Overcome the clutter with targeted organizational systems for every nook in your house and every process in your workplace.
This guide cuts straight to the chase, offering specific strategies for bringing out the best in your spaces and helping you manage your home better.
From kitchen pantries to office paperwork, you’ll find tailored advice that allows you not only to organize but sustain a clean and orderly environment.
Key Takeaways
- Effective organizational systems in homes reduce clutter, increase efficiency, and fit the specific needs of each room, from the kitchen to the bathroom.
- Organizational systems can be adapted to any space or need, providing a flexible framework for maintaining order and efficiency.
- Organizational systems save time and reduce stress, allowing for a more enjoyable and productive lifestyle or work style.
- Customizing organizational systems to fit personal or business preferences increases their effectiveness and ensures long-term use and satisfaction.
- Various organizational structures, such as hierarchical or flat systems, project management tools, and more, are used to establish work and businesses in the workplace.
14 Helpful Organizational Systems for Every Space In Your House
Organizational systems are a lifeline for maintaining harmony in our busy lives, both in our houses and at our busy desks.
Creating the best organizational system allows us to foster an environment that promotes efficiency, reduces stress, and sparks joy.
Think of an effective organizational system as a roadmap to a clutter-free life, a guide that navigates you through the maze of possessions that fill up our living spaces.
Embarking on the journey of organization, we’ll discover that every item, big or small, can have its assigned space.
Exploring each room individually, we’ll uncover the optimal organizational systems that will help maintain order and reclaim your space from clutter’s chaos.
1. Kitchen Necessities
The kitchen, often referred to as the heart of the home, is a place where functionality is as essential as the food prepared in it.
Once upon a time, I would have to search 5 drawers before I found what I wanted because my family couldn’t agree on where things belonged.
We were able to get a well-organized kitchen by assigning a specific “home” for each item, donating what we didn’t need, and finding drawer organizers that worked best for our space.
Drawer dividers can transform jumbled utensil drawers into efficient models, which stopped my endless digging around when I knew something was there- somewhere!
Even your cherished family recipes can have their own set space in recipe tins for easy access and safekeeping.
2. Food & Pantry
The pantry is another area that greatly benefits from a good organizational system. Once again, is anyone with me here saying they’re tired of rooting around in chaotic cupboards?
Stackable airtight food storage containers maximize pantry space, maintain freshness, and allow for easy identification and refilling of pantry items.
Now, don’t go crazy or spend tons of money on containers- the Dollar Store organization products are inexpensive options, and I’ve gotten OXO and other name-brand containers at our local Goodwill!
Where you place your containers depends on how you use them- like lemonade mixes could go by the sink or fridge depending on where you fill up your water.
In general, I keep all my food containers together in one-half of our kitchen cabinets- they’re separated by categories like baking, seasonings/spices, sweets/salty snacks, and so on.
I also moved some snacks into my lower cabinets, including apple sauce pouches, nuts, raisins, etc., so my girls can easily access them.
3. Coat Closet
Moving on from the kitchen, let’s step into the coat closet. This often-overlooked storage space can be a game-changer when organized effectively.
Here are some steps to organize your coat closet:
- Begin by decluttering all items in the closet. (I mostly had coats to donate because the girls couldn’t fit anymore)
- Clean the closet since everything is out anyway to get that dust taken care of.
- Create separate zones for different item types, such as coats, shoes, hats, and scarves.
- Use space saving hangers, cloth bins, door hangers, and more to organize the times you put back into the closet.
You could also use a shoe rack to organize things, and they can be short to fit under your longer coats.
I also like the behind-the-door organizer- I use it for our daughters’ shoes, hats, and gloves so they can reach everything they need when I tell them to start getting ready to go.
4. Linen Closet
Next, let’s turn our attention to the linen closet. This space can quickly become a messy pile if not properly managed. Here are some tips to keep it organized:
- Categorize your linens- by room, size, or however you need.
- Keep 3 sets of sheets and towels per bedroom- one being used, one ready and clean, and one in the laundry.
- Use acrylic shelf dividers to maintain neat stacks and prevent them from toppling over.
- Use cloth bins to separate linens- I even fold and put sheets in pillowcases to keep everything together.
I mainly needed to organize the actual linens and our extra bathroom supplies, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, cotton swabs, and more.
I like getting things on sale (hello, couponing anyone?) and making sure we have extra whenever we need it, but we only had so much space in our bathroom.
Therefore, we had to make our line closet pull its weight and become home to some small odds and ends.
Clear jars can be used for small items like cotton swabs, and using a variety of stackable containers with drawers for small bathroom items helps keep things together.
5. Cleaning Closet
The cleaning closet plays a vital role in maintaining an organized home- because your cleaning supplies make or break what cleanup gets done.
Keeping all cleaning supplies in a dedicated space makes housekeeping tasks more efficient and ensures ensures harmful cleaners are out of reach of children and pets.
For my cleaning closet, our bad habit was just putting our bottles, sprays, and sponges wherever they would fit—and once again, I had to take things in and out and dig around for what I needed.
