While I’m not one to preach New Year resolutions or goals and aspirations for the upcoming year, there is something compelling about conducting a reset at this time of year. Besides, if not now, then when? It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day, and most organizational tactics fall to the side. Here are some tips and products that I’d like to call the ultimate guide to staying organized to help keep the order for now and every day looking forward.
Declutter Your Space
Before any organization can be implemented and then upkeep, the products must be worth keeping. Marie Kondo says to evaluate if the product “sparks joy.” More than that, is it useful in a way that makes it a necessity? More often than not clothing sits in the closet and goes untouched for much time until it is finally gotten rid of. Here is when the “one-year rule” falls into place. If it hasn’t been used in the past year then it’s time to donate it or throw it away.
Photo Credit: Alice Lane Interior Design
Tackle the Entryway
Aside from the fact that this is the first space any guests see in your home, it’s the first sight you lay your eyes on. Walking into a house that feels clean and organized really sets the tone for the rest of the house and for the feeling that settles within you. Investing in a doormat that matches the aesthetic of your home to prevent all the outdoor dirt from spreading around is a great idea. Other possible helpful items include a bench that doubles as storage or a catchall tray on a table for keys and other loose ends.
Photo Credit: Joss & Main
Designate a Home Office Nook
For many of us, working from home has become the norm. And even if you don’t have a designated work-from-home job, there is always a multitude of tasks and responsibilities that need to be kept track of. Most certainly, there is assorted paraphernalia that is associated with said chores and it often finds its way to get around the house, or worse, lost. It can be as big or small as you desire; whether it's an entire room or a small desk, that's up to you. Designating a workspace keeps the mess in one space and a spot that can be organized. Desk organizers and stackable drawers can help maintain cleanliness and peace of mind.
Photo Credit: JLV
Revamp Your Bathroom Storage
Bathrooms hold much more storage than we realize. From toiletries to hygiene products to towels and beyond, the bathroom is home to all sorts of items. Most of these items are used daily, making organization key. Storage comes in many different forms, from functional to decorative. Small glass jars are great for storing smaller items on the countertop, while clear acrylic stackable drawers or rotating organizers are great for under the sink. Ensuring that there are functional towel hooks and shower product storage is also necessary.
Photo Credit: Amazon
Label Everything
I find that when storage pieces are labeled it makes them much more functional and helps keep me focused on what goes where. It gives each object a place to go and it is much easier to create a habit of keeping these spaces organized. This goes for large storage bins that may hold old clothes or toys and it goes for small canisters that hold spices.
Photo Credit: Pintrest
Drawer Organizers
While on the topic of spices, drawer organizers are a massive life-saver. Whether it be in the kitchen or in a closet, these storage solutions provide order and actually save space. These days, drawer organizers come in all shapes and sizes. This can include jewelry inserts, silverware dividers, and small caddies for beauty products. Amazon, Target, and The Home Edit are great places to start.
Photo Credit: The Home Edit
Digital Planners and Task Management Apps
Organization doesn't just come in the form of physical product placement, there is a mental component as well. A clear space doesn't help a cluttered mind. Writing down to-do lists and keeping a calendar might sound trivial or not necessary but it sure is. Everyone takes to this differently; some prefer digital tracking, others gravitate towards paper, and some do both. Digital websites like Notion and Google Calendar make this process easy. Paper planners from companies like Blue Sky and The Dailee are great for daily planning.
Cable Management Solutions
Visual clutter is messing with your ability to keep a clear space. One easy fix is to hide your wires. There are so many devices these days and each has its own twirling cord that finds its way onto the most visible of surfaces. Two years ago I came across something called a cable box. And while it’s not that useful for one wire, it is amazing when there are a few clustered in one spot. These boxes come in all sorts of finishes, to align with whatever your aesthetic may be.
Smart Home Assistants
Some don’t consider smart home gadgets essential. I am not one of those people. From lights to heating/cooling systems and just having a general assistant available 24/7, these smart home tools are extremely helpful. Think about telling Alexa to set a timer when you’re busy in the kitchen and you can't get to your phone. Or to shut the lights when you’re lying in bed and don’t want to get up. I use mine daily, and I think you will too. A good place to start is with the Amazon Echo or Google Nest Hub. Pair it with Kasa smart switches or smart plugs and you are set.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born and raised in New York, Shana Beck is an interior designer and writer with a degree from the New York School of Interior Design. Her work focuses on blending design principles with insightful commentary, offering a fresh perspective on trends and innovations in the field. With a passion for writing and a deep understanding of aesthetics, she aims to make complex ideas accessible and engaging, bringing a fun and cool approach to professional content. You can reach her at 845.825.1537 or shanabeck7@yahoo.com
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