While home is where the heart is, it’s also where many other things are happening too. With all this togetherness your house is probably showing you all the places where it just isn’t working for you. Use this opportunity to get started with these easy home organizing tips you can use today.
There are two main steps to household organization.
The first is to take stock of what you have. Note the items you have, their size, quantity and where you want to use them. This will determine the type of container you need. For example, if you want to store the extra blankets and pillows that you use for guests you will need a bigger container, like a chest or a trunk. If you want to keep that container in your guest room, then you also probably want a special and attractive piece that matches your décor.
If, instead you want to organize your mail or nail polish collection a smaller basket or box is sufficient. This makes it easier to choose your container since the smaller size makes less impact on a room and you have more leeway with making it compatible with your existing furniture.
The second criteria for choosing storage pieces is space. A tall bookcase or free-standing closet will give you the most usable space, but not everyone has the wall or floor space available to devote to one large item. Most homes do have some room for shelves. You can also decorate with small dressers or consoles instead of side or accent tables.
The second step is to consider where you want to use your things.
For example, if you go to a big box store and stock up on coffee, you probably want your beans close to the kitchen. While an item you use rarely, such as holiday decorations, can be stored on a top shelf somewhere since you only have to take them out once a year. The things you reach for regularly need to be close to where you use them.
The best part of picking out storage pieces is that you can be as creative as you want to be. Just because a piece is called a log holder or magazine rack doesn’t mean that it can’t hold rolled up sweaters or towels instead. An over-the-closet door shoe holder is great for holding scarves and accessories since the clear plastic sleeves allow you to see inside, and the many compartments give you lots of different ways to categorize your things.
Make a list of the areas in your home that need to be better organized.
So now it’s your turn. Check out some before and after pictures of projects to give yourself some motivation. Then set aside some time each day to tackle one area and before you know it you’ll run out of places that need to get organized!
If you are a voucher holder and are looking for a one or two bedroom apartment in Baltimore that you will enjoy living in and keeping organized, check out our latest Section 8 rentals.