10 Tips on How to Keep Your Home Organized
1. Start the Day Right: Make Your Bed
Let’s be honest—making your bed might seem trivial, but it sets the tone for the rest of the day. Think of it as your first accomplishment! It only takes a minute, and suddenly your bedroom looks significantly more put-together. Plus, crawling into a neatly made bed at night feels so rewarding.
2. Tidy the Bathroom as You Get Ready
After your morning routine, take a moment to straighten up the bathroom. Wipe down the sink, put away your toothbrush, and hang up your towel. If you notice the trash is full, grab it and take it to the kitchen on your way out. These little actions prevent mess from building up and keep the bathroom guest-ready.
3. Use Downtime Wisely: Clean as You Cook
Cooking is one of those activities that can easily leave a mess behind. Instead of letting dishes and ingredients pile up, try cleaning as you go. For example, while onions are sautéing, rinse the cutting board. When waiting for water to boil, load dirty utensils into the dishwasher. By the time your meal is ready, your kitchen will already be halfway clean, and you’ll thank yourself later.
4. The Power of “One-Minute Tasks”
Throughout the day, apply the “one-minute rule”: if something takes less than a minute to do, do it now. Got mail? Sort it and toss junk right away. Spilled coffee? Wipe it up. Left your shoes at the door? Put them in the closet. These micro-actions add up to a big difference and keep clutter from accumulating.
5. Reset Spaces Before You Leave Them
This tip is a lifesaver. Before leaving a room, take a quick scan and return things to their proper place. For example, fluff the pillows and fold the blanket in the living room before heading to the kitchen. Straighten the books on the coffee table or put dirty glasses in the sink. It takes only seconds but makes every space feel organized.
6. Turn Transitions Into Mini-Organizing Moments
Whenever you transition between activities, use the time to tidy. For example, if you’re heading to the laundry room, take dirty clothes or towels along. Going upstairs? Grab any stray items that belong there. These quick pickups save you from having to do a massive cleanup later.
7. Empty and Reload the Dishwasher Regularly
A clean kitchen is much easier to maintain if your dishwasher is in constant rotation. In the morning, unload the dishwasher so it’s ready for dirty dishes throughout the day. This prevents sink pileups and keeps your counters clear.
8. Use Baskets and Trays for “Catch-All” Organization
Baskets and trays are your secret weapon. Place a basket in the living room for toys, remotes, or magazines. Use a small tray on the entryway table to hold keys and mail. These catch-all spots keep clutter contained and make it easier to put things back where they belong.
9. Make Tidying a Family Effort
If you live with others, involve everyone! Set a timer for five minutes after dinner and have everyone pick up their belongings or tidy a shared space. For example, kids can put away their toys, teens can clear the table, and you can wipe the counters. This team approach lightens the load for everyone.
10. End the Day with a Quick Reset
Before you head to bed, spend 10 minutes doing a final sweep. Load the dishwasher, fold the blanket on the couch, and put away anything out of place. Laying out essentials for the next day—like your work bag or kids’ school supplies—can also streamline your morning routine.
How to Keep Your Home Organized – A Day of Small Wins
By taking these small, intentional actions throughout your day, you’ll find that staying organized becomes second nature. From making your bed first thing in the morning to resetting the living room before bed, every little step contributes to a calmer, more organized home. It’s not about perfection—it’s about creating a space that supports your daily life.
What’s your favorite quick organizing tip? Let’s share ideas and keep the conversation going!