Organizing Tips from an Interior Designer
By: Anna Popov
Organizing Tips from an Interior Designer
By: Anna Popov
Organizing your home and living spaces might feel like an overwhelming task, but if you do so strategically it can have a profound effect on your daily life. While the process of organizing does require some investment of time and money, the outcome is well worth it. One great option is to hire a professional organizer, especially when renovating or moving. Alternatively, if you’re up for the challenge, there are a few organizing tips you can follow. First, think through your space sensibly when first starting the organization process. Ask yourself “how do I use this space?” and “what is its function?” and go from there. Once things are put in their logical location, you’ll be blown away by how much easier it is to function at home.
People are spending more time at home now than ever before so make your life easier and organize according to functions, especially in rooms that you use on a daily basis. Every room in the house needs some level of organization. The key is to make your space work for you and your daily life in the most convenient way.
Organizing tips to follow for common areas at home
The most common room that is disorganized is the home office. With people working from home at a much more frequent basis now, this has become even more apparent. There are a few great tools you can use to quickly and efficiently organize your office at home. The most important rule of thumb is to introduce some open, adjustable shelving. These shelves give you great flexibility and you can easily alternate various boxes and baskets giving a clean, neat feel.
Storage boxes come in many different shapes, sizes and fabrics and help you organize your space while keeping it aesthetically appealing. One of our favorite fabrics to work with in a home office is leather. Functional leather boxes can have a great effect on the space. The best part about an organized office is that it has a huge impact on your happiness, productivity and mood.
Another room that is often disorganized in homes is the kitchen. People spend a significant amount of time in their kitchens and this room needs to function properly for streamlined use. When organizing cabinets, clear containers are our go-to. These allow you to grab a container from up high and see through it to easily get what you need. Alternatively, in the pantry, you might want to use glass jars with airtight lids. Similar to clear containers, having the ability to see through the glass can help save time. The addition of a lid will also help you keep food fresher for longer. If you want to take your organization to the next level, add some labels to your containers and jars.
Don’t neglect organization in smaller rooms
One mistake many homeowners make when organizing is focusing solely on main rooms in the house and neglecting smaller ones. Many of these spaces serve a purpose in your daily life and can benefit from strategic organization. It’s important to keep in mind that even a small space can be beautifully organized. There are a few organizing tips specific to these small rooms that you can use throughout the house. From your bathroom to your closet, tackle one project at a time and enjoy the feeling of a freshly organized space.
The key to having an organized bathroom is through having storage behind closed doors. Most of the items you’ll find in bathrooms are small and miscellaneous. This is why open shelving can be incredibly difficult to keep both neat and aesthetically appealing. Organize small things by using containers with dividers in drawers and different sizes of boxes in cabinets for a clean, functional and beautiful space.
Another small room that would benefit from organization is your closet. There are a few key design tips you can follow to keep your closet fresh, functional and easy to use. If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, consider storing seasonal clothes elsewhere. Another great idea is to use all thin felt hangers. These help you save space and prevent garments from slipping off. Lastly, opt for cloth baskets to organize your intimates, socks and other small items. These come in various sizes and are great to act as dividers in drawers.
The secrets to staying organized
While there are a few organizing tips that are specific to each room in the house, there are some secret tips that always apply. First off, be strategic about your purchases and don’t be afraid to purge. Did you know that we only use about 20% of the things we own? If you think twice about what it is you need and minimize how much you buy, you ensure you are only bringing home things you’ll use. Donating clothes and old items you don’t use anymore every few months can help you keep a neat home.
Last, but certainly not least, you and your household members must be disciplined. Organizing your home can be an incredible transformation in the way you use your space. Don’t forget that without the upkeep, your investment is worth nothing.
At Interiors by Popov we specialize in creating beautiful minimalistic spaces and we believe in the power of organizing. From the beginning of the design process we think strategically about the things that matter to our clients and design around their lifestyle and goals. If you’re in the Seattle area and are looking to elevate your space, we’d love to help. Check out our portfolio for design inspiration and give us a call at (425) 403-6060 to get started today!
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