So, I took it all out, threw out expired products or ones I didn’t like, and then grouped everything I had left.
My new organizational system uses cloth baskets to separate the bottles- such as multipurpose cleaners, wood cleaners, window cleaners, etc.
In your closet, you could use adjustable shelves, hooks, and caddies can help keep cleaning tools organized and easily accessible.
6. Bathroom & Toiletries
Organizing a bathroom may seem daunting due to the variety of items and the limited space available.
Proper organization can transform your bathroom from a chaotic mess into a serene oasis where everything is within reach but out of sight.
I mentioned before that our bathroom was small enough that my extra toiletries had to find a home in our linen closet.
So, we had to be smart and use the limited space we had wisely for the toiletries and supplies we needed daily.
Fear not; small plastic drawers, bins, and shelves work wonders in maximizing space under the sink and in our one short cabinet.
I have some things on our sink, like soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and our eyeglasses stuff, but I like to keep the counter clear. Especially since kids tend to knock things off anyway, lol
7. Living Room/Family Room
The living room or family room is a multipurpose space that requires careful organization. Depending on your family, you could have a few toys, DVDs, blankets, and so much more.
Designated storage for electronics, remote controls, and other items helps keep the space clutter-free and cozy.
For our family, I wanted a balance of fun stuff and usable stuff- like the toys the girls love, not taking over the couches or end tables.
I want us all to enjoy the space, and that includes me curling up on the couch with my Kindle and a clear spot on the table for my sleepy girl cocktail at the end of the day.
I’m sure it’s not surprising what I’m going to say: I’m using cloth bins to keep the toys together and out of my way, plus I have a spot for my blankets to wait when they aren’t being used.
I got one of those wooden 3X2 cubes where the cloth bins fit in, and my daughters, Kelan, and I each got 1 bin to use and 2 for stuff for the room (blankets, remotes, tissues, etc.)
Organizing your living spaces with baskets, shelves, and cabinets can help achieve this organized serenity and make them more enjoyable and relaxing.
8. Toys & Board Games
Now, you might be thinking, didn’t I just say how I organized our girls’ toys in the family room?
Well, they also have a playroom that’s all theirs as well, and I know many of you have created spaces in basements dedicated to the management of toys our kids get gifted.
Toys and board games can be organized in the following ways:
- Use labeled bins to separate different types of toys
- Use large storage bins that are clear so you can see what’s in them
- Utilize open shelves to display toys and make them easily accessible
- Use storage containers to keep small pieces and accessories together
Before we organized things, we helped our girls go through and decide what to keep and what to donate, and it was a great way to help them learn about using our space wisely.
Regular decluttering is also important to keep the toy collection in check and make cleanup time less overwhelming for everyone.
9. Books
Book lovers know that organizing books can be as much a pleasure as reading them. Organizing books can be done in various ways, such as by:
- Genre
- Author
- Size
- Color
These methods can help streamline the search for your next read while creating a tidy and visually pleasing display.
Plus, using bookends and decorative items can add a personal touch to your book organization system.
Also, this picture made me laugh so hard- I never knew some people would put their books backwards to declutter any they don’t read after a year or two!
10. Office & Paperwork
In the age of remote work, having an organized home office is more important than ever.
Managing office supplies and paperwork with filing systems, digital storage, and designated workspaces can drastically improve productivity.
Moreover, decluttering regularly helps maintain order, giving you clear space and mind to tackle your work tasks.
I’m also going to go very in-depth down below about how people organize their business processes- I saw a lot of questions about it, and I won’t let you hang!
11. Clothes
When it comes to clothes, organization and decluttering as a huge part of controlling the chaos.
There are a lot of ways to go about organizing your clothes- I tend to go by usage and color, mainly because I like looking at my mini rainbow everywhere.
But some big methods have become popular over the last few years, mainly folding techniques and deciding what clothes spark joy.
By using the KonMari method, filing folded items, and utilizing labeled drawers and storage containers, you can have a closet where every item is easily accessible.
Not only will this save you time getting ready in the morning, but it’s also a step towards a more mindful and sustainable approach to fashion.
12. Shoes & Accessories
Just like clothes, shoes, and accessories need their own designated spaces.
Shoe racks, hanging organizers, and labeled bins can keep your footwear and accessories organized and easy to find.
This not only protects your items from damage but also makes choosing the perfect pair for your outfit a breeze.
13. Hobby Supplies
Whether you’re into crafting, painting, or any other hobby, keeping your supplies organized will make your hobby time more enjoyable.
I got one of those craft rolling carts for my paint supplies, and I love how much it’s cleared up my art desk!
I got another one to organize pens, crayons, and art supplies that we all use in our house. These can literally roll into other rooms when the girls have a big art adventure in the playroom.
Dedicated storage spaces, shelves, drawers, and labeled containers can keep your supplies easily accessible and clutter-free.
So, you can focus more on enjoying your hobby and less on finding where you put that one specific tool.
14. Seasonal Decorations
Seasonal decorations bring joy and festivity to our homes, but storing them can be a challenge.
The solution? Labeled bins!
