How to Start Organizing a Messy House: 4 Basic Steps

Living in today’s busy world, organizing a messy house might feel like a big job—like, how do you even start?!

I know that there are some people who find it easy to keep things neat, but to scatterbrained souls like me, it is such a struggle. I find that the more I try to organize, the bigger mess I create. And this is usually when overwhelm hits me and I give up before I even try.

Organizing is a significant part of making a peaceful and comfy home, but it feels like a never ending task.

When we’ve moved into our new home earlier this year, I felt that it was the best time to declutter, and that’s what got me started with organizing our messy house.

Now there are many ways to go about it, but the most important thing is to find a system that works just right for you. Because, really, every family is different, with their own needs and ways of doing things.

Embracing these differences is like creating a plan for organizing that not only fits how things are now but also grows with you over time.

4 Steps to cleaning and organizing a messy house:

Decluttering: This is how you will start your journey, by getting rid of things you don’t need. Decluttering creates space and makes it easier to clean and organize. If you don’t do this first step, you will find yourself moving things around without much improvement in how your home looks and feels.

Cleaning: Cleaning is like giving your home a good bath. It’s not just about looking nice; it’s also about keeping everything healthy. Cleaning helps get rid of dirt and keeps your space smelling good and looking ready for any surprise guests.

Tidying: Tidying is about keeping things neat and arranged in a way that looks good and makes sense. It involves daily habits and routines, like putting things back where they belong and making sure everything has its place. Tidying is more about the day-to-day maintenance of a clean and orderly space.

Organizing: Organizing is the next step after tidying. It’s about creating systems and structures that make your space efficient and easy to navigate. This involves things like using smart storage solutions, categorizing items logically, and designating specific spaces for different things. Organizing focuses on establishing a structure that helps you find and store your belongings more conveniently over the long term.

We’re going to explore each of these four steps one by one.

Decluttering

Setting Clear Goals

Alright, what’s the key to making our homes super neat and organized?

Having clear goals.

This means thinking about what we can do practically and with what we’ve already got.

First Things First: Start by figuring out what areas need cleaning, like your clothes, kitchen, or papers. Think about which parts of your home need the most attention. Set goals in order based on what’s really important or what messes up your day the most. (Don’t worry, we will cover this later in the post.)

Be Strategic: Before jumping into cleaning, consider how much time you’ve got, how much energy you can spare, and what cleaning supplies you need. These things help create a plan that’s real and doable. (Coz not everybody can Konmari a messy home in a day)

How to start decluttering when overwhelmed:

1. Time:
   • Figure out when is a good time for you to clean: Look at your day and find pockets when you’re not too busy
2. Energy:
   • Think about when you’re wide awake and focused and plan your cleaning sessions for those times
3. Supplies:
   • Check out what cleaning stuff you already have, and list those items that you’ll need to shop for. If you think that you’ll need heavy-duty equipment to tackle some areas, you’ll need to schedule your cleaning day accordingly.
4. Realistic Goals:
   • Choose goals that fit into your daily life. This means picking things you can do with the time and energy you’ve got.
5. Time Planning:
   • Decide how long each cleaning session will be. While some tasks only require a few minutes of your day, other tasks would need a few hours.
6. When to Clean:
   • When are you most free? Figure out if you’ll clean a bit each day or do a big clean on weekends. If you know you’ll be dumping out large furniture or appliances, you’ll have to check with your local waste management or sanitation department for specific guidelines and procedures.
7. What to Clean First:
   • Decide if you want to hit up specific spots first or just go all-in at once. Pick the way that feels easiest and quickly gives your home that streamlined look. (For example, just doing your bed makes the bedroom look instantly organized with very little effort. So even if your nightstand is a mess, if your bed is made, it immediately gives a general feeling of order.)

Setting Decluttering Deadlines

No need for a big fuss; just set a gentle deadline.

The best way to go about it is find your next transformation, be it a change in seasons or lifestyle. It’s like hitting the reset button, saying goodbye to old stuff, and making room for whatever’s coming next.

Best times to declutter:

Before Moving: Getting ready to move? Streamline the packing process to start fresh in your new space. It’s like giving yourself a clean slate for exciting beginnings.

Spring Cleaning Tradition: Feel the buzz of spring cleaning? Embrace that energy for a deep decluttering. It’s like giving your space a refreshing makeover, getting rid of what you don’t need.

New Season: As the seasons change, so can your space. Align with the evolving atmosphere outside. It’s like a dance with nature, keeping your surroundings in harmony.

