100 Home Organisation Tips - Declutter and Simplify Your Space
Decluttering Tips
- Start small by clearing one drawer or surface so you build momentum without feeling overwhelmed.
- Use the four-box method—keep, donate, sell, discard—to make decisions faster.
- Set a timer for 20 minutes and declutter in short, focused bursts.
- Ask yourself if you would buy the item again today; if not, let it go.
- Keep a permanent donation box near your front door to drop items you no longer use.
- Digitise paperwork and photos to reduce physical clutter and free up space.
- Do a wardrobe purge at the start of each season and donate anything unworn for a year.
- Declutter before organising—never waste time arranging what you don’t need.
- Use a ‘maybe box’ for sentimental items; if you don’t open it for six months, donate it.
- Keep flat surfaces clear by giving every item a designated home.
- See also: Everyday Life Tips - Kitchen, Cleaning & Time-Saving Hacks
Cleaning Systems
- Create a weekly cleaning schedule that breaks tasks into small, daily routines.
- Keep cleaning supplies in a portable caddy for quick access and efficiency.
- Clean from top to bottom—dust first, vacuum last—for best results.
- Use microfibre cloths to clean more effectively with less chemical cleaner.
- Tackle one room at a time to maintain focus and a sense of progress.
- Keep multipurpose cleaners in multiple spots around the house for convenience.
- Vacuum slowly to pick up more dust and prolong carpet life.
- Do a quick 10-minute evening tidy to wake up to a clean home.
- Clean mirrors and windows with vinegar and newspaper for a streak-free shine.
- Wash reusable cloths and mop heads regularly to avoid spreading bacteria.
- See also: Money Tips - Budgeting, Saving & Smart Spending
Home Office Setup
- Position your desk near a window to maximise natural light and reduce fatigue.
- Keep your workspace clutter-free—only essentials belong on the desk.
- Adjust your chair and monitor height to maintain healthy posture.
- Use a wireless keyboard and mouse to reduce cord clutter.
- Add a plant to improve air quality and create a calming environment.
- Separate work and personal areas, even if it’s just a different corner.
- Set up dedicated lighting to avoid glare during video calls.
- Use noise-cancelling headphones or background music to enhance focus.
- Organise cables with clips or sleeves to keep your workspace tidy.
- End each day by putting everything back in place for a clean start tomorrow.
Kitchen Setup
- Keep frequently used utensils near the stove for quick access while cooking.
- Store pots and pans by size to make them easier to grab and put away.
- Use clear, labelled containers in your pantry to see what needs restocking.
- Organise your fridge by zones—produce, leftovers, condiments—to prevent waste.
- Group tools and ingredients by task, such as baking or coffee preparation.
- Use a magnetic strip to store knives safely and free up counter space.
- Wipe down counters immediately after cooking to prevent sticky buildup.
- Keep a ‘use first’ basket in your fridge for food nearing its expiry date.
- Regularly clean small appliances like toasters and kettles to extend their lifespan.
- Line drawers with removable mats to make cleaning spills easy.
Small-Space Storage
- Use vertical shelving and wall hooks to make the most of limited space.
- Choose furniture with built-in storage, such as ottomans or platform beds.
- Install floating shelves to add storage without taking up floor space.
- Store off-season clothes in vacuum-sealed bags under your bed.
- Use over-the-door organisers for shoes, accessories, or cleaning products.
- Keep furniture slightly raised to allow under-bed storage containers.
- Declutter before adding more storage to ensure every item has a purpose.
- Hang pots and pans on a wall rack to free up cabinet space.
- Stack transparent boxes to easily see contents and save time.
- Fold towels and clothes vertically to maximise drawer capacity.
Laundry Tips
- Sort laundry by fabric type and colour to prevent damage and fading.
- Use cold water when possible to save energy and extend fabric life.
- Clean your washing machine monthly to prevent mould and odours.
- Pre-treat stains immediately for best removal results.
- Use dryer balls instead of sheets to reduce static and drying time.
- Fold clothes straight from the dryer to prevent wrinkles.
- Hang delicates to dry instead of using the tumble dryer.
- Use mesh bags for socks and lingerie to prevent tangling.
- Keep a small bin near the washer for pocket lint and receipts.
- Set a consistent laundry day each week to avoid pile-ups.
Maintenance Schedules
- Create a yearly home maintenance calendar with monthly focus areas.
- Replace smoke detector batteries every year on the same date.
- Flush drains with baking soda and hot water monthly to prevent clogs.
- Inspect window seals twice a year to prevent drafts and leaks.
- Clean gutters every spring and autumn to prevent water damage.
- Check appliances for dust build-up behind or underneath yearly.
- Schedule professional boiler or HVAC servicing annually.
- Keep a digital log of warranty details and service dates for all appliances.
- Replace water filters and vacuum bags on a set schedule.
- Test all emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers regularly.
Garden Care
- Water plants early in the morning to minimise evaporation loss.
- Add mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Group plants with similar water and sunlight needs together.
- Prune dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth.
- Compost kitchen waste to create free, nutrient-rich soil.
- Weed regularly to prevent roots from spreading too deep.
- Rotate crops each year to maintain soil fertility in vegetable gardens.
- Clean and store tools properly to extend their lifespan.
- Collect rainwater for sustainable garden irrigation.
- Add perennials for low-maintenance colour year after year.
Digital Organisation
- Back up files weekly to an external drive or cloud service.
- Delete duplicate photos and unused apps monthly to save space.
- Use descriptive folder names so files are easy to find later.
- Unsubscribe from newsletters you never read to declutter your inbox.
- Create a simple folder hierarchy by year and project for documents.
- Schedule a digital clean-up day once per month for all devices.
- Use password managers for secure and easy login access.
- Clear browser cache and downloads regularly to improve speed.
- Turn off unnecessary notifications to reduce digital noise.
- Organise photos by date or event and back them up to the cloud.
Minimalism Tips
- Focus on quality items that serve multiple purposes rather than quantity.
- Practise the 'one in, one out' rule for every new purchase.
- Keep décor simple—empty space adds calm and balance.
- Be intentional about what enters your home by delaying impulse buys.
- Digitise paper and media collections to free up physical space.
- Declutter emotionally by letting go of gifts that no longer serve you.
- Set a cap on how many of each item category you own, like shoes or mugs.
- Use neutral colours and natural light to create a feeling of openness.
- Choose versatile furniture that fits multiple uses or rooms.
- Revisit your possessions quarterly to ensure everything still adds value.