Recruit a friend to help you declutter
Nothing says “clutter” quite like neglected and forgotten clothes, shoes, and accessories around the house. “We encourage going through all of your items and donating or selling unwanted items,” says Jimmy Seifert, a former buyer at the Container Store. It can be difficult to let go of pieces that have memories attached to them—like that dress you wore to a wedding 10 years ago—so that’s where a friend or family member comes in. Someone who knows you well will be able to tell you if you haven’t worn that skirt in five years and likely won’t again. The best friends for this task are those you can rely on to be honest. Once you’ve narrowed down the clothing to keep, sort it. “Keep your most-used pieces readily accessible and out-of-season or special occasion pieces further out of reach. And in small spaces, we also recommend using light-colored organizers to brighten the space—anything dark can make it feel much smaller,” advises Seifert.
Invest in custom storage and expert assembly
One simple yet effective option to organize your home is to incorporate different shelving options for every room. “A freestanding shelving unit that fits into a corner of your kitchen or against a wall can accommodate over-sized items, keeping them accessible, while freeing up cabinet and counter space for regularly used items,” says Seifert. Because of the intricate nature of installing shelving, you can hire a pro in your area, like those at TaskRabbit, which matches you with experts by zipcode. If you don’t already have one, a custom closet storage system can maximize space. Again, the pros at TaskRabbit can help install pre-bought shelving systems, while the experts at California Closets will guide you step-by-step to a custom closet.
Hire a junk removal service
Junk removal services allow you to clear out items in bulk: get rid of old furniture and bulky building materials. Once you’ve tossed out those dusty household goods in your garage or spare wood and DIY supplies in the backyard, consider investing in smart storage. “Sheds offer extra organizing capacity in tight places for additional storage, a home gym, a home office, or even a craft corner,” says Amanda Tharp, a product manager at ShelterLogic. “Small-space storage units are the perfect addition to any deck or patio.” For example, the Arrow Spacemaker Patio Shed comes in three sizes to fit almost anywhere, while low-cost, knock-down utility shelving is always a good option for extra storage.
Ask an in-store expert
If you’re already planning on investing in storage solutions, consider asking an in-store expert for personalized advice about the best organizational products for your home and lifestyle. The Container Store’s in-home organizers will create a customized storage plan based on your house—they can help you do everything from tidy up your closet to prepare a baby nursery. For organizing products on a budget, follow the advice of Brittney Levine, a spokesperson for Marshalls. “For small spaces in particular, purchasing organizational products is the perfect, cost-effective solve to keep like items together and allow you to easily move things around as needed,” she says. “Bonus points for purchasing a label maker and labeling everything.” Small plastic bins can sort tiny items—pens, paper clips, rubber bands—inside drawers, while baskets with lids can hold linens and spare blankets and keep them all dust-free.
Call in the organizing pros
When it’s time to call in an organizing professional, don’t hesitate. Especially if your own efforts have somehow left the space more cluttered than before, you’re dealing with a major life change like a new baby or a death in the family, or you simply don’t have time to tackle the project yourself. A pro organizer will listen to your storage challenges, your family’s lifestyle, and analyze your home’s layout to develop the optimal action plan. Depending upon the pro you hire and the plan you pay for, they may be able to recommend a plan that you’ll execute yourself, or they may come to your home for install. Before you hire a pro, be sure to get recommendations, read reliable reviews, or opt for a pro certified by the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals. You can also find pros on Thumbtack with dozens of five-star reviews.
