A clutter-free home isn’t just visually pleasing, it also promotes a sense of calm and productivity. If your home feels overwhelming with piles of things everywhere, it might be time to give your space a little organizational makeover. The good news? You don’t need to hire a professional organizer or invest in expensive storage solutions. With some clever DIY home organization hacks, you can transform your space into a neat, tidy haven.
In this article, we’ll share 8 easy DIY home organization hacks that will help you reclaim control over your space and say goodbye to clutter. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about home organization.
1. Repurpose Old Containers for Smart Storage
1.1 Upcycle Glass Jars for Kitchen Storage
If you’re about to throw away glass jars from jam, peanut butter, or pickles, think again! Clean them out and repurpose them as storage containers in your kitchen. They can store dry goods, spices, or even office supplies. By labeling each jar, you can easily find what you need.
1.2 Use Shoe Boxes for Drawer Organization
Shoe boxes are perfect for organizing drawers or cabinets. They can separate smaller items like batteries, buttons, or even hair accessories. Cover the boxes with pretty fabric or wrapping paper to make them blend seamlessly into your decor.
1.3 Tin Cans for Office Supplies
Old tin cans can be transformed into chic pencil holders or organizers for your office desk. Spray paint them to match your room’s decor, then stack them or arrange them in rows to keep your pens, scissors, and other office essentials neatly organized.
1.4 Why It Works
Repurposing old containers is an affordable and eco-friendly way to keep your home organized. These storage solutions not only help reduce waste but can also be personalized to match your style.
2. Maximize Closet Space with Over-the-Door Organizers
2.1 Use Over-the-Door Hooks for Extra Storage
The back of doors, especially closet doors, are often underutilized. Over-the-door hooks or organizers are perfect for storing hats, scarves, bags, or cleaning supplies. They’re a great way to add storage without taking up valuable closet space.
2.2 Add Hanging Organizers for Shoes or Accessories
For shoes, belts, or accessories, hanging organizers can be a game-changer. Use fabric hanging shoe racks or clear plastic ones to keep your items organized and easy to access. These organizers don’t take up much space and can fit on closet doors or even inside wardrobe cabinets.
2.3 Use an Over-the-Door Mirror with Storage
Some mirrors come with hidden shelves or hooks on the back, perfect for storing jewelry, cosmetics, or hair tools. This is a great way to combine functionality and style in your closet or bathroom.
2.4 Why It Works
Over-the-door organizers utilize unused vertical space, making them ideal for small homes or rooms with limited storage. They’re also easy to install and remove, offering flexibility in your organization plan.
3. Create Under-Bed Storage with DIY Bins
3.1 DIY Rolling Storage Bins
Make the most of the space under your bed by building simple rolling storage bins. You can easily repurpose cardboard boxes and add wheels to them. Use them to store seasonal clothes, shoes, or linens. Paint them in neutral tones or cover them with fabric to match your bedroom decor.
3.2 Use Flat Storage Bins for Shoes or Toys
If you have kids, under-bed storage bins can be used for toys. Alternatively, store off-season clothing or extra blankets under your bed using clear, flat plastic bins. The transparent material allows you to easily see what’s inside, making it easy to find what you need.
3.3 Repurpose Old Suitcases
Old suitcases can be a stylish way to add extra storage beneath your bed. Use them for seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or even sentimental items you don’t need to access often. These can also double as a decorative piece in the room.
3.4 Why It Works
Under-bed storage is a smart way to make use of otherwise wasted space. It’s a perfect solution for items you don’t need every day but still want to keep organized and out of sight.
4. Use Wall-Mounted Shelves for Easy Storage Solutions
4.1 Install Floating Shelves for Books and Decor
Floating shelves are an excellent way to display books, plants, or other decor items while saving valuable floor space. You can install them in any room – living room, kitchen, or bedroom – to add a touch of style and organization.
4.2 Install Hooks for Coats or Accessories
Wall-mounted hooks or pegboards are ideal for organizing coats, hats, scarves, or even kitchen utensils. They keep things off the floor and ensure that everyday items are easy to grab when needed.
4.3 Use Vertical Shelving in Small Spaces
In smaller spaces where horizontal surfaces are limited, vertical shelves are a great solution. You can use them in bathrooms, kitchens, or closets to store items like toiletries, spices, or towels.
4.4 Why It Works
Wall-mounted storage solutions are space-saving and customizable. They give you the ability to organize your items in a way that fits your lifestyle while also adding a modern touch to your decor.
5. Implement a Paperless System with File Storage
5.1 Organize Important Papers with DIY File Folders
Old folders or binder clips can be repurposed to create file organizers for your important papers. Create a simple filing system with labeled sections for bills, receipts, and tax documents. Use a shoe box, drawer organizer, or dedicated cabinet to store your files neatly.
5.2 Use Accordion Folders for Easy Storage
Accordion folders are compact and can hold multiple documents in an organized way. These can be placed on a shelf, in a drawer, or in your office for easy access to important paperwork. Label each section for convenience.
