James Geer
Doing a thorough declutter and clean out of an entire house is a huge job. You never realise just how many drawers, cupboards, boxes and hidey-holes there are in a house until you decide to clean out each and every one of them.
However, if you just want your home to look pretty and organised, and aren’t particularly fussed about decluttering or ‘sparking joy’, then we have the answer you’re looking for. There is a way to make very room if your house look organised, without actually having to organise or declutter it.
1. Arrange everything by colour
Whether it’s your book shelf, cupboard or dinnerware on open-shelving, simply arranging everything into groups of colour will make everything look organised and Instagrammable.
2. Group items together
If you have lots of side tables, coffee tables, benches, shelves or other surfaces that seem to be endlessly cluttered with random items, try grouping items together using trays, bowls or dishes. You can arrange all your toiletries together on a tray on the bathroom vanity or toss all your bits and bobs into a big bowl. Jewellery dishes are perfect for throwing all your rings, necklaces or earrings into at the end of the day without making a mess. This method can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or living room.
3. Store books, CDs and DVDs spine-out
Easy to do and easy to maintain, storing your books, CD or DVD collection with their spine out will ensure your shelves always look organised, and as though you lovingly arranged each one the right way.
… Or try it with all spines facing in
Related: The backward books trend – are we in or out?
4. Embrace the power of the basket
Find yourself surrounded by toys, random shoes or other miscellaneous items? Embrace the power of the basket and purchase a few large, sturdy baskets with a tight weave (so you can’t see through them) and use them to hide all your stuff. Out of sight, out of mind!
5. Door hooks
Door hooks are a beautiful invention that can be slung over any old door and hold bags, scarves, jackets, hats and whatever else you may need off the floor. Better yet, put them on the back side of the door and they’re usually hidden from sight.
6. Make an entry way
Are you a shocker for leaving mail laying around, leaving your keys in strange places or just generally not remembering where you put something? Then set yourself up an entryway that has both storage for stuff and a surface for leaving things. If you don’t have any room at your front door, try fitting a small shelf and some hooks to the wall so you have somewhere to leave mail and store your keys or bags. If you have the room, try a long, narrow table with drawers.
This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens.
You might also like:
3 domestic goddesses to inspire your home organisation
The 8 habits that drive professional organisers crazy
Hello hallway! Style up a hallway to heaven