School Breaks: School breaks are perfect times to refresh. Use those breaks to reevaluate and streamline your living space. It’s like a mini-makeover during your downtime.

Anniversary Celebrations: On anniversaries, reflect on your living space’s journey. Align it with changing needs and preferences. It’s like celebrating your home’s growth and evolution.

Birthdays: Birthdays aren’t just about cake. Use them as annual markers for a symbolic fresh start in your living space. It’s like a gift to your home every year.

Passing of a Family Member: When facing emotional challenges, turn them into opportunities for thoughtful decluttering. Cherish meaningful items while letting go of unnecessary belongings. It’s like creating space for cherished memories.

Decluttering Your Home: A Systematic Approach

1. Room-by-Room Simplification: Dive into each room individually, focusing on specific areas one at a time. For example, if you are starting on the living room, perhaps you can focus on just the coffee table or the entertainment unit. Only switch your focus when you’ve decluttered the current area of focus.

Key Considerations:

a. Opt for Overlooked Spots:

• Try giving some love to those overlooked spots in your cleaning routine. These areas often stay organized longer than the busier spots, which can be a great motivator.

b. Avoid High-Impact Areas:

• Skip spaces crucial to your daily activities or routines. This minimize disruptions to your daily life while still achieving significant progress in decluttering.

Selecting Communal or Non-Communal Spaces when decluttering:

When to Choose a Shared Space:

• If you wish for the entire family to participate and share the responsibility of decluttering.
• When collaboration is a priority, ensuring everyone’s needs and preferences are considered.

When to Choose an Independent Area:

• When seeking a more self-reliant decluttering experience without extensive involvement from other family members.
• If you’re concerned about accidentally removing items with sentimental value to others, aiming to minimize conflicts.
• When you prefer a streamlined process, making decisions autonomously and at your own pace.

2. Sort and Categorize: Systematically go through your items, sorting them into categories like “keep,” “donate,” and “discard.” Be decisive, considering each item’s usefulness and sentimental value. Avoid keeping items out of guilt or a sense of obligation.

What to Identify:

• Items to throw away
• Items to sell or donate
• Items that don’t belong in the space
• Items to keep in the space

3. Simplify Possessions: Focus on streamlining your possessions to align with your current lifestyle, goals, and values. Keep what truly matters and contributes positively to your daily life.

Evaluate Each Item by Asking:

• Do I use this regularly?
• Does it serve a practical purpose?
• Does it bring me joy or have sentimental value?
• Can I live without it?
• Do I love it?
• How often do I use it?
• Would I buy it again?
• Does it fit my current lifestyle?
• Can I live without it?

4. Declutter Surfaces: Pay special attention to visible surfaces like countertops, tables, and shelves. Remove unnecessary items to create a cleaner, more visually appealing space.

5. Minimize Redundancies: Identify and eliminate duplicates or items serving similar purposes. Keep only the essentials to reduce clutter and maintain order.

6. Create Breathing Room: Aim for a spacious and open feel by allowing breathing room between furniture and decor. Avoid overcrowding spaces with excessive decorations or unnecessary items.

Let’s keep things simple and focused. When deciding what to keep, donate, or toss, trust your instincts and be firm.

Don’t let guilt or a feeling of duty sway your choices. Being firm helps you stay on track and gives purpose to your decluttering mission.

Think of it this way: you’re creating a home that suits your life now, bringing calm and order. Don’t stay in the past or lose yourself in the future.

Your home should reflect your life and fill your needs at the present moment. It’s like piecing together a puzzle where every item has its place, and it all fits seamlessly.

Start small, gain confidence, then tackle the big stuff. As you declutter bit by bit, you’ll feel more sure-footed, making the whole process easier and more satisfying. You’re in control, and you’ve got this!

Quick Wins: Easy Decluttering Magic

Bedside Table: Clear off everything, categorize items, and evaluate their necessity. Keep personal care items to a minimum, streamline reading material, and organize electronics neatly.

Designate specific spots for each category, utilize storage, and maintain a thoughtful, clutter-free look.

Shoe Rack: Empty it out, sort shoes by type, and assess each pair’s wear and love factor. Toss damaged or duplicate shoes, and consider seasonal rotations to maximize space.

Ensure a comfortable fit, utilize organizers, and make it a routine to prevent clutter buildup.

Bag: Empty everything out, sort into categories, and ask yourself if each item is genuinely necessary. Toss expired or unused items, and consider the season for relevant essentials (like a small sunscreen in the summer or a hydrating moisturizer in the winter.

