59 Home Organization Ideas for a Tidier Space

Shara Kay, a certified professional organizer and the founder of SK Organizing in Beverly Hills, also says to start where you’re most frustrated. “Are you spending extra time getting dressed because you can’t find items in your closet or dresser? Do you hesitate to have guests over because living spaces are cluttered, or find it a struggle to cook because your countertops are crowded? Whatever is driving you crazy, start there,” she says.

How do I organize my house with too much stuff?

For certified KonMari organizing consultant Vivien Lee-Mayhue, who is also the founder of Tidy Up Los Angeles, weeding through that stuff comes before the organization project. “As a certified KonMari consultant, I follow Marie Kondo’s method,” she says. “Instead of the usual declutter by room, we declutter by category in this order: clothing; books; paper; komono (a.k.a. miscellaneous) items found in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, home office, art/craft room, playroom, and garage; then sentimental pieces.” Lee-Mayhue appreciates this method for its specific order, which makes starting less overwhelming. After decluttering the entire home, she then organizes so that everything has its defined place.

Whatever organization ideas you choose—letting your frustration be your guide or taking a page from Marie Kondo’s book—keep these 59 home organization hacks in mind as you go. 

1. Employ a home organization routine

“An important part of maintenance is building routines that support the level of organization you desire, such as a weekly routine for processing papers or a seasonal routine for rotating decor or clothing,” Kay says. “Organizing is a lifestyle, not a one-time event.”

Stop clutter in a small space before it starts. This Lindye Galloway Studio project is proof of that.

Photo: Chad Mellon

2. Stagger shelves

This is a solid option if you are not in the market for a DIY built-in project. Staggered shelving units are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also allow you to play with height, which in turn provides more storage space for taller and more sculptural items. The trio of these CB2 shelves work as visual dividers to keep a small space, like a home office, neat and interesting. 

3. Put shoes away

Shoes take up an unholy amount of space and seem to always be everywhere. Place a stylish entryway shoe rack to ensure the boots and sneakers don’t make their way beyond the foyer. This storage solution will also work wonders in a laundry room, especially if you use it as an entryway from a garage.

4. A catchall for every occasion

It’s no secret that a good catchall dish is vital to an organized home. Stock up on trays and dishes to house your jewelry or random knickknacks. Natural stone dishes, like the honed onyx from CB2, works as an anchor to keeping minor clutter from being strewn about. You can also shop vintage dealers like Wildfang Home for unexpected pieces that start a conversation about storage ideas. 

5. Stack storage

Effectively organize important documents take-out menus or warm weather accessories by using stackable bins that can neatly stack inside a closet or shelving unit. The bins can also be used in kitchen organization as food storage so you don’t have to stare at boxes of granola bars. 

6. Designate a play space 

Creating a specific playroom for the little ones is a great way to consolidate the inevitable mess of toys in an extra space. Choose a rug with stripes, plaids, or geometric patterns, like these from the new Heritage collection by Patterson Flynn, to center the room or nook.