Getting Straight to the Point
Has everyone experienced the frustration of a messy home? I was a typical example - clothes fighting for space in the closet, drawers full of jumbled items, spending ages looking for things. I used to be a super hoarder, couldn't stop buying things, which resulted in my home being filled with unused items. However, after years of trial and error, I finally found a super practical organization method that I'd like to share with everyone today.
Time Management
Honestly, the hardest part of organizing isn't not knowing how to do it, but rather finding the motivation to start. I've observed that many of my friends think organizing takes too much time and keep putting it off. The key is learning to break big tasks into smaller ones and utilize fragments of time.
Now I spend 10 minutes before bed tidying my room, folding scattered clothes back into the closet, and disposing of snack wrappers and delivery boxes from the desk. It felt really annoying at first, but after persisting for a while, I discovered these 10 minutes are magical - not only keeping the room tidy but also making me feel great waking up to a clean room the next day.
I also love using the Pomodoro Technique for deep cleaning. Set a 25-minute timer and focus on cleaning one area. For example, on weekends, I'll first spend 25 minutes organizing my desk, sorting piled-up books and materials, putting stationery back in place; after a 5-minute break, spend another 25 minutes organizing the closet, re-categorizing clothes by season and type. Breaking it down this way doesn't feel too tiring, and efficiency is actually much higher.
Shopping Rules
When it comes to organization, source control is actually the key. Now before buying anything, I ask myself three questions: Do I really need this? Do I have something similar at home that could substitute? Where would be the best place to store it?
For example, I recently saw a super cute storage box and almost ordered it. But after thinking about it, I realized I already had several similar storage boxes at home that weren't being fully utilized. In the end, I decided to organize the existing storage boxes first, and sure enough, found I didn't need to buy new ones at all.
I also set myself a "one-in-one-out" rule: buy one new piece of clothing, get rid of an old one. This method really works - not only controlling the amount of clothing but also forcing myself to clean regularly. Last year, I used this method to clear out nearly 200 pieces of clothing, some long unused, some no longer fitting, and some out of style. Now my closet finally doesn't explode anymore, and finding clothes has become super easy.
Space Planning
To maintain orderly storage, space utilization is key. Although my home is only 60 square meters, I've managed to create lots of extra storage space through rational use of vertical space.
The kitchen best demonstrates the importance of space planning. Previously, my kitchen counter was always cluttered with various pots and cutting boards, looking very messy. Later, I changed to storing all pots and cutting boards vertically, which not only saved a lot of space but also made them easier to access. I also installed an extendable shelf on the kitchen wall where I can hang various spice bottles and utensils, making them easily accessible when needed.
Living room wall utilization is also crucial. I installed several folding drying racks on the living room wall, completely invisible when folded up but providing a huge drying space when needed. This design not only solves the clothes-drying problem but also doesn't affect the living room's aesthetics.
Drawer organization also has its techniques. I bought many inexpensive storage boxes to divide drawers into different areas. For example, I divided the underwear drawer into sections for underwear, bras, and socks; the jewelry drawer is divided into sections for necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc. This categorized storage not only looks neat but also makes finding things very convenient.
Bedroom closet space utilization is also important. I added several shelves in the closet to store different types of clothing separately. Frequently worn clothes go on top, seasonal clothes in the middle, and bags and shoes at the bottom. I also installed hooks on the back of the closet door for hanging scarves, belts, and other accessories.
Classification System
A good classification system is the foundation of organization. Now all storage boxes in my home are labeled, making everything clear at a glance. Especially in the kitchen, all spices and ingredients are stored in uniform glass jars with labels showing names and expiration dates. This not only looks neat but also helps identify expired ingredients promptly.
I've divided spices into three categories based on frequency of use: daily essentials like salt, sugar, and soy sauce are placed in the most accessible spots; frequently used but not daily items like various spices and vinegar are in the middle layer; rarely used items are stored on the top or bottom shelf, like special seasonings.
Power cord organization is also a skill. I use plastic clips from bread bags to mark different power cords, writing the corresponding device name on each clip. For example, "iPhone charger" on the phone charging cable clip, "MacBook power" on the laptop power cord. This way, I never mix up charging cables anymore.
Document organization is also important. I keep all important documents in one folder, categorized by type: identification documents, contracts, receipts, etc. Each category is marked with different colored labels, making them very easy to find. For documents that are rarely used but must be kept, I first take photos with my phone before filing them away, so when needed, I can check the photos first to confirm location before finding the physical documents.
Clothing Organization
Clothing organization is definitely one of the most headache-inducing problems. I use many tricks in my closet to increase storage space. For example, using soda can tabs to hang clothes in double layers, one hanger can hold two pieces of clothing, instantly doubling closet capacity. This method is particularly suitable for light clothing like T-shirts and shirts.
I also adjust my closet layout according to seasons. Current season clothes are placed in the most accessible positions, while off-season clothes are stored in vacuum compression bags on upper or lower levels. During each season change, I take out all clothes for inspection - washing what needs to be washed, mending what needs to be mended, and discarding what needs to be discarded.
Sweater storage also has its techniques. I fold sweaters and store them vertically in drawers, which prevents creases and doesn't disturb other clothes when taking them out. For particularly valuable woolen items, I use moth-proof bags before placing them in storage boxes.
Bedding storage is also a skill. I keep each set of sheets and pillowcases in their corresponding pillowcase, with labels indicating the pattern, making it easy to find the desired set when changing bedding. This storage method also ensures that bedding sets stay together.
Sock organization is a small but important detail. I always wash socks in mesh bags to prevent losing single socks. After washing, I immediately pair and store them, organizing by type: sports socks, ankle socks, and long socks each have their own compartment.
Experience Summary
Through years of organization practice, I've found that a good storage system isn't achieved overnight but needs constant adjustment and improvement. The most important thing is to develop good habits, maintain daily organization, and keep items flowing reasonably.
Organization isn't the goal but rather a means to make life easier and more enjoyable. A good storage system can save you lots of time looking for things and improve your mood. When you open your closet and see neatly arranged clothes, or open a drawer and immediately find what you want, that feeling is really great.
Finally, I want to say that organization doesn't need to be perfect - finding what works for you is most important. Everyone has different living habits and home space structures, so the key is to develop organization plans based on your actual situation.
Do you have any particularly useful organization tips? Welcome to share them in the comments section, let's create clean and comfortable living environments together. I believe that through everyone's wisdom collision, we can definitely find more practical organization tricks.
