Does anyone else get super excited when it’s time to clean and organize their space? No…just me? Alright, well even if you don’t love to clean and organize as much as I do, we all have to do it! I’m telling you, there is nothing better than coming home, or in today’s world, working from home in a nice, organized room. Whether you enjoy cleaning or not, it’s something we all need in our lives. Keep reading to check out my top 10 tips for a clean and organized space.
Why Do I Need to be Organized?
As I’m sure I’ve said on here multiple times before, I’m a very “type A” person. I thrive in a clean space with minimal clutter and need to keep myself organized in order to get everything done.
Another personality trait of being type A is usually having a lot of things to juggle at once. In order to keep all of my school work, social media, and personal life in order, I NEED to be organized.
Now don’t even try to tell me that you work better in a cluttered space. Everyone can benefit from organizing their life a little bit. I’m not talking going full-on Marie Kondo, but just a pinch of it!
I’ve learned that there are some tips and hacks that have worked for me over the years to keep my space clean and organized. These tips especially picked up in college when I was living on my own and couldn’t rely on my mom to clean and cook for me.
If you can relate, then it’s time to adult and organize your space! I’ve already written a blog post all about tips for productivity
10 Tips to Stay Organized
Enough chatting, let’s get to the good stuff! These are tips that I implement into my everyday life that keep my head and home clear. Some tips are big, while others are small things that you may have never thought of, but make a huge difference. Here are my 10 tips to have a clean and organized space:
1. Have a designated “cleaning day”
When you have a specific day of the week where you know you’re going to be cleaning, it makes you a lot more likely to actually do it. It can seem overwhelming to think of cleaning and organizing your space every single day, but it’s a lot easier when you just get everything done all at once.
For me, it’s usually Sunday’s. I know that I’m going to clean my room, do laundry, and get myself organized for the week. Plus, when you do it every week, there’s not usually much clean up to do!
2. Keep a “to-do” list
Having a “to-do” list is the key to getting stuff done. I usually plan my lists out the day before and think of everything I want to get done for the day, whether it’s cleaning or not.
If it is cleaning, I’m not just going to write “clean” on my list and that’s that. The word “clean” is way too broad. You need to get specific! You can write clean, but then underneath write down exactly what and how you’re going to clean.
For example, write down if you’re going to vacuum, sweep the floors, fold laundry, or wipe the counters. This will make you more likely to actually do it and not forget anything.
3. Fold your laundry right away
I know, it’s a pain, but I’m telling you it makes all the difference! When you do laundry and just let it sit without folding and putting it away, that’s really going to clutter your space. Whenever I do my laundry, I fold it right when I get it out of the dryer.
Of course, things may come up and this is not always possible, but really have this intention in mind. While you’re on the laundry roll, just bite the bullet and put it away. You’re going to feel so much better and more organized!
4. Invest in containers
Have you ever seen those really aesthetic kitchen pantries that have all the clear pretty containers? Yup, that’s my goal when I’m older. Is that sad??
The point is that containers are a big help. You don’t have to get crazy with it, but just get a few and put some random items in there that are lingering around your room.
Make a bin for photos, toiletries, makeup, or whatever you have. Containers and bins are easy to stack and put under the bed, so it’s a great way to make use of your space.
5. Utilize your notes
I know we’re talking about keeping our physical spaces organized, but it’s equally as important to keep our minds clear as well. The notes on our phone can really help with this.
I keep a note on my phone with every single password I have, so that I’m never going to forget. Writing passwords on paper can get tricky because they’re easily lost.
I plan out my Instagram posts and recipes on my notes as well. You can totally make your to-do list in your notes if you don’t have a physical planner.
If you’re organizing your room, it can also be helpful to write down where you put things so that you don’t forget. Trust me, I’ve been there, and it’s not fun.
6. Seasonal closet clean-outs
Isn’t there nothing more refreshing than having a clean closet!? I try to go through my clothes and closet at the beginning of each season and get rid of whatever I don’t wear. If you’re not ready to get rid of clothes, at least just put them in a separate bin so that they’re not taking up space.
Donating and selling clothes is a great option if you want to downsize your wardrobe. Poshmark is amazing, and you can really make a lot of money on it. I go into this more in my money-saving tips post!
7. Less is more
In the words of my gal Elsa…let it go! This goes along with the seasonal closet cleanout tip.
I watched Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix, and seeing her mentality with getting rid of stuff was amazing. She says, that if something doesn’t bring you joy, thank it, and kindly donate it.
I know, that may be a little much, but the intention is great! If you haven’t touched something in years and it isn’t bringing you joy, you may want to rethink it.
8. MAKE YOUR BED
YOU GUYS…this has to be the biggest tip for me. Waking up and making your bed right away is instantly setting you up to have a successful and organized day.
There is no way your room can feel clean and organized if your bed isn’t made. There’s just no way. You HAVE to make your bed in the morning. You are going to feel so much better when you see how much nicer it makes your room look. Plus, you won’t be tempted to snuggle back in there in the middle of the day.
9. Don’t procrastinate
When you see clothes and junk piling up in your room or office, it can be easy to put it off. BUT, if you go back