By organizing and storing decorations by holiday or season, you make setting up and taking down seasonal decor a breeze.
We got those plastic storage shelves, the black ones I see at Costco all the time, and the bins fit on them perfectly.
So now I’m not worried about our decoration getting ruined in cardboard boxes if our basement gets wet, and I don’t have stacks of bins I need to move to get to what I want for decorating.
Implementing Organizational Systems in the Workplace
Now that we’ve covered all the spaces in your home, we’ve got the more niche section to organize work/businesses.
Organizational principles extend beyond our homes and hold equal importance in the workplace- because we can always be more efficient to prevent work chaos!
Implementing organizational systems in the workplace can enhance communication, streamline processes, and boost productivity.
Various structures and tools can be implemented to create an organized workspace.
Whether it’s hierarchical or flat structures, matrix structures, or others, there’s a proper structure and organizational system that fits every business’s needs.
Let’s delve into these in more detail:
Matrix Structure in Workspaces
The matrix structure is another formal structure that can be particularly effective for managing a workspace, especially when working on multiple projects or needing better resource allocation.
In a matrix-structured workspace, employees may report to more than one manager, typically to a functional manager and then a project or product manager.
This dual-reporting structure promotes the efficient use of resources and expertise.
Team members can be assigned to projects where their skills are most needed without being limited by departmental boundaries.
To implement a matrix structure in your workspace, consider the following steps:
- Identify the different functions and projects that require attention in your workspace.
- Organize your physical workspace into zones dedicated to different functions or projects with clear labels and boundaries.
- Use shared calendars and project management tools to facilitate communication between team members and managers.
- Assign roles and responsibilities clearly, ensuring that everyone understands their tasks and reporting lines.
- Encourage frequent communication
Project Management Systems
Project management tools are vital in streamlining team workflows, improving individual productivity, and achieving higher-quality project outcomes.
A project manager can effectively utilize these tools to facilitate collaboration, ensuring high-priority tasks take precedence by harnessing clear communication channels.
Visual tracking of project milestones and early detection of potential budget overruns are other key benefits of using project management systems in your organization.
Documented Processes and Procedures
Documented processes and procedures are crucial for maintaining consistency, compliance, and preserving knowledge within an organization, including the human resources department.
These offer a roadmap by aligning organizational tasks with strategic goals, leading to improved clarity and efficiency for employees in functional departments.
Moreover, preserving organizational knowledge through documentation ensures consistency in processes and results, irrespective of changes in team membership.
Hierarchical Vs. Flat Structures
A hierarchical structure is like a system of streams from a lake, where all the responsibilities flow from the main body and into the rivers in order.
This functional structure has a clear line of command, where authority has a trickle-down effect, hands out tasks, and defines roles for everyone.
It also helps people know where to report to, with middle managers and entry-level employees following the path set forth by the main managers or owners.
However, some people are switching to a flat organizational system because having middle managers has led to micro-managing and less autonomy among employees.
Everyone still has defined roles and reports to hire-ups, but there is less back-and-forth, and employees have more authority to get things done within their area of expertise.
FAQs
How do I get my home organized?
The journey to an organized home begins with simple steps and even a daily checklist to keep things routinely cleaned up.
Here are some tips to get you started:
- Make your bed every morning to set a productive tone for the day.
- Create a designated spot for everyday items to avoid misplacing them.
- Use a dry-erase board calendar for quick notes and reminders.
- Clear surfaces daily and use trays or baskets to collect common clutter.
Plan ahead by scheduling regular tasks like meal prep, laundry, and cleaning. And remember, declutter regularly by letting go of items as you acquire new ones.
Is it easier to organize per room?
Indeed, organizing per room paves the way for a more focused approach, given that each room serves different functions and may necessitate distinctive organizational strategies.
Tackling one room at a time can make the process less overwhelming and help to maintain motivation as you see progress in each space.
By organizing room by room, you can tailor the organization system to the specific needs and items of that area, increasing efficiency and usability.
Should I declutter before I organize my stuff?
Indeed! Starting with decluttering has several benefits:
- It lessens the volume of items to organize
- It aids in clearing space for more efficient systems
- Regular decluttering can prevent clutter from building up
- It makes it easier to keep your space organized over time.
By letting go of unnecessary items during the decluttering process, you can better assess what storage solutions and organizational processes will work best for the items you decide to keep.
Are there organizational processes that can also be used for businesses?
Numerous organizational processes employed in homes are adaptable to business environments.
Methods like paperless filing, time blocking, and decluttering practices can be just as effective in an office setting.
Businesses can implement dry-erase board calendars or digital equivalents for team scheduling and reminders.
Organizational methods like batch tasking and setting timers can improve productivity and time management in a business setting.
Final Thoughts
Organization isn’t just about tidying up; your new routine is about creating functional, efficient spaces.
The right organizational system can streamline tasks, improve productivity, and reduce stress, whether at home or in the workplace.
Remember, a successful organization is a process of continuous improvement. So, tackle each room, stay consistent, and enjoy the journey towards a more organized life.
