​ Five Rules for Home Organization

​ Five Rules for Home Organization

Nov 3rd 2020

Home organization may seem like the opposite of sparking joy — no matter what tidying whiz Marie Kondo says. It can feel like an overwhelming task or a losing battle. But people with organized homes aren’t the super-achievers you think they are. A few tips will help you stay neat and save time, so you can do things that really spark joy — like socializing with family and friends.

1.Everything in Its Place

Usually, when stuff is scattered everywhere, it is because doesn’t have a place to belong. For instance, if you have a cluttered entryway, the solution can be as simple as placing baskets near the door so family members can toss in their shoes or hats. Make sure coats have a place by hanging polished brass hooks on a nearby wall. A decorative tray on a table near the door is the perfect landing spot for keys once you get in the habit of plopping them there.

2.Stop the Spillover

American homes are often spilling over with things. There might be an overflowing garage or a catchall junk drawer. Instead of constantly cleaning, it’s easier to pare down what you bring into the home and limit what you buy. When buying something new, consider that a good time to add something old to the “donate” pile.

Before you pick up a new trinket for your living room shelf, think about all the dusting you’ll have to do over the years. As you start organizing your home, think about some of your decorative items. If you’re tempted to hang on to knick-knacks and non-functional pieces, re-evaluate whether or not they are truly serving a purpose for you. If you haven’t admired or even noticed it lately, you’ll probably live without it.

If it helps you stay disciplined, schedule a yard sale or donate to a rummage drive every year. You’ll soon be hunting around for things to add to the “for sale” pile.

Culling the Closet

If your closet runneth over, it’s time to ruthlessly cull anything you haven’t worn in a year or two. You can appreciate what you do have when your closets are thinned out and organized by color or style. The perfect sweater or shirt is at your fingertips at a moment's notice.

To keep the downsizing going, store a donation bag in the closet and toss in clothes you've tired of now and then.

Minimize the Childhood Mayhem

People who keep their homes spotless often fail when it comes to a children’s room. The floor is strewn with a rainbow of stuffed animals, squeaking bath toys, and puzzle pieces.

We get it — kids need unstructured playtime. An always-clean room is the sign of a sad tot. But you can keep your child entertained and the room tidy by rotating toys. Store two-thirds of the toys in a closet. Then present a small new selection to your child every few months. They’ll be enchanted by the novelty and you can walk through the room without tripping.

Perfection Isn’t Pretty

To most people, a perfect house is a showroom, not a home, so don’t strive for perfection. Instead, just chip away a little at a time and you’ll have a streamlined space in no time. You’ll enjoy the breathing room so much, you’ll think twice before cluttering it up again.

When it comes to adding style to your home, try adding a dramatic statement piece to your décor rather than more knick-knacks and couch pillows. At Barndoorz, we have sliding barn doors to match any interior, from contemporary to rustic farmhouse. A barn door becomes the focal point of the room and can help separate spaces or close off closets. Our unique designs will ramp up the elegance and charm of your home and come in a wide range of finishes, from weathered antique to gleaming white. For more information, browse our website or contact us