Simple organization ideas you can implement today!
When it comes to organizing, sometimes the best strategies aren’t the “life hacks” you see all over social media. Instead, they’re simple, thoughtful solutions that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. As someone who prefers a function over form, I try to stay away from “hacks” that are all about pretty and pricey and not about being useful. That said, here are five ideas that will help you organize your space and that you can implement right away without a huge output of money.
Storage Where You Need It, Not Where It Looks Good
Storage (and organization) should be practical, not just aesthetic. Place storage in areas where items are most frequently used. With our climate, entryways are always a pinch point. Consider simple organization to keep shoes, hats, and gloves accessible as you head in and out, even if it’s not the “prettiest” spot for storage. It can be hooks for coats and baskets for smaller items. Bonus points if each member of the family gets their own basket and hook! The goal is convenience, not just looks. Pro tip – where you seem to collect items is likely the best place to store them!
Label Everything
Labeling is a must in any well-organized space. But for everything that isn’t in a clear container, labels become even more essential. Use painter’s tape and a permanent marker to clearly mark boxes, bins, and even bags. Whether it’s seasonal decorations, office supplies, or kitchen items, having clear labels means you won’t waste time guessing what’s inside. The beauty of painter’s tape is that it sticks well but comes off easily without damaging surfaces. So, if you ever need to switch things up or re-organize, you can remove and replace labels as necessary. Clear containers are great, but for the opaque ones, labeling is your best friend.
Contact Paper
And speaking of labelling and non-clear storage – your chest freezer falls into this category! If you store a lot in your chest freezer, you know how easy it is to forget what’s tucked away deep inside. The solution? Use contact paper on the lid of your freezer to create a list of the contents. Simply list everything you store there—meat, vegetables, pre-cooked meals—along with dates if necessary. As you use items, mark them off with a dry-erase marker. This simple technique saves you from digging through frozen food and helps reduce food waste by keeping track of what you have. It also helps you figure out your meal prep ideas and quickly make your grocery list. This hack works wonders for large freezers, and it’s easy to update as things change. When it’s time for a deep clean or reorganization, simply wipe off the contact paper and start fresh.
Simple Stickers
One of the most effective ways to avoid frustration in an organized space is to use stickers to identify items you keep in multiple places. For example, if you have extra cleaning supplies in several rooms, put a small sticker on the bottle you’re using to let you know that you have more of this item. It’s a quick and easy way to visually know items that should go on your shopping list, plus, you won’t end up buying duplicates because you couldn’t remember you already had them in the basement or pantry. Stickers work especially well for common items like batteries, light bulbs, or office supplies that might be stashed in different areas of the house, or for things like spices that you may buy in larger quantities, but keep in a small bottle in your kitchen. I use simple star stickers from the dollar store for this – no need to be fancy to be organized!
Vertical Space
Finally, one of the most underused areas in any home is vertical space. Too often, we focus on organizing horizontally or thinking in terms of drawers and flat surfaces. But vertical storage is a game-changer. Install shelves above counters or hang pegboards in unused spaces like closets or garages. You can store everything from cleaning supplies to extra linens to craft materials. Vertical space allows you to free up floor space while keeping things within arm’s reach.
This photo is of my laundry room. I needed a space for my front door decorations as I change those out seasonally. I don’t like to stack them as I don’t want them crushed, but being different sizes and shapes, finding a handy place for them was a challenge. The solution was 3M hooks and the space near the ceiling. They are accessible but out of the way and I get to enjoy them all year!
At the heart of these hacks is the idea that organization doesn’t need to be complicated or trendy—it just needs to make life easier. By using these straightforward strategies, you’ll find your home stays neat, functional, and stress-free, without needing to jump on every organizing trend. If you want to do a whole home tidy with me – I’m having Festival February with 30% off Tidying Festivals if you book them this month!