Maintaining a neat and organized home can be challenging, especially with the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you're juggling work, family, or hobbies, clutter can quickly accumulate, leading to stress and frustration. However, adopting a minimalist approach can simplify your living space and promote a sense of calm and order. Here are six minimalist-approved hacks to help you achieve and maintain your neatest home ever.
1. Get Items Off The Floor For Good
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to create a tidier space is to get items off the floor. Morgan Ovens, the owner of Haven Home, emphasizes the importance of using vertical space to keep your home clutter-free. "Hooks are a game changer when it comes to creating a designated spot for things you otherwise don’t know what to do with," Ovens says.
Start by installing adhesive or over-the-door hooks in key areas such as entryways, bathrooms, and bedrooms. These hooks can hold everything from bags and coats to towels and keys, keeping them off the floor and within easy reach. Additionally, consider using shelves, baskets, and storage bins in closets and garages to organize items and keep them out of sight. This not only frees up floor space but also makes it easier to clean and navigate your home.
2. Designate Spots for Clean and Dirty Items
A common source of clutter in many homes is the lack of designated spots for clean and dirty items. While most people have a system for storing clean towels or linens, they often overlook where to put dirty items like stained dish rags or soiled clothing. Morgan Ovens suggests investing in a special hamper with multiple compartments for sorting laundry.
For example, use one section for regular laundry, another for items that require handwashing, and a third for dry cleaning. This separation helps prevent stains from transferring and makes laundry day more efficient. Additionally, consider having a separate basket for clean items that need to be put away, such as clothes fresh from the dryer. This system keeps your living space tidy and ensures that items are dealt with promptly.
3. Only Touch Items Once
The "touch an item once" rule is a powerful principle for maintaining a clutter-free home. As Elsa Elbert, founder of Composed Living, explains, this concept involves dealing with items immediately instead of moving them from place to place. "Once you have something in your hand, take the extra moment to put it where it belongs so you don't end up moving it from place to place," Elbert advises.
This practice is especially helpful for those prone to procrastination. Whether it's mail, groceries, or personal belongings, make it a habit to put items away as soon as you come into contact with them. For instance, sort through your mail while standing over a recycling bin, discarding junk mail immediately. By handling items once and putting them in their proper place, you reduce the risk of clutter piling up and creating a chaotic environment.
4. Hang Pants Upside Down
An often overlooked but effective tip for maintaining an organized closet is to hang pants upside down. According to Morgan Ovens, this method "allows all of the bulk to be at the bottom, creating the illusion of a slimmer, more tidy closet." Hanging pants by the ankles reduces crowding at the top of the hanger pole, where most of the bulk usually accumulates.
Use clamp hangers with adjustable clips to hang your pants securely. This technique not only maximizes space but also helps prevent wrinkles and creases. By organizing your closet efficiently, you'll have a clearer view of your wardrobe, making it easier to find what you need and maintain a tidy appearance.
5. Create a Toy Rotation System
For families with children, toys can quickly become a source of clutter. While it's natural for kids to enjoy a variety of toys, it's impractical to have all of them out at once. Morgan Ovens recommends implementing a toy rotation system to manage toy accumulation. This system involves displaying half of the toys on accessible shelves or in toy chests and storing the other half in out-of-sight containers.
Every few months, rotate the toys, bringing out the stored ones and putting away those that have been in use. This not only keeps your living space tidy but also keeps toys feeling fresh and exciting for children. During the rotation, you can also identify toys your child no longer plays with and consider donating or storing them away for future use. A toy rotation system helps manage clutter and promotes a more organized and serene home environment.
6. Reset Your Home Each Night
A quick nightly reset can work wonders in maintaining a tidy home. Taking just a few minutes before bed to put things back in their designated spots can prevent clutter from building up. Morgan Ovens emphasizes the importance of knowing where each item belongs, making it easier to tidy up.
Encourage all household members to participate in this nightly routine. Assign specific tasks to each person, such as putting away dishes, folding blankets, or clearing countertops. By working together, you can maintain a clean and organized home effortlessly. Waking up to a tidy space sets a positive tone for the day and reduces stress and anxiety associated with clutter.
Conclusion
Achieving a neat and organized home doesn't require drastic changes or expensive solutions. By adopting minimalist principles and implementing these six hacks, you can create a clutter-free environment that promotes peace and order. From utilizing vertical space and designating spots for items to practicing the "touch once" rule and resetting your home each night, these strategies are simple yet effective. Whether you live alone or with a family, these tips can help you maintain a tidy and serene living space, making your home a true haven.
Related
- Things You Should Never Store Under Your Bed—It Might Ruin Them
- Transform Your Laundry Room with These 3 Organization Tips
- Revamping Your Wardrobe Space
- Maximizing Small Spaces: Cleaning & Organizing Hacks
- Marie Kondo's Spring Cleaning Checklist
Have a question? Ask now!
Follow us on Instagram!