10 tips to really organise your house (and to keep it that way!)

Chloe Hines Chloe Hines
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Keeping an organized house is incredibly important—not for the sake of guests and the way things look, but for maintaining a healthy sense of living and self.  Organization techniques and keeping things clean are problems for everyone across the board—it doens't matter your neighborhood, family size or type of living situation!

A problem this common is a problem that should be dealt with seriously and strenuously.  Stop stuffing things in junk drawers or feeling pressured to throw away half of your life and family heirlooms.  To be completely honest, if you're using the proper storage techniques and utilizing your space to the fullest degree, then there should never be a need to throw things away. 

Below we have created 10 tips to help you organize you house (thus, your life) and how you can keep it that way!

Prepare and beware

For some, there are certain seasons, moods, or life events that inspire cleaning and organizing—for others it's always a nightmare to be avoided.  Either way, when you realize it's affecting your well-being and the well-being of those around you, it's time to make a change.

Preparing for a mass-organizing venture in your home is almost just as important as the organizing aspect itself.   Make sure to go through each room and notice the things you use/need on a daily/weekly basis, and those items which you have not touched.  The general rule, is that if you haven't used or worn something in six months, then it's time to get rid of it.  Also, when it comes to children's items, we understand this is a sentimental area, however, it's time to throw out old toys and donate old clothing.

Make a checklist

The next step after looking through each room and brainstorming what you need to get rid of, is to make a comprehensive list.  This list should be organized according to each room, and if some rooms are larger in size, then make lists for different areas of the room.

Make sure to make the easiest list—if it's easier for you to decide what to throw out, then do it that way, if it's easier to make a list based off things you need to keep, then that's fine too.  If it helps, make a list of items you use everyday in each room and throw almost everything else out.  This should also include any furnishings or accent furniture that you have placed for looks, yet haven't touched in years.

Sell what you don't need

Does the thought of throwing certain items away make you cringe because at one point you spent a lot of money on them?  That's ok and we understand! However, don't forget that it is always a great idea to try to get some money out of the items you haven't used in a long time.

Especially when it comes to larger and heavier items, such as furnishings, larger accessories and decor (think wall art or lamps) or even books.  Although you might look at these items as leftover junk, you can usually always find someone else that will have enough interest in your old items to give you money for them.  There are plenty of companies now that offer home pick-up service and pay you for your mass amount of items!

Reward yourself

When you've emptied out everything you don't need, it's okay to reward yourself! If you've thrown out things that are special to you, or if you've sold enough items that you can finally afford that chair your wanted, or that locally-made graphic print—then buy it!

Throwing things out and organizing doesn't mean you have to be left with a stark space!

If you want a super-great idea, consider rewarding yourself with a great closet system to force yourself to stay organized year-round!

Make a box of sentimental things

We all have items that we just can't throw away. Whether it be your chid's first pair of shoes or outfit, or your grandmother's picture albums.  These are items that we can say with certainty—should always stay with you.

Make sure that you're keeping them in a safe, dry place and out of reach of guests and children.  They are an important part of your life and heritage, but it doesn't mean they have to hinder your interior design and decorating skills!

Give everything it's own spot

One of the most anxiety-ridden actions when you're in someone else's house is when you're trying to help them clean, cook, or move and you don't know where their place is for everything. Why is this so strange? Well, it's because we all have our spaces and homes mapped out in our minds—even when things are chaotic and messy, we can still find our way around.

Make sure after you're done throwing items out or selling them, that you use the new space to make proper room for existing items.  Whether it be a magazine or book collection, or photoalbums and kitchen utensils.  Find a specific place for everything and make it be known.  This will certainly lessen stress in the morning and evenings or when you're having dinner parties.

A place for everything doesn't have to mean that everything is hidden, think about open-concept storage for easy access to all your items like seen here!

Use storage systems

Storage systems have been created and developed for a reason.  They are utilitarian, extremely helpful and now—even made with great design qualities!  No longer does storage mean cardboard boxes in basements, nor does it mean transparent, snapping plastic parts on every shelf.

Consider drawers and shelving systems that match the decor of your home and provide you with all the quirky space you need for everything!  As seen here, these retro drawers pack and lot of design punch and also hold a lot of items for this homeowner! Don't ever think you have to sacrifice style for function!

Think storage systems influence you to buy more junk? Then keep your rooms super minimalist to avoid this problem, like this bedroom seen here!

Throw away papers

It's just a fact some homeowners can't imagine ever throwing old papers out, whether it's bank transfers, receipts for groceries five years ago, or all the old energy bills from the last decade.

It is imperative that you sit down and make a list of all documents and papers you might need for future endeavors.  Whether it's for traveling or applying for a loan one day. Keep anything similar to this, and keep anything from the last 12 months, other than that—we suggest you pitch it!

Can't wrap your head around throwing documents and papers away? That's ok, if you use are aforementioned advice and install proper storage systems in your home, then you should be able to find a place for these items!

Have you built your home with storage and organization in mind? Give us some more tips by commenting below!

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