Let’s be real—getting organized sounds great in theory… until you’re knee-deep in a pile of “keep or toss?” items and wondering why you started in the first place. I used to feel that way too—until I got my hands on The Home Edit book. I was so inspired that I dove headfirst into my own home refresh. And let me tell you… it was actually fun once I started.
Of course, staying consistent is the trick. That’s the part I’m still working on. But I’ve learned some great, realistic home organization tips that truly made a difference—without needing to spend a fortune or take a week off work.
Not only does organizing make your life easier, but it also makes your home feel bigger and more appealing. If you’re selling your house, a well-organized home can be a huge selling point for potential buyers. A tidy, clutter-free space gives the illusion of more square footage and allows buyers to picture themselves in the space. If you’re looking to buy, getting the layout organized can make any space feel like your dream home, no matter how small.
Here are my favorite home organization tips—along with a few honest confessions and go-to products that changed the game for me:
1. Start Small: One Drawer, One Shelf, One Zone
Trying to organize your whole house in a weekend? Overwhelming. Start small. I picked a kid’s bookshelf to color-coordinate first—yes, I rainbowed all the books—and it sparked so much joy.
✨ Quick win = big motivation.
2. Drop Zone = Sanity Saver
Creating a drop zone for keys, bags, and mail saved my counters. A small tray for keys and a vertical file for mail near the door made it feel like we weren’t constantly in chaos.
🧺 Tip: Use hooks, a tray, and label mail slots (inbox, bills, outgoing).
3. Pantry Party (Yes, Really)
I had a full-blown organizational overdrive moment in my pantry. Matching bins, clear canisters, snacks in labeled baskets—it was oddly therapeutic.
🍿 Bonus tip: Lazy Susans hold condiments, oils, or snacks and make everything easy to grab.
4. Lazy Susans & Labels = MVPs
I never realized how much a lazy Susan could do. I use one in the fridge for sauces, and another for the kids’ art supplies—crayons, markers, pencils all in one easy spin.
🖍 Labels were a game-changer in every area—from pantry to toy bins to bathroom drawers.
5. Bins Inside Drawers Make All the Difference
Drawers are still a bit of a challenge for me. But I’ve learned that adding small bins inside—even dollar store ones—helps so much.
🔌 It’s not about perfection—it’s about function.
6. Color Coordination Isn’t Just Pretty—it Helps
I color-coded the kids’ books, and suddenly they were excited to put things away. Turns out rainbow order makes organizing visual and fun.
🌈 Plus, it looks amazing on the shelf.
7. Create a “Backstock” Bin
Inspired by The Home Edit, I made a bin for extras—paper towels, shampoos, cleaning sprays. It keeps our main cabinets from overflowing.
🧼 Label it clearly so it doesn’t turn into a black hole of extras.
8. The 10-Minute Reset
Every evening, I try to do a quick 10-minute tidy. Toss trash, reset counters, fluff pillows. Nothing wild—but it makes the next morning smoother.
⏱ Set a timer. It works wonders!
9. Baskets in Every Room
I put one basket in every main space—living room, kids’ rooms, bathroom. When I don’t have time to properly clean, I toss stuff in to sort later.
🧺 Works great for toys, laundry, or random shoes.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Tweak It
What worked for someone else might not work for you. I’ve reconfigured bins, moved lazy Susans, and still have drawers in progress. The key is progress—not perfection.
Final Thought:
Getting organized doesn’t mean having a Pinterest-perfect home—it means creating a space that works for you. With a few tools (hello, label maker!) and a bit of consistency, you’ll be amazed at the impact.
And hey—if you’re selling your home, organization is a total game-changer. Buyers love seeing a space where everything has a place. It makes your home feel larger, calmer, and easier to imagine living in. Even if you’re just moving in, a few smart home organization tips can turn any space into a dream space.
Take it step by step—and enjoy the process. Organization can be creative, even fun. You’ve got this!