Invest in small organizers for easy access, and streamline duplicates. Check your bag’s condition and repack it thoughtfully, keeping a regular routine to prevent unnecessary accumulation.

Medicine cabinet: Empty it out, toss expired items, and categorize essentials like daily medications and first aid supplies. Keep only what you use regularly, dispose of unused items responsibly, and organize the cabinet by function.

Use storage solutions to prevent clutter, and regularly check for expired items to ensure a safe and functional space for your health essentials.

Under Sink: Empty it out, toss expired items, and categorize essentials like cleaning supplies and household tools. Use hooks and storage containers to keep things organized, and consider adding shelves for extra space.

Check for leaks and dispose of old sponges or brushes. Keep only what you use regularly, and opt for eco-friendly alternatives when possible.

Dispose Responsibly: Remember to recycle or donate things you don’t need in a way that’s good for the Earth. Follow the rules for throwing things away to help our environment.

Cleaning

How to Clean a Messy House

Bin Blitz:

Start by picking up any stray trash around the house: empty water bottles, broken toys, etc. Then clear out all those trash bins in the rooms. Quickly go through the stuff and set aside the recyclables.

Wipe down the bins to get rid of any funky smells, switch out the liners, and make sure everything goes where it’s supposed to.

If things are looking a bit messy around the bins, give the area a speedy clean to keep it all looking and smelling good.

Dishes: Gather all the dirty plates and cups. Dive into the washing or loading process, depending on whether you’re using a dishwasher or washing by hand.

Once the dishes are taken care of, turn your attention to the kitchen surfaces. Wipe down countertops, stovetops, and any other areas with lingering mess. (Don’t go deep into it yet, we’re just focusing mainly on clearing out the visible mess –a spill, condiments that haven’t been put back, etc.).

Laundry: Round up any scattered laundry throughout the house. Collect dirty clothes, linens, or towels from bedrooms and communal spaces.

Once gathered, dive into sorting and either toss them in the wash or fold and put away the clean ones.

Tidying up bedrooms along the way keeps the laundry chaos at bay. A quick fluff of pillows, a fold of blankets, and you’ll have cozy, organized spaces in no time.

Clutter Challenge: If you’ve already tackled a decluttering session, it’s time to implement and maintain your decluttering routine.

Take a stroll around the house, checking each room for any items that may have found their way back or new items that could use reevaluation.

Ensure everything is in its designated place, surfaces are clear, and unnecessary items are promptly removed.

This routine helps prevent clutter from creeping back in and maintains the organized and refreshed feel you’ve achieved.

Rooms: Move through your home room by room. Start with a specific space and give it your full attention. Begin by decluttering surfaces, organizing items, and putting things back in their designated places.

Wipe down surfaces, dust, and vacuum as needed. Once you’ve completed one room, move on to the next, following the same methodical approach.

Quick Dusting: Grab a duster or a microfiber cloth and make a swift pass through each room.

Pay attention to surfaces, shelves, and corners where dust tends to accumulate.

Wave away those cobwebs and give your furniture, decor, and electronic devices a quick wipe.

Vacuum: Take on each room, starting with the floors. Unleash the power of your vacuum to tackle dust, dirt, and debris. Move systematically, covering every inch of carpet, rugs, and floors.

Don’t forget those often-overlooked areas like corners and under furniture.

If your vacuum has attachments, use them for upholstery, curtains, and other surfaces.

Bathrooms: Clear surfaces of any clutter and wipe them down. Scrub the bathtub, shower, and sink, paying attention to grout lines and fixtures.

Clean the toilet inside and out, and don’t forget to mop the floor. Use your favorite cleaning products, and don’t forget to pay attention to details.

Kitchen: Lastly, focus on cleaning the kitchen. Wipe down surfaces, clear the counters of any unnecessary items, and leave your kitchen spotless.

Pay special attention to appliances, handles, and high-touch areas. Don’t forget to sweep or mop the floor for that extra shine.

