Organizing your home can seem very intimidating when you’re not normally predisposed to tidying things up (guilty!), but luckily it’s no magic power – just a habit that can transform into second nature. This writer has gone through the same caterpillar-to-butterfly process, and wants to share some rules to follow for an organized, zen home.
Marry Mess with Method
First baby steps; if you’re naturally a little messy, you can EMBRACE that! It’s possible to be organized and messy, as long as the chaos appears intentional. All those throws or cushions can be thrown into a basket on the floor, or a shelf can take on more bits and pieces than an IKEA catalogue would advertise. Bins, baskets, receptacles and any number of storage units can help you get away with organized chaos – as long as you stress the organization!
Hooks, Hooks, Hooks!
Jackets, sweaters, shirts, woollen cardigans, bags…we could go on. We own, SO MUCH STUFF that is perfect for simply hanging on a well-placed hook. This writer recently bought a door-hanging unit that has no less than sixteen hardworking hooks (sixteen!!). Trust us – they’re a lifesaver. Walls, doors, in closets are all up for grabs.
Capitalize on Natural Storage
For all the things we don’t use often (seasonal-wear, festive decorations) but no attic/basement to use, you need to exploit spaces under the bed, the couch, in suitcases, closet spaces, any vertical space in your home, or any place you’re not actively capitalizing on. As long as you’ve at least mentally noted where things are, you’re good to go!
Get Creative!
Why does organizing things have to be stuffy? Flex those artistic muscles to solve logical problems. Nowhere to put umbrellas? Use a champagne bucket or a vase! Makeup can be put together in a wicker basket, or boxes can become works of art themselves on your shelves as they hold your worldly possessions. The sky is the absolute limit!
Designate Places for Everything
And finally, probably the one fundamental rule to separate those of us who lose their keys and those who don’t (no judgement here). When your home has particular spots where your things live, it brings an order to your space that can spread to your whole residence. It’s weirdly powerful, but somehow it works.
Hope you enjoyed our crash-course for bringing a little stability to your already gorgeous home. Best of luck!