multifunctional spaces, like if the living room is also used as a home office or play area?
For multifunctional living rooms, use storage solutions like shelves, ottomans with compartments, and baskets to keep each area organized. Define zones with rugs or furniture placement, and choose furniture that can serve multiple purposes, such as a foldaway desk or a coffee table with storage. Keeping items for each function contained helps maintain order and flexibility.
For organizing books in the living room, do you recommend grouping them by genre or author if I have a lot of mixed types? I struggle to keep things tidy when we have kids’ books mixed with ours.
If you have a mix of kids’ and adults’ books, try separating them first—designate specific shelves or bins for children’s books. For the rest, grouping by genre often works better for mixed types, making it easier to find what you need and keep things tidy.
After I declutter each room like you suggest, how do I make sure the mess doesn’t just build up again over the next month or two?
To keep your rooms organized long-term, try setting a regular schedule for quick clean-ups, like weekly 10-minute tidying sessions. Also, create designated spots for everything and make it a habit to put items back right after use. A little daily effort prevents clutter from piling up again.
Could you suggest affordable ways to organize bedroom closets, especially for someone on a tight budget?
You can use inexpensive storage bins or baskets to group similar items, and hang a second tension rod for extra hanging space. Shoe organizers on the door and DIY shelf dividers made from cardboard or dollar-store supplies also help keep things tidy without spending much.
For organizing my bedroom closet, is it better to group clothes by type, as you mentioned, or by how often I wear them? Just curious what works best for keeping things tidy long term.
Grouping clothes by type generally keeps your closet visually tidy and makes items easier to find. However, if you often reach for the same pieces, keeping your most-worn clothes in a more accessible spot—perhaps within each type—can be helpful too. Many people find a mix of both methods works best for staying organized long term.
When organizing the kitchen, do you have any tips for people with limited cabinet space? I struggle to find a spot for all my pots and pans and would love some creative storage ideas.
If cabinet space is tight, consider using wall-mounted racks or hooks to hang pots and pans. You could also try stacking pans with protective liners or storing lids on the inside of cabinet doors. Utilizing vertical space with tiered shelves or pull-out organizers can make a big difference, too.
I like the idea of organizing my closet by category in the bedroom, but what about small closets with limited space? Do you have suggestions for maximizing storage in tight spaces?
For small closets, try using slim, matching hangers to save space and install extra shelves or hanging organizers for shoes and accessories. Vertical storage like stackable bins or hanging shelves can help you use every inch efficiently. Consider adding hooks or an over-the-door organizer for smaller items.
For bedroom organization, do you recommend any particular strategies for people who share closet space or have very limited storage options?
For shared closets, try dividing the space evenly with bins, labeled shelves, or hanging organizers for each person. Use under-bed storage for off-season clothes or shoes, and consider vertical storage like stacking boxes. Rotating items seasonally and donating what you don’t use often also helps maximize limited storage.
When organizing the office, do you have recommendations for affordable storage solutions that won’t take up extra floor space?
Wall-mounted shelves and pegboards are excellent for adding storage without using floor space. You could also try using stackable organizers on your desk or mounting file holders to the wall. Over-the-door organizers can keep supplies handy and out of the way, all at a low cost.
I struggle with decluttering my office space, especially when it comes to paperwork. What do you recommend for organizing important documents if I don’t have a dedicated filing cabinet?
If you don’t have a filing cabinet, try using labeled folders stored in a portable file box or an accordion file. Separate documents by category, such as bills, medical records, or warranties, to make retrieval easy. Regularly go through paperwork to shred or recycle what you no longer need, and keep only the essentials.
When you talk about organizing the kitchen, do you have any tips for dealing with really deep cabinets that things always get lost in? I have a few and I’m not sure how to make them more functional.
Deep cabinets can be tricky! Using pull-out shelves or clear bins can help you access items in the back more easily. Lazy Susans are also great for corners. Try grouping similar items together and storing less-used items at the very back so your essentials stay within easy reach.
Do you have any suggestions for organizing a small kitchen where cabinet space is really limited? I’m struggling to find a good system for my pots and pans that doesn’t make everything feel cluttered.
For a small kitchen, try using wall-mounted racks or pot rails to hang your pots and pans, which frees up cabinet space. Stacking similar-sized items and using vertical storage solutions, like tiered shelves or organizers inside cabinets, can also help reduce clutter.
For organizing a bedroom closet, do you suggest using specific storage bins or hangers, and are there any budget-friendly options for students?
For a bedroom closet, use slim hangers to save space and clear storage bins for seasonal items or accessories. For students on a budget, consider dollar stores or discount retailers for bins, and look for multi-packs of hangers. Repurposing shoe boxes or small baskets can work well too.
I noticed you suggest organizing books by genre in the living room. Do you have any tips for people who have a lot of mixed media, like books, DVDs, and video games, all sharing the same shelves?
Great question! If you have shelves with a mix of books, DVDs, and video games, try grouping each category together for easier access. You can use small baskets or boxes for smaller items like video games. Labeling each section or container helps, too. If your shelves are adjustable, consider configuring them to fit taller books or different-sized cases. This way, everything stays neat and is easy to find.
When you talk about decluttering the living room and getting rid of items you don’t use, what do you suggest doing with things that have sentimental value but aren’t actually used regularly?
For sentimental items you don’t use often, consider designating a specific storage box or container to keep them safe and organized. This way, you can hold onto their memories without having them take up everyday living space. You might also display a few favorites while storing the rest.
When you mention organizing bedroom closets by category, do you recommend any specific storage solutions for small spaces or shared closets?
For small or shared closets, try slim velvet hangers to save space, hanging organizers for shoes or accessories, and clear bins for grouping items on shelves. Stackable drawers or under-bed storage can also help keep things tidy and accessible in tight areas.