Do you ever feel like your home still looks disorganized even after you spent time cleaning? Don’t worry; not only is this common, it’s also easy to fix! Here are the most common organization challenges and how to fix them.

1. Confusing ‘clean’ with ‘organized’

The most common mistake is confusing clean with being organized. Oftentimes we clear off a surface and stack everything in a pile thinking we’re “organized.” But what we really did was make a new pile.
Piles are sneaky. They seem innocent but quickly grow to epic proportions. What started as a small neat pile of paper or mail on the kitchen counter quickly becomes a larger pile of every single sheet of paper in your home. Then maybe there’s a pile of clothes in the corner that is mostly clean, and don’t forget the pile of random things you still need to sort through. See what we mean?
Fix: Assign a ‘home’ for everything and be diligent in putting things away immediately instead of waiting for ‘later,’ which may never come.  

2. Attaching notes to the fridge

Our refrigerators can become the family message center, filled with art projects, party invitations, photos, or important notes. But eventually, it gets overwhelming! The fridge is the focal point of the kitchen so if it gets too cluttered, the entire kitchen will look cluttered!
Fix: Instead of attaching notes to your fridge door, use a separate magnet or bulletin board to hold notes, artwork and invitations. Remove them when dates have expired or to-do lists are complete.

3. Over filled shelves

Shelves and counters are great for both decorative and storage purposes. However, filling them with stuff can make them looked cluttered, regardless of how neatly everything is placed.
Fix: Limit the number of items you place on a shelf or counter. If you are filling a bookcase, leave some space between items to give them room to breathe.

4. Shopping without a plan

Have you ever been bit by the organization bug and then excitedly rushed out to buy all the baskets and bins, only for them to add to the clutter? You’re not alone! This is a common mistake, that often leads people to feel overwhelmed and even more unorganized. Those products will help you stay organized but, you need to put in the work to ensure they don’t add to the clutter.
Fix: Start with decluttering and removing unneeded items first and then figure out what storage tools you’ll need for your remaining items. You may find that you already have what you need at home!

5. Skipping labels

Bins are a great way to efficiently store multiple items. However, it’s easy to start tossing anything that fits into the box or forget what’s in a specific container, forcing you to dig through several different bins to locate what you’re looking for (and not to mention the mess that’s been made in the process). Save yourself the frustration by using labels.
Fix: Take time to label each container so you can quickly and easily find what you’re looking for. This will also make putting things away a breeze too.

Keep your new home looking great

These common organization tips are easy to fix to keep your new home looking great all the time.
If you’re on the hunt for a new home Hayden Homes can help. We have brand new homes for sale in the Northwest, and we’re ready to get you moved into your dream home. Contact us today for more information, whether you’re buying your first home or upgrading to a bigger one.