Our flats are shining and spotless, all of our belongings are systematically colour-coded, and not an inch of precious space is overcrowded or wasted...In our dreams. In reality, most of us weren't born home organisation superstars; our flats actually look more like a Miss Havisham wedding chamber nightmare than the above fantasy. But since the ice has melted and buds are beginning to bloom, we can't hide underneath layers of dust any longer — it's time to do the spring cleaning thing.
Since attempting to tackle this formidable task is overwhelming, to say the least, we decided to consult experts for help. Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of the trendy, Nashville-based home organisation service and blog, The Home Edit, blessed us with their best advice on what to do (and what to avoid) when freshening up our spaces, post winter hibernation. Start small with a drawer and other miscellaneous spaces, going big and tackle your pantry, or tackle one project at a time until your surroundings are at the peak of organisation. No, matter where you start, their tips will take you 14 steps closer to that spotless and colour-coordinated dream home.
Read These Stories Next:
Spring Isn't The Season For Cleaning — It's Actually All About Storage
Cleaning Hacks You Can Only Get From A Professional
10 Tricks That'll Make You Look Like A Clean Person
Miscellaneous Spaces
TIP 1
Don't: Feel like you need to tackle an entire room to feel accomplished.
Do: Start with a small project, like that junk drawer you’ve been avoiding or your beauty product stash. The faster you see your progress, and how life-changing it is, the more motivated you’ll be to tackle the next project on your list.
TIP 2
Don't: Leave dust and dirt behind in an empty space.
Do: Take the chance to wipe down all cabinets and drawers before placing items back in their designated home. It feels good to start fresh!
TIP 3
Don't: Skip the edit process.
Do: Remove EVERYTHING from the space (it should be completely empty when you’re done, no exceptions!) and lay the items in front of you, grouped into categories. By doing this, it makes it visually easier to decide what to keep, toss, or repurpose, especially if you have any duplicates. Once you’re done editing, you can decide what items will have a designated “home” together. If you skip these steps, it’s easier to revert back to cluttered habits.
Linens & Laundry
TIP 1
Don't: Clutter up your laundry cabinets with various types of bulky detergents and supplies. Do: Purchase glass canisters that can fit the liquids, pods, or dryer sheets in bulk, so you aren’t having to run to the store to buy them as often. Plus, it doubles as a unique decor accent when stored on a countertop.
TIP 2
Don't: Stack items like towels, t-shirts, and linens.
Do: Maximize space by rolling them neatly. If you don’t have access to shelving, these items can be rolled and stacked in a bin or basket.
TIP 3
Don't: Concentrate JUST on the aesthetic.
Do: Create a space where function and form are equals. Think about it: You can buy all the brightly colour-coded containers in the world, but if items are shoved haphazardly inside, it’s not helping anyone. Plus, by creating a beautiful AND well-maintained system, you’ll be motivated to keep it that way.
The Wardrobe
TIP 1
Don't: Use mismatched or old hangers in your wardrobe.
Do: Purchase sets of space-saving slimline or huggable hangers. It’s the easiest way to transform your wardrobe! You won’t have to worry about your clothing slipping onto the floor, plus the space will instantly look more refined and polished.
TIP 2
Don't: Take up valuable space with clothing you aren’t wearing at the moment.
Do: Create seasonal bins for summer and winter. Place one on a high shelf, and one within reach, and rotate them as the weather changes.
The Pantry
TIP 1
Don't: Walk blindly into the store when shopping for organisation supplies.
Do: Measure the cabinets and shelving you are planning to use, and decide what items (baskets, dividers, jars, turntables) will help you maximise the space you have to create a system that works for you. When in doubt, we suggest buying extra items that you can return at a later date. You never want to be in the “ugh, I just needed two more!” situation.
TIP 2
Don't: Keep your pantry items hidden.
Do: Use labelled clear jars, canisters, and divided turntables in your pantry for visible and easy access. For other bulk packaged items, embrace open bins that are easy to manage with general categories like: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks, Sweet Snacks, Baking, and Cooking. Both will help you see what needs to be restocked so you won’t have to run back to the store when you forget the sugar, etc.
The Kitchen
TIP 1
Don't: Store loose fridge items without a container.
Do: Designate categorised zones with labelled bins. For items like condiments, utilise a divided turntable for easy-to-spot access. Also, don’t forget to leave a space for leftovers!
TIP 2
Don't: Ignore the “hidden” storage areas, like under your sink.
Do: Create a functional space by adding divided turntables to store your cleaning supplies or other items you use often, but don’t want shown. It makes it easier to find what you need, rather than having to dig through a dark abyss. Stackable open bins are another helpful option.
Storage Spaces
TIP 1
Don't: Keep items hidden in closed containers.
D0: Utilize storage such as clear bins, open baskets, and divided turntables to provide easy access to items that you need within your immediate reach. Also, we believe in the power of labelling, which keeps your categories visible, and doubles as a guilt mechanism when you are about to shove an item where it doesn't belong.
TIP 2
Don't: Declutter your space ONCE and then leave it.
Do: Make it a priority to carve out 5-10 minutes weekly to maintain your newly organised space. It becomes a huge time and money saver! When you can find where everything is, you won’t need to waste time searching for a certain item or waste money buying double. It all comes down to putting things away where you found them — simple enough.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Stacy London's Dreamy Home Still Has A Junk Drawer
My New York Apartment Costs £1,500 A Month—Here's How Big It Is