We all crave that satisfying feeling of a well-organized home.
But the thought of cleaning and organizing EVERY room can feel about as appealing as a root canal.
We always wonder why can't we keep our home organized?! The good news? You don't need a massive time commitment (or a team of professional organizers) to make a real difference.
I've learned this firsthand through many, many... ahem... experiments in my own home. One time, I decided to color-code my entire pantry, only to realize how practically stupid that was. Lesson learned: organization should be practical, not just pretty!
This weekend, let's ditch the overwhelm and focus on a few simple DIY organization projects that deliver maximum impact.
These are the kind of quick wins that'll leave you feeling accomplished and your home feeling a little more zen. Plus, they are all budget friendly and do not take too much time!
These are my top eight DIY organization ideas. Ready to get started?
1. The "Under-the-Sink" Transformation
Ah, the under-the-sink cabinet. That mysterious abyss where cleaning supplies go to disappear and half-empty bottles of who-knows-what multiply. I used to dread opening mine. It was like a scene from a horror movie, only with more questionable smells. My turning point? A simple, adjustable shelf and a few clear bins.
DIY Magic:
- Adjustable Shelf: Maximize vertical space. I found one on Amazon that even has pull out drawers. Measure your space before you shop to ensure it fits.
- Clear Bins: These are your best friends. Corral cleaning supplies, sponges, and those random bits and bobs. Label them if you're feeling extra organized (or if, like me, you tend to forget what you stored where).
- Lazy Susan: This is a game-changer for back-of-the-cabinet items. No more reaching into the dark unknown!
Need more bathroom inspiration? Check out our guide on Perfect House Plants for Your Bathroom and 5 Keys to Organizing a Small Bathroom.
2. Spice Up Your Life (and Your Spice Rack)
My spice rack used to be a chaotic jumble of mismatched jars and expired seasonings. Finding the cumin was a Herculean task. Then, I discovered the joy of uniform jars and labels. It's such a small change that made a huge difference in my daily cooking routine. I will be honest, at first I was skeptical that it would make a big difference but I was wrong! Now I enjoy cooking that much more!
DIY Magic:
- Matching Jars: Invest in a set of small, airtight jars. Glass is great because you can see what's inside.
- Labels: Get creative! Use our Customizable Spice Label Template, print and stick them on your jars!
- Drawer, Wall Organizer or Shelf Riser: Instead of a traditional rack, consider a drawer insert or shelf riser in your cabinet to save counter space.
I just saw this new fancy pull out Cabinet Caddy that people are raving about. MAYBE I'll get one and try it out, we'll see! If you have it, let us know in the comments below!
3. The "Command Center" That Actually Commands
My family's command center used to be... well, the kitchen counter. Which meant it was usually covered in mail, school papers, and whatever else landed there. A dumping ground for whatever we leave out. Sound familiar?
A dedicated command center, even a small one, can be a lifesaver.
DIY Magic:
- Vertical File Folders: Perfect for mail, bills, and important documents such as pictures your kids color for you.
- Dry-Erase Calendar: Keep track of appointments, activities, and meal plans.
- Key Hooks and Charging Station: No more frantic key searches or tangled cords!
4. The "Drop Zone" That Keeps Clutter at Bay
The entryway is the first impression your home makes. How many homes have you walked into where it looks like a bomb went off? Shoes, bags, and random clutter piled up, creating an instant feeling of chaos.
A designated drop zone (with a cleanup routine) can change all that. Even with a small space you can still have a drop zone. My friend, for example, lives in an apartment and she set up a beautiful and functional drop zone.
DIY Magic:
- Hooks, Hooks, and More Hooks: Hang coats, bags, and even dog leashes.
- Shoe Storage: A bench with built-in cubbies, a repurposed crate, or even a simple shoe rack can work wonders. I have seen some people re-use pallet boards to create a shoe rack.
- Small Console Table or Shelf: A place to drop mail, keys, and sunglasses.
5. Pantry Power Hour
The pantry is often the place that gets overlooked, or, I should say, not the most organized. But, by taking an hour of your time you can make it much more functional.
Use clear containers, add our pantry labels to them, group similar items together and organize by usage (baking, cooking, snacking etc.).
It is a good idea to measure the space before getting the containers, so you know you will maximize the space to its full potential!
For more Pantry Organization be sure to read our guide: Mastering Pantry Organization: Essential Tips and Tricks! – Simplicity Home Living
6. Toy Taming
If you have kids, or even pets, you know how easily toys can take over a room... in under 5 minutes.
By doing a few simple things you can organize your home without spending a fortune. Use storage bins or baskets, add labels if you like and rotate toys regularly so the kids do not get bored. This is also a good time to evaluate what toys your kids are actually playing with, and donate the rest.
As a parent, I know this is a pain point for everyone which is why we also wrote:
- How to Keep Kids' Toys Organized: Tips and Tricks! – Simplicity Home Living
- How to Maintain an Organized Home with Young Children: Tips and Tricks – Simplicity Home Living
7. Clothing and Closet Organization
The closet is another place that tends to be overlooked, and I get it. It can be overwhelming. But, you can do simple things to get organized that actually will make a difference and have you feeling amazing after!
- Clothing Audit: go through your clothes and trash or donate clothes you no longer wear
- Organize by type of clothing and by the season
- Consider adding an extra shelf to the top of your closet to keep the clothes that are not in season.
- Organize by color to keep your weekly outfit rotation fresh!
Check out our article on some of the best closet organizers that are worth your time: Top 5 Closet Organizers for 2024 – Simplicity Home Living
8. The "Junk Drawer" Detox
We all have one (or several). That drawer where random odds and ends go to die. I used to avoid mine at all costs. But a few simple dividers and routine purge transformed it from a chaotic mess into a surprisingly functional and helpful space.
DIY Magic:
- Drawer Dividers: Adjustable ones are great because you can customize them to fit your needs.
- Small Containers or Trays: Corral paper clips, rubber bands, batteries, and other small items. Repurpose old jewelry boxes or mint tins.
- Regular Purges: Make it a habit to go through your junk drawer every few months and toss or donate anything you don't need.
Ready for a bigger decluttering project? Check out our tips on How to Declutter Your Home in 5 Simple Steps. Also, learn about Minimalist Living and how this can help with home organization.
The Takeaway: Small Changes, Big Impact
These DIY organization projects are all about making your life easier and your home more enjoyable.
Remember, the goal isn't perfection. It's about creating systems that work for you and your family. And trust me, even the smallest changes can make a HUGE difference.
So pick a project, grab your supplies, and get organizing!
You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish in just one weekend. And don't forget to share your before-and-after photos! We love seeing your organization triumphs. Also, feel free to share your favorite DIY organization tips in the comments below!
