With how fast everything moves today, maintaining an organized living space often feels like an impossible task. With countless items accumulating in our homes and limited time to manage them, many of us find ourselves overwhelmed by clutter and chaos. However, to help you along, we’ve curated a few organizing hacks that are tried-and-true methods that can transform even the most chaotic spaces into well-ordered sanctuaries.

Takeaways New Hide ▲

Declutter regularly using

keep, donate, and toss

method for cleaner spaces

Maximize hidden storage

using beds, sofas, and

furniture with built-ins

Label and categorize items

in clear bins for

easy visual access

Establish weekly reset

routine to quickly

maintain organized home

❮

❯

With the help of TikTok, life lessons and those tips we’ve all picked up along the way, we can confidently say we understand the psychology behind clutter and the task of developing solutions that work for various lifestyles and spaces. These methods aren’t just about making spaces look pretty; they’re about creating sustainable systems that enhance productivity, reduce stress and improve overall quality of life.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the top 10 organizing hacks that the Home & Texture team consistently rely on. These are transformative strategies that can help you maintain long-term organization in your home or office.

@sociallykylie

feel, clean, sort, decide + donate 💅🏼 #declutteryourlife #declutteryourhome #minimalist #declutter #cleanyourhouse

♬ original sound – Kylie Perkins

The One-In-One-Out Rule

When looking at TikTok and home decor and lifestyle shows, professionals consistently emphasize this fundamental principle as the cornerstone of maintaining an organized space. For every new item that enters your home, another item must leave. This simple yet powerful rule prevents accumulation and forces mindful consumption. It’s particularly effective for managing clothing, books, and decorative items. The key is to implement this rule immediately–when you purchase a new shirt, decide which existing piece will be donated or discarded. This practice not only maintains balance in your space but also encourages thoughtful purchasing decisions.

The Zone System

Creating designated zones for different activities and items is a game-changer in organizational strategy. For example, in a kitchen, establish zones for food prep, cooking, cleaning, and storage. In an office, create separate zones for active work, reference materials, and supplies. This system reduces time spent searching for items and makes it intuitive to return things to their proper places. The key is to store items where they’re used, not where they fit.

The 90/90 Rule

This powerful decluttering technique involves asking yourself if you’ve used an item in the last 90 days and if you’ll use it in the next 90 days. If the answer is no to both questions, it’s time to let it go. Professional organizers love this method because it provides a concrete timeframe for evaluation and helps overcome emotional attachments to items. This rule is particularly effective for seasonal items, clothing, and kitchen gadgets. The only exceptions should be truly sentimental items and important documents.

Vertical Storage Maximization

Experts consistently emphasize the importance of utilizing vertical space. This means thinking upward instead of outward when organizing. Install shelving units that reach to the ceiling, use over-the-door organizers, and implement wall-mounted storage solutions. This approach not only maximizes storage capacity but also makes items more visible and accessible. Professional organizers recommend using clear containers on higher shelves so you can easily identify contents without having to climb up and check.

The Container Method

Professional organizers swear by the container method: limiting items to the space available in designated containers. Instead of buying containers to fit your stuff, use containers to limit what you keep. This method naturally forces you to edit your belongings and prevents overflow. The key is to choose appropriate container sizes for different categories and stick to the boundaries they create. When a container is full, it’s time to review and remove items rather than buying additional storage.

@operation_niki

For my besties who want to invest more time into selfcare & who want to get clean & organized for the new year! 🧖🏾‍♀️🫧🧽✨ #clean #CleanTok #cleanhome #organizedhome #momtok #SelfCare #skincare #organization #kitchenotganization #homeorganization #cleaningmotivation #cleanwithme #newyearresolution

♬ Sensational – Beatstar

The Daily Reset Routine

One of the most powerful habits professional organizers recommend is the 10-minute daily reset. This involves spending just 10 minutes each evening returning items to their designated spots, clearing surfaces, and preparing for the next day. This simple practice prevents clutter from accumulating and maintains the organizational systems you’ve established. Make it a family activity by assigning specific areas to each person and turning it into a quick, efficient routine.

The Category Sorting Method

Rather than organizing room by room, professional organizers advocate for organizing by category across your entire space. This method, popularized by Marie Kondo but used by organizers for decades, involves gathering all items of the same category (like books, clothing, or papers) in one place before sorting and organizing. This approach reveals the true volume of what you own and makes it easier to make decisive choices about what to keep, donate, or discard.

The Priority Zone Principle

Professional organizers emphasize the importance of creating priority zones in every room. These are the prime real estate areas between shoulder and hip height where frequently used items should be stored. Less frequently used items go higher or lower. This principle ensures that daily essentials are easily accessible while seasonal or rarely used items can be stored in less convenient locations. The key is to regularly reassess what qualifies as a high-priority item based on your changing needs and habits.

The Three-Second Rule

If it takes less than three seconds to do something, do it immediately. This includes hanging up a coat, putting away dishes, or filing a document. Professional organizers love this rule because it prevents the accumulation of small tasks that eventually become overwhelming projects. This principle is particularly effective in maintaining organization in high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Make it a habit to quickly assess whether a task can be completed in three seconds before choosing to postpone it.

The Maintenance Schedule System

The final hack that professional organizers consistently recommend is establishing a regular maintenance schedule. This involves setting specific times for different organizing tasks: weekly for basic tidying, monthly for deeper organization of specific areas, and seasonal for complete overhauls. Create a calendar with these tasks and treat them as non-negotiable appointments. This systematic app