If you’re looking for expert advice on how to organise your home like a pro, you’re in the right place.
Ever wondered how professional organisers make tidying up look effortless? It’s not just about having matching storage bins and perfectly aligned labels (though those help!). The real secret lies in a mix of smart tools, a structured process, and a few game-changing habits. If you’re ready to bring order to your home, here’s how to declutter and organise like a pro.
Step 1: Declutter First – Always!
Before you even think about organising, start with decluttering. There’s no sense in creating a system for things you don’t need or use.
A simple yet effective method is the Three-Box Approach:
- Keep – Items you love and use regularly.
- Donate/Sell – Items in good condition but no longer needed.
- Toss – Anything broken, expired, or beyond repair.
Think about your kitchen. Do you really need three can openers? If you haven’t used something in the past year, chances are you won’t miss it. By decluttering first, you make room for what truly matters.
Less stuff = less mess!
Step 2: Categorise Your Items
Once you’ve trimmed down your belongings, it’s time to categorise. Grouping similar items together makes it easier to find things and maintain order.
Imagine your home as a department store, everything should have a designated “department.” Here’s how you can categorise effectively:
- Kitchen: Baking supplies, pantry staples, cookware.
- Wardrobe: Everyday clothes, formal wear, accessories.
- Kids’ Toys: Building blocks, stuffed animals, craft supplies.
Pro Tip: When categorising, take note of duplicates. If you find three black t-shirts that look nearly identical, you probably don’t need them all.
Step 3: Choose the Right Storage Solutions
Now for the fun part, finding the right storage tools to keep everything in place. The right storage makes your system easy to maintain and visually appealing.
Here are some expert-approved storage solutions:
- Clear Storage Bins – Perfect for seasonal clothing, pantry staples, and kids’ toys. Clear bins allow you to see what’s inside at a glance.
- Drawer Organisers – Great for keeping utensils, office supplies, or socks neat and accessible.
- File Folders & Binders – Ideal for organising important documents, kids’ artwork, or receipts.
- Over-the-Door Organisers – A lifesaver for small spaces, perfect for shoes, toiletries, or cleaning supplies.
Have a cluttered entryway? Install a wall-mounted storage rack with labelled bins for keys, mail, and accessories. This simple fix can save you from last-minute scrambles when heading out.
Step 4: Label Everything
Labelling isn’t just for aesthetics, it’s a practical way to keep everything in order. When every item has a clear home, it becomes much easier for everyone in the household to maintain the system.
Ways to Label Like a Pro:
- Label Maker – For a clean, uniform look.
- Chalkboard or Dry-Erase Labels – Great for flexible organisation, especially in pantries.
- Picture Labels for Kids’ Storage – Helps young children put things back in the right place.
Pro Tip: When labelling storage containers, avoid generic labels like “Miscellaneous.” Instead, be specific, “Baking Essentials” is much clearer than “Kitchen Stuff.”
Step 5: Set Up Daily & Weekly Routines
A well-organised home isn’t just about setting up systems, it’s about the habits that keep it that way. Small, consistent routines make a big difference.
Here are some maintenance habits professional organisers swear by:
- Daily 5-Minute Tidy-Up – Take five minutes before bed to return items to their designated spots.
- One In, One Out Rule – Whenever you bring a new item home, donate or discard an old one.
- Weekly Reset – Dedicate 15–30 minutes weekly to assess and tweak your organisation system.
Does your dining table tend to become a dumping ground for mail and random items? What if you made it a rule to clear it every evening before dinner? This one habit prevents clutter from piling up and keeps your space functional.
Step 6: Make Organisation a Lifestyle
The key to long-term organisation is making it part of your routine. Instead of treating it as a one-time project, think of it as an ongoing habit.
How to Maintain an Organised Home:
- Set a seasonal decluttering schedule.
- Involve your family, teach kids to return toys to their proper place.
- Avoid impulse purchases that add unnecessary clutter.
Isn’t it beautifully said:
“The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment.” – Marie Kondo
Ready to Transform Your Home?
Let’s Unify! Organisation IS NOT about perfection, it’s about creating a system that works for your lifestyle.
By decluttering, categorising, using the right storage, and maintaining simple routines, you can keep your home tidy and stress-free.
Need professional help to get started? Contact our team at Your Ducks in a Row for expert guidance! Whether it’s a single room or your entire home, our expert team of home organisers is here to guide you every step of the way. Book your session today and kickstart 2025 with a beautifully organised home!