15 Easy Organization Tricks For The Messiest People
Not everyone is a clean freak. In fact, most of us are naturally a little messy and disorganized. We can use any help we can get when it comes to tidying up and keeping our space clean!
As a naturally messy person, I know how hard it is to stay organized, but these 14 tricks have helped me start leading a cleaner life. Take a look at these easy organizational tips and tricks that will help turn any messy person into someone who loves to tidy up.
Adopt the “Five-Item Rule”
Each time you leave a room, aim to take five items with you to their designated places. This simple rule can prevent clutter from accumulating and make tidying up feel less overwhelming. By consistently moving small items back to their homes, you can maintain a cleaner space without a massive effort. It’s an easy habit that can significantly improve the organization. The five-item rule turns tidiness into a manageable daily practice.
Embrace “Organizational Zones”
Divide your living or working space into organizational zones. Assign specific tasks or types of items to each zone, such as a reading nook, a paperwork area, or a crafting corner. This helps compartmentalize activities and reduces the chaos of mixed-use spaces. Clear boundaries make it easier to maintain order and find things when needed. Organizational zones create structure within your space.
Implement the “Nightly Reset”
Spend ten minutes every evening doing a quick reset of your space. Tidy up common areas, put away stray items, and prepare for the next day. This nightly routine can prevent clutter from building up and ensure you start each day with a clean slate. It’s a short, manageable task that can make a big difference in overall organization. The nightly reset promotes a habit of daily maintenance.
Use “Themed Days” for Organization
Dedicate specific days of the week to focus on different organizational tasks. For example, make Mondays your “Paperwork Day” to handle all documents, while Thursdays can be “Closet Day” to tidy up and organize clothing. Themed days help break the work into manageable chunks and create a consistent routine. This approach keeps organization tasks from feeling overwhelming.
Practice the “Ten-Minute Declutter” Challenge
Challenge yourself to a ten-minute decluttering session each day. Set a timer and see how much you can tidy up quickly. This burst of focused activity can make significant progress in a short amount of time. It also adds an element of fun and competition to the task. The ten-minute declutter challenge keeps the process engaging and efficient even when you don’t feel like it.
Utilize “In-Transit” Baskets
Place small baskets or bins at strategic locations like the top of the stairs or near the entrance. These baskets can hold items that must be transported to another part of the house. Once a day, empty the baskets and put the items in their proper places. This system helps prevent items from piling up in the wrong places. In-transit baskets streamline the movement of items within your home.
Create a “Clutter Closet”
Designate a specific closet or cabinet as your “clutter closet” where you can quickly stash items when you need to clean up fast. Periodically, take time to go through the closet and organize or discard items as required. This gives you a quick fix for messes while keeping long-term organization in mind. The clutter closet offers a balance between immediate tidiness and ongoing organization. It provides a fast solution for unexpected messes.
Use Color-Coding Systems
Implement color-coding to simplify organization and make it visually appealing. Various items can have different colors, such as blue for office supplies, green for kitchen tools, and red for personal belongings. Color coding makes it hassle-free to find items and maintain order. It also adds a fun and imaginative element to the organization. Color-coded systems enhance visual clarity and efficiency.
Schedule Regular “Declutter Dates”
Plan regular “declutter dates” with yourself or a friend to tackle specific areas of your home. These scheduled sessions create accountability and make the task more like a social activity than a chore. Pairing up with someone can make the process more enjoyable and efficient. Declutter dates turn an organization into a shared and motivating experience. Regularly scheduled sessions maintain a clutter-free environment.
Practice “Mindful Acquisition”
Be mindful of new items you bring into your space. Before purchasing, contemplate whether you truly need the item and where it will be best kept in your home. This practice helps prevent unnecessary clutter from accumulating and encourages thoughtful consumption. Mindful acquisition promotes a more organized and intentional living space. It fosters a minimalist and clutter-free mindset.
Use “Memory Boxes” for Keepsakes
Instead of scattering keepsakes around your home, create memory boxes for different categories, such as travel souvenirs, childhood mementos, or family heirlooms. Store these boxes in a designated area, and only keep items with significant value. This system keeps sentimental items organized and contained. Memory boxes protect your keepsakes while maintaining order. They offer a sentimental yet organized storage solution.
Establish a “One-Touch” Policy
Adopt a “one-touch” policy, where you handle items only once before putting them away. For example, when you bring in the mail, sort it immediately rather than leaving it in a pile to deal with later. This reduces procrastination and keeps your space clutter-free. The one-touch policy encourages immediate action and organization. It simplifies your process and minimizes mess.
Stick to a Schedule
Make a very simple cleaning schedule and stick to it. There are so many different ways to plan what you clean that you can surely find a schedule that works for you. Focus on one room per day or pick a daily task instead. Tidy up on Friday, vacuum on Saturday, and clean the bathrooms on Sunday. Take it one task at a time rather than trying to tackle a huge mess in one day.
Invest in Organizational Bins
One of the easiest ways to clean up is to have designated bins for all of your things. Have a filing bin for your important papers, a mail bin for your incoming mail, and even a junk bin to put all of your odds and ends. When everything is neatly placed in its designated bin, your home will look instantly cleaner. Use plastic bins with lids for hidden closet storage, and invest in nice fabric or wicker bins for the main area of your home. They are all fantastic for hiding clutter and helping you get organized!
By adopting these minuscule steps, you can organize your space to make your work enjoyable and more sustainable. Try using memory boxes, color-coding, and regular declutter dates to keep your space tidy. Small techniques like the five-item rule and nightly reset can go a long way in organizing your stuff and ensuring you do not stay in the natural mess you are used to!