Special Missions: Deep Cleaning

Beyond regular cleaning, there are specific areas and items in your home that benefit from periodic deep cleaning to maintain a healthy and fresh living environment. Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the cleaning task at hand. Here are some tasks that might require deep cleaning:

1. Mattresses and Pillows: Deep clean mattresses and pillows to remove dust mites, allergens, and stains. Vacuum the mattress, spot-clean any stains, and consider using a mattress protector.
2. Carpets and Upholstery: Periodically deep clean carpets and upholstery to remove deeply embedded dirt, allergens, and stains. Use a carpet cleaner or hire a professional service for a thorough refresh.
3. Air Ducts and Vents: Clean and vacuum air ducts and vents to improve indoor air quality. Dust and debris can accumulate over time, affecting the efficiency of your HVAC system.
4. Refrigerator Coils: Remove dust and debris from the refrigerator coils to ensure optimal performance. Clean coils help the appliance run more efficiently and can extend its lifespan.
5. Range Hood and Oven: Deep clean the range hood and oven to remove built-up grease and grime. This not only improves appliance efficiency but also enhances kitchen hygiene.
6. Baseboards and Crown Molding: Dust, wipe, and even scrub baseboards and crown molding. These areas often accumulate dust and may require special attention during a deep cleaning session.
7. Behind Appliances: Move large appliances like the refrigerator and stove to clean behind and underneath. Dust and debris can accumulate in these hidden areas.
8. Tile Grout: Scrub and deep clean tile grout in bathrooms and kitchens. Grout can discolor over time, and deep cleaning can restore its original appearance.
9. Ceiling Fans: Wipe down and clean ceiling fan blades to remove dust. This prevents dust from circulating in the air when the fan is in use.
10. Washing Machine: Run a cleaning cycle in your washing machine to remove built-up residue and mildew. Clean the detergent drawer and rubber gasket to prevent odors.
11. Dishwasher: Clean the dishwasher by running an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner. Wipe down the interior, including the door gasket and spray arms.
12. Blinds and Curtains: Dust and clean blinds or wash curtains according to care instructions. This helps maintain a dust-free environment and improves indoor air quality.
13. Garbage Bins: Disinfect and clean garbage bins, both indoor and outdoor. Over time, bins can develop unpleasant odors and harbor bacteria.
14. Pet Areas: Deep clean pet beds, crates, and litter boxes to eliminate odors and ensure a clean and sanitary environment for your pets.

Tidying

Daily Tidying Habits

This simplified checklist outlines daily tidy habits to keep your living space organized and welcoming.

• Morning Routine (Start of the Day):
  • Make your bed in the morning
  • Put items back in their designated places after use
• Throughout the Day:
  • Regularly clear off surfaces like countertops and tables
  • Fold and put away clean laundry promptly
  • Wash or load dishes right after use
  • Do a quick sweep or vacuum in high-traffic areas
  • Sort and deal with mail promptly
  • Hang up or fold clothes instead of leaving them on chairs or floors
• Evening Routine (End of the Day):
  • Take a few minutes before bedtime to tidy up communal spaces
  • Charge electronic devices and organize charging cables
  • Empty small trash bins regularly
  • Identify a few items to declutter daily
  • Wipe down bathroom surfaces daily
  • Take a final sweep through communal areas before bed

Smart Storage Solutions

• Check your belongings for better organization opportunities
• Categorize items based on type or functionality
• Use boxes, baskets, and organizers for similar items
• Maximize vertical space with shelves or hooks
• Consider under-bed storage for infrequently used items
• Invest in closet organizers for efficient wardrobe storage and prevent storage smells
• Choose furniture with built-in storage
• Implement a labeling system for easy identification
• Store seasonal items in labeled containers
• Regularly reassess and adjust storage solutions
• Ensure storage solutions match your space’s aesthetics
• Prioritize functionality when selecting storage solutions

Labels for Easy Finding

Here’s a brief guide on how to use labels effectively:

1. Gather Supplies:
   • Collect labels, a label maker, or simple paper and tape.
2. Categorize Items:
   • Group similar items together based on type or functionality.
3. Choose Clear Labels:
   • Opt for clear and easily readable labels. This ensures quick identification of contents.
4. Label Boxes and Organizers:
   • Place labels on boxes, baskets, and organizers. Be specific with your labels to pinpoint the contents accurately.
5. Use Descriptive Labels:
   • Describe the contents concisely on the labels. For example, “Winter Clothes” or “Office Supplies.”
6. Consistent Placement:
   • Maintain a consistent placement for labels. This creates a predictable system for finding items.
7. Consider Color-Coding:
   • If preferred, use color-coding in addition to labels for a visual organization system. For instance, blue labels for office items and red labels for kitchen supplies.
8. Update Labels as Needed:
   • Regularly update labels as the contents of boxes or organizers change. This ensures accuracy in your labeling system.
9. Prioritize High-Traffic Areas:
   • Focus on labeling items in high-traffic or frequently used areas. This speeds up the process of finding what you need.
10. Utilize Technology:
    • If you prefer a digital approach, consider using label-making apps or devices for a modern and efficient labeling system.
11. Label Visible and Hidden Areas:
    • Label not only visible storage but also hidden areas like under-bed storage or the backs of closets.
12. Teach Others the System:
    • If you share space with others, educate them about the labeling system. This promotes consistency and collaboration in maintaining an organized environment.

