A Designer’s Guide to Home Organization
If you’re reading this, you’re likely already familiar with the endless home organization tips out there. I won’t pretend to reinvent the wheel - there are plenty of approaches, and many of them work. What sets this apart is my perspective as an interior designer.
In design, two factors are critical: aesthetics (obvious) and function (not always so obvious).
While beauty catches the eye, functionality ensures a space works for you, not against you.
My constant focus on how spaces are used naturally extends to how they’re organized. Let’s just say my slight inclination toward perfectionism has earned me a reputation at home, with my husband calling me “too obsessed with storage.”
Unlike most organizing methods, I tackle the entire home at once. Yes, it’s an undertaking, but getting the framework right sets you up for seamless annual maintenance on a room-by-room basis.
Ready to transform your home into a space that’s both beautiful and functional? Here’s how:
(1) Sort by Category
Start with categories, not rooms. This step might feel intuitive, but here’s what I mean: group items by type rather than location.
Examples include:
Tools and Hardware
Hobbies and Crafts
Electronics and Tech Accessories
Toys and Kids’ Supplies
Seasonal Items
Cleaning Supplies
Clothing and Accessories
Kitchen Essentials
Paperwork and Documents
Once your home is a blank slate and all your belongings are grouped, you’re ready for the next step.
Image via Pinterest
Feeling overwhelmed by a space that resembles Monica Geller’s secret closet from FRIENDS? That’s the perfect place to begin. Remember: it might (will) look worse before it gets better, but trust the process.
(2) Consider Usage Frequency
Ask yourself: How often do I use this?
For example:
If you camp once a year, store that gear in a less accessible spot.
If you’re a Costco enthusiast, designate a space for backstock items.
Patience is key here. Gradually decide where each category should live, keeping function in mind. Stick to your categories like glue - this is not the time to get lenient.
(3) Create Subcategories
Containment is everything in organizing. Invest in bins, baskets, or containers that suit your aesthetic and needs. I recommend sticking to one brand for a cohesive look. Once you have them, break down your categories into subcategories.
Tools and Hardware
Power tools, nails, screws, adhesives, and DIY supplies
Hobbies and Crafts
Art supplies, sewing materials, board games, or musical instruments
Electronics and Tech Accessories
Charges, cables, remotes, and small gadgets
Toys and Kids’ Supplies
Building blocks, school supplies, and keepsakes like artwork or awards
Seasonal Items
Holiday decor, seasonal clothing, and outdoor gear
Cleaning Supplies
Household cleaners, laundry detergent, and tools like brooms or mops
Clothing and Accessories
Everyday wear, seasonal clothes, shoes, and accessories like belts or scarves
Kitchen Essentials
Pantry goods, cooking tools, spices, and food storage containers
Paperwork and Documents
Bills, manuals, important records, and sentimental items
(4) Ditch the Packaging
Packaging wastes space. Removing items from their original packaging not only frees up room but also makes everything easier to find. It’s a simple step with a big impact.
(5) Group and Label
This step seems obvious, but it’s vital: group like items together, and label everything. Whether you use a Cricut, label maker, or a trusty Sharpie, clear labeling is a game-changer.
House & Home via Pinterest
Area Specific Suggestions
Kitchen Organization:
In Honor of Design via Pinterest
Think creatively! Sort sauces by region (Eastern vs. Western), or use produce drawers for dairy if it suits your needs. Identify your weak points - if you often let food spoil, keep it visible.
Set yourself up for success by addressing your habits.
Clothing:
The same principles apply to clothing:
Sort by type and category
Organize by frequency of use (store off-season clothes)
Hang, fold, or roll items
Bonus points for sorting by colour - it’s not just visually pleasing but also practical for quick scanning. If it doesn’t work for you, skip it.
Image Source (from left to right): Pinterest via Homekeeping Made Simple; Pinterest Via The Only Hangers Store; Pinterest via I Am Style-ish by Tiffanyish; Pinterest via Space Camp Organizing
Final Thoughts: Flexibility is Key
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but these strategies will work universally. Stay flexible as your process evolves. Use painter’s tape for temporary labels until you settle on a system that sticks.
Pro Tip: Leave room to grow. No matter how disciplined you are, life happens - you’ll acquire more stuff. Don’t cram your bins to capacity; future-proof your system by allowing for some breathing room.
This method isn’t just about decluttering - it’s about creating a home that reflects your lifestyle and functions beautifully. You have to cull along the way, check expiry dates, toss things you know you aren’t using, or donate. At the end of this exercise, I promise you, your home will be a happier and more beautiful place.