5.3 Digitalize Documents to Reduce Clutter
If you want to take your organization even further, consider scanning important documents and saving them digitally. Use cloud storage or external hard drives to store everything securely while reducing paper clutter.
5.4 Why It Works
A paperless system helps minimize clutter while keeping important documents organized and easy to access. Plus, digitizing papers is a great way to reduce physical storage needs and protect against paper deterioration.
6. Use Drawer Dividers to Tidy Up Small Items
6.1 DIY Dividers for Kitchen Drawers
Organizing kitchen drawers with dividers can make a huge difference. Use simple dividers to keep utensils, measuring spoons, or napkins neatly separated. You can even repurpose cardboard or cut foam board to create custom dividers that fit your specific drawers.
6.2 Drawer Dividers for Bathroom Essentials
In your bathroom, drawer dividers are perfect for organizing toiletries like makeup, skincare products, or hair accessories. This keeps everything in its place and makes it easier to find what you need quickly.
6.3 Create Drawer Inserts for Office Supplies
For office or craft supplies, create drawer inserts from small boxes, containers, or even upcycled materials. This will keep pens, paperclips, rubber bands, and other small items from becoming a mess.
6.4 Why It Works
Drawer dividers create a systematic way to keep small items in order. By dividing the space, it’s easier to maintain organization, and it prevents you from misplacing things.
7. Organize Cords and Chargers with DIY Solutions
7.1 Create a DIY Cord Organizer
Tired of tangled cords? A simple DIY solution is to repurpose a toilet paper roll or paper towel tube to organize your cables. Label each tube to keep track of what each cord belongs to, or use binder clips to bundle cords together.
7.2 Use a Cordless Charging Station
A charging station with multiple USB ports can be a great way to keep your electronics organized. Place it in a drawer or on a small table to hide the cords while still keeping everything easily accessible and charged.
7.3 Hang Cords Using Pegboards
Install a pegboard on the wall to hang cords, headphones, or chargers. By using hooks, you can keep your tech essentials tidy and within easy reach. It’s a simple and inexpensive way to organize your charging area.
7.4 Why It Works
Organizing cords is essential for maintaining a clutter-free home. These DIY solutions not only help reduce cable chaos but also make your space more functional and efficient.
8. Organize Your Entryway with DIY Storage Solutions
8.1 Create a Shoe Rack Using Wooden Crates
A DIY shoe rack made from stacked wooden crates is an affordable and stylish way to store shoes. You can place the crates horizontally or vertically, depending on your available space. This solution also adds a rustic charm to your entryway.
8.2 Use Baskets for Outerwear Storage
Baskets are perfect for storing hats, gloves, scarves, and other outerwear accessories. Place a large basket near your entryway or coat rack for quick access to these items when you head out the door.
8.3 Install a Coat Rack with Hooks
An easy way to keep your entryway organized is to install a simple coat rack with hooks for jackets, bags, and umbrellas. This keeps everything neatly in place and ready for use when you need it.
8.4 Why It Works
A well-organized entryway creates a welcoming atmosphere and sets the tone for the rest of your home. DIY solutions like shoe racks and coat hooks help keep the space tidy while adding functionality.
FAQ
1. How do I start organizing my home?
Begin by decluttering your space. Sort through your belongings and get rid of items you no longer use. Once you’ve cleared out unnecessary items, focus on organizing the items that remain.
2. What is the best way to organize a small space?
Use vertical storage, wall-mounted shelves, and under-bed storage to maximize your space. Keep things neat and tidy by using bins, baskets, and organizers.
3. Can DIY home organization be as effective as professional services?
Absolutely! DIY organization can be highly effective when done thoughtfully. Repurposing materials and using creative storage solutions can work wonders.
4. How do I organize my kitchen?
Use drawer dividers, repurpose containers for storage, and keep frequently-used items easily accessible. Utilize the backs of doors for extra storage and hang baskets for fruits or herbs.
5. What are the best storage solutions for a home office?
Drawer organizers, wall-mounted shelves, and pegboards work great for an office. Keep papers organized with file folders or digitalize documents to save space.
6. How do I keep my home clutter-free long-term?
Develop a routine for tidying up, donate items you no longer need, and store everything in its designated place. Regularly assess and reorganize as necessary.
7. How can I organize my children’s toys?
Use baskets, bins, or storage boxes to keep toys organized. Label each box to make it easy for kids to put things away after playtime.
8. How can I organize my entryway?
Install hooks for coats and bags, add a shoe rack or baskets for outdoor gear, and keep clutter to a minimum with a functional entryway organizer.
9. How do I organize my bathroom efficiently?
Use drawer dividers for toiletries, hang baskets or shelves for towels, and store cleaning supplies under the sink. Keep counters clear to maintain a clutter-free bathroom.
10. What are the best budget-friendly organizing hacks?
Repurpose old containers, use cardboard boxes, and create custom dividers from recycled materials. Simple changes like adding hooks or baskets can make a big difference without spending much money.