Creating an organised home is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that supports a peaceful, functional lifestyle.
A clutter free environment can positively impact your mood and productivity, but achieving that level of order requires more than simply tidying up occasionally. It’s about making thoughtful choices regarding storage, space use, and long term organisation systems that work for your everyday routine.
In this post we’ll explore a few strategies that are both practical and unique to help you take your home organisation to the next level. From creative storage hacks to smart solutions for larger belongings, this guide will offer insights beyond the usual advice, including when to consider external storage options.
Start With Purpose, Not Just Decluttering
Most organisation guides tell you to start by decluttering, and while it’s an essential step, the focus shouldn’t be just on discarding things. Instead, begin with purpose: consider what kind of life you want to live in your home. Rather than simply throwing things away, ask yourself: what role does this item play in that vision? This approach ensures you’re not only clearing space but also making room for a lifestyle that feels aligned with your values.
When you assess your belongings in this way, you’re more likely to part with items that no longer serve you, freeing up space for the things that do. For example, if you love hosting guests but your kitchen is overflowing with unused gadgets, reorganise it to make your cooking and hosting more effortless.
Categorise According to Your Daily Routine
One of the most efficient ways to stay organised is to base your storage decisions around your daily habits and routines. Think about how you move through your space and which items you use most frequently. The objects you use every day—like your keys, phone, or morning coffee supplies—should always be easy to access. Store them in convenient locations close to where you naturally reach for them. For example, placing a small basket near the entryway for keys and mail helps prevent clutter from building up in random places.
This tactic doesn’t just apply to frequently used items but also to seasonal or less used belongings. If your guest bedroom closet is filled with extra bedding and pillows that you only use a few times a year, move them to a higher shelf or another room. Reserve prime storage areas for everyday necessities.
Incorporate Hidden Storage Into Design
Instead of adding more furniture to accommodate your belongings, why not integrate storage directly into your existing design? Look for ways to make storage seamless, rather than relying solely on visible shelves and bins. Built-in seating with compartments underneath or ottomans that double as storage units, are fantastic examples of how you can integrate storage into your home without making it look like you’re trying to hide clutter.
Another less discussed solution is to make use of “hidden spaces” that often go unnoticed. The area beneath the stairs is an ideal location for pull out drawers or customised cabinets. Similarly, under bed storage can be a lifesaver for smaller bedrooms, while the tops of cabinets and closets can be used for rarely accessed items. These subtle adjustments can add plenty of extra space without sacrificing the look or feel of your home.
Make Use of the Back of Doors and Cupboards
Often overlooked, the backs of doors and cupboards are hidden goldmines for extra storage. Adding hooks, racks, or hanging organisers to the backs of your doors or inside cupboard doors provides an easy way to store items that would otherwise clutter countertops or drawers.
For instance, kitchen cupboard doors can house hanging spice racks, cutting boards, or lids for pots and pans. In the bathroom, behind the door hooks can hold towels or robes, while inside cupboards, you can hang baskets for smaller toiletries. This strategy optimises space and keeps items you need within arm’s reach, without crowding visible areas.
Rotate and Refresh Storage for Seasonal Needs
Another unique way to keep your home organised is to rotate your storage based on the time of year. Our needs change with the seasons, and so should our approach to what’s easily accessible in the home.
For instance, during summer, bulky winter coats and holiday decorations don’t need to take up prime closet space. Instead, keep your seasonal items organised by storing off season clothing, décor, and gear in less convenient storage areas, such as high shelves, attics, or external storage solutions.
This is where self storage can become particularly valuable. If you’re short on space at home, renting a self storage unit is a smart way to free up room for the things you use year round, while keeping seasonal items protected and out of the way.
This allows you to keep your home clutter free and makes rotating between seasonal items much simpler. Self storage can also serve as a temporary solution for families going through major life transitions, like moving or downsizing, helping you avoid overcrowding your living space while still holding onto belongings that matter.
Simplify Surfaces and Flat Spaces
Flat surfaces—countertops, coffee tables, and desks—are often magnets for clutter. To keep them clear, make it a habit to remove unnecessary items immediately. The key is to not allow flat surfaces to become drop zones for random things. Instead, create clear zones with designated spots for frequently used items like keys, wallets, and phones. Avoid covering surfaces with too many decorative pieces, as this can make it harder to maintain an organised look.
Additionally, keep a tray or small organiser on each surface to corral necessary items and prevent them from spreading out. By consciously deciding what lives on each surface, you prevent clutter from taking over and maintain a more streamlined look.
Embrace Flexibility
Finally, it’s important to recognize that organisation isn’t a one time event; it’s an evolving process. Be willing to adapt and change your storage systems as your needs change. What works for you now might not work in six months, and that’s okay. Flexibility is essential for keeping your home organised in the long run.
Whether it’s incorporating new storage solutions like self storage, rearranging your furniture to create more space, or adjusting where you keep certain items based on your current routines, the key to successful home organisation is to stay adaptable. Keep refining your systems until they truly serve you and make your space as functional as possible.
If you’d like to learn more about self storage and how we can help here at Squab Storage, then why not take a look at our available storage units or contact us to discuss your storage needs with our friendly team.