Regular Tidying Sessions

Establish Tidying Times: Set specific daily or weekly times to tidy up and prevent clutter build-up.

Daily Surface Check: Perform a quick daily check of surfaces, clearing off items and ensuring everything has its place.

Weekly Decluttering: Dedicate a specific day each week for a more thorough decluttering session.

Create a Routine: Establish a consistent tidying routine that fits your lifestyle.

Involve the Household: Encourage everyone to participate in regular tidying sessions for a collective effort.

Focus on Problem Areas: Pay extra attention to specific clutter-prone areas during tidying sessions.

Quick Pick-Up Before Bed: Incorporate a nightly pick-up routine before bedtime for a clean start each morning.

Set a Timer: Use a timer for focused 10-15 minute tidying sessions.

Reward Yourself: Treat yourself to a small reward after completing tidying sessions.

Make It a Habit: Cultivate the habit of regular tidying sessions to maintain a consistently tidy home.

Adapt to Your Lifestyle: Adjust the frequency and duration of tidying sessions based on your lifestyle and household needs.

Teamwork for a Tidy Space

Teamwork Makes Tidiness: Keeping your home tidy is a group effort – everyone pitches in to make it happen. Share the chores based on what each person likes or is good at.

Chit-Chat About Cleanliness: Make sure everyone knows what the cleanliness expectations are. Chat openly about how clean you all want things to be.

Set Tidying Times: Have regular times when everyone helps clean up. It could be a quick daily tidy or a weekly deeper clean – whatever works for your family.

Turn Cleaning into a Game: Make cleaning fun! Turn on some music, make it a game, or challenge each other. It’s a lot more enjoyable, especially for the younger bunch.

Rewards and Celebrations: Give a little reward or celebrate when someone does a good job tidying up. It makes everyone feel good about helping out.

Lead with a Tidy Example: Show the way! Older family members, especially parents, can lead by example. If they keep their spaces tidy, it sets a good standard for everyone else.

Family Huddles and Talks: Have regular family meetings to talk about how things are going. It’s a chance for everyone to share their thoughts on keeping the house in good shape.

Say Thanks and Keep it Positive: Say thanks when someone helps tidy up. Positive vibes make the whole house feel happier and more comfortable.

Organization

How to start organizing your home:

Understanding Storage Needs

Check What You Use: Take a look around and see how often you actually use stuff in different spots.

Decide What’s Essential: Figure out what you really need and what’s just taking up space. Maybe some things can find a new home through decluttering or donating.

Spot Storage Gaps: Notice any gaps in storage? Think about cool solutions like furniture that does more than one thing or using up that vertical space.

Life Changes = Storage Changes: If your lifestyle is doing the cha-cha, your storage needs might be, too. Make a game plan that suits each area, so your everyday items are easy to grab, and the other stuff is stashed smartly.

Creating Purposeful Zones

Claim Your Zones: Make a special spot in the kitchen just for cooking or carve out a cozy nook for your remote work hustle.

Keep it Handy: Put the stuff you use all the time within arm’s reach, and set some clear boundaries so things don’t go haywire.

Sort by Use: Arrange each area based on how often you use stuff, so everything’s easy to find and the place stays shipshape.

Stay Flexible: Design your spaces so they can do a little dance with your changing needs. And throw in some visual cues to mark off different zones in the big picture.

Labels and Upkeep

Label Everything: Stick labels on shelves and bins so you can find your stuff in a snap.

Keep It Fresh: Mix things up when your needs change. Don’t be shy about rearranging to keep things running smooth.

Go Flexi-Labels: Use labels that can bend and flex with your changing system. Get the fam involved so everyone’s on the same page.

Easy Reach Wins: Stick the things you use all the time where you can grab ’em without doing acrobatics.

Tech it Up: In bigger storage spots, think about going digital with some tech-savvy labeling.

Check and Edit: Give your labels a once-over now and then. Tidy up, tweak, and keep that organized vibe going strong.

Regular Adjustments

Regular Check-ins: Make sure your system stays on point by checking in regularly and tweaking things as needed.

