By Katie Holdefehr,
Real Simple
Despite our best attempts at home organization, many of us have some habits
that undo our efforts. Just ask the top of my dresser, which holds a growing
pile of clothing. The hamper may be only a few feet away and available
drawer space located directly below, yet clothing magically lands atop the
dresser instead. These clutter hotspots may be different for each household,
but there are some common ones—think kitchen counters and bedside tables.
The problem: once we've picked up a habit, like tossing mail on the counter
when we walk in the door, it can be tough to break. Here are some easy
organization systems you can set up to help adjust these routines.
Tossing Mail on the Kitchen Counter
It's all too easy for paper to pile up, especially if you're in the habit of
dropping mail on the counter or entryway table. No one can blame you for
this habit, when you're tired and just got home, the last thing you want to
do is sort through bills and attend to paperwork.
Set up a system: Place a small, stylish wastepaper basket in your entryway
or next to your kitchen counter, so you can toss out unwanted catalogs right
away (when you have time, contact the companies to unsubscribe). Use a bin
or tray to corral the mail you need to keep. Consider switching to online
billing where possible—it won't help you reach inbox zero, but it will keep
your kitchen counter clear.
Throwing Everything in the Closet
It's the oldest speed-cleaning trick in the book: toss everything in the
closet before guests come over. But this method won't actually help you stay
organized and it won't make it any easier to find items later.
Set up a system: If you tend to let things pile up on the floor of your
utility closet, follow the advice of the pro organizers at Horderly and
install shelves that reach down to the floor. This way, you'll be forced to
consider what you store and find a home for it on the shelves.
Piling Clothes on a Chair in Your Bedroom
When you're tired at the end of a long day, it's tempting to toss dirty
clothes onto the first available surface you see.
Set up a system: Invest in a laundry hamper that has a lid (so you can hide
dirty clothes when you need to), but leave the lid open. Place the hamper in
the most convenient location possible. When you're tired, even little
deterrents like removing the lid or opening up your closet can discourage
you from staying organized.
If the problem is clean clothes that need to go back in the closet, consider
leaving a few spare hangers near where you get dressed. When items are
within arm's reach, you'll be more likely to stick to the system.
Leaving Shoes Around the House
Especially if you have kids or a big family, you may be used to finding
sneakers, boots, and ballet slippers littered around the house.
Set up a system: Add shoe storage to your entryway or mudroom and get in the
habit of taking your shoes off when you walk in the door. Find a shoe rack
that fits your style, whether that's a minimalist bamboo option with space
for your yoga mat, or a concealed storage cabinet from IKEA.
Bringing Home More Items Than You Have Space to Store
Shopping habit bigger than your storage space? If you're running out of room
in your closet, kitchen, or kids' playroom, it's time to follow the golden
rule of organizing.
Set up a system: Adopt the one in-one out rule. If you're adding a new
sweater to your collection, donate one you no longer wear. If your child
gets five new toys for the holidays, donate five toys they've outgrown. It's
a simple habit that will make sure you never exceed your home's storage
space.
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