Give it a Once-Over: Every now and then, look at your setup. It helps keep things clutter-free and running smoothly.

Roll with the Changes: Life’s always changing, right? Adjust your setup to match and get the whole crew involved for a well-oiled machine.

Think Seasonal: Consider the seasons, tackle challenges head-on, and maybe sprinkle in a bit of tech for extra smart solutions.

Keep it Fresh: Stay on top of things with regular check-ins and adjustments. It’s the secret sauce to keeping your space purposeful and feeling just right.

Clutter-Free Commitment: Tips for keeping it clean

Mail: Taming the Paper Trail

Paper clutter usually pile up in our home office, but it eventually finds its way everywhere in the house.

When the mail shows up, find a spot to quickly go through it. Separate the important stuff like bills and bank statements right away to avoid a mess.

Choose a regular time, like once a week, to deal with bills and statements – maybe even go digital to keep it easy.

Grab a shredder for any sensitive docs you don’t need. Keep the essentials organized in a simple file setup.

Deal with any mail that needs action ASAP to steer clear of a backlog.

Trash or recycle junk mail on the spot to keep things neat. Get the whole household on board.

Laundry: Keep it Wrinkle-Free

After your laundry is dry, make it a quick and regular habit to put it away in its designated spot.

Choose a dresser, wardrobe, or closet for your clothes, keeping hangers handy for items that need hanging.

Fold and sort your clothes neatly, utilizing storage bins for smaller items.

Prioritize accessibility by placing frequently worn items in easy-to-reach areas.

Involve household members in putting away their own laundry to share the responsibility.

Periodically declutter, donating or discarding items you no longer wear.

Enjoy the process by adding some music, making it a positive part of your routine.

Shoes and Bags Haven: Bye-Bye Entrance Chaos

Dedicate a cozy spot for your shoes and bags when you walk in. Just grab a simple shoe rack or a nice entryway bench – nothing too fancy.

Make sure everyone gets their own spot. Toss in some baskets or hooks to keep things looking neat.

Don’t forget to clear out anything you don’t use.

Stairway Squad: The ‘Catch All’ Command

Drop some baskets on the stairs, top and bottom, and let them be your family’s go-to spot for anything that needs to find its way back home or be moved.

Make it a daily thing for everyone to toss their stuff in there, so you can handle it all at once. Before you climb up or down, just do a quick check for anything that needs to hitch a ride.

Counter Control: No More Chaos

Don’t let your counters become a mess. Put things back where they belong after using them.

• Try using a tension rod under the sink to organize cleaning supplies or hang pots and pans for easy access.
• Use a magnetic strip in the bathroom for convenient storage of metal grooming tools.
• Turn a muffin tin upside down and place condiment containers in each cup for a clever taco bar.
• Transform an old ladder into a stylish bookshelf or use a pegboard to organize kitchen utensils.

Nighttime Neatness Challenge: The 10-Minute Fix

Set a timer to create a sense of urgency and challenge yourself to accomplish as much as possible in that short timeframe. This routine helps prevent clutter from accumulating and makes tidying up a manageable and consistent part of your nightly routine.

Family Basket Brigade: A Team Effort

Everybody in the fam gets their own basket. Whenever someone leaves their stuff lying around, they use their basket to tidy up.

It’s a simple system that encourages individual responsibility and turns cleaning into a team effort within the family.

Drop Zone Design: Get Outdoor-Ready

Create a designated area in your garage for items like bags, coats, and shoes, especially if you don’t have a mudroom.

This spot serves as a practical “drop zone” for outdoor essentials, keeping them organized and ready for your next adventure.

By establishing a specific space for these items, you maintain a clutter-free and efficient area for all your outdoor gear.

One In, One Out: The Simple Rule for Stuff

Here’s a simple trick to keep things in check: follow the ‘one in, one out’ rule. Basically, if you bring something new into your home, consider letting go of something else. It helps strike a balance and keeps things from piling up.

How to start organizing a messy house when you feel overwhelmed?

Did you know that cleaning actually reduces stress for some people? But when your messy house is getting to be a bit too much, you might want to think about bringing in a professional organizer or teaming up with a friend or family member as your organizing buddy.

The pros are like wizards when it comes to sorting out clutter—they’ve got the skills to make things organized and efficient.

On the other hand, going the buddy route makes the whole process more enjoyable and collaborative.

Having someone to share the workload and keep spirits up can really take the stress out of organizing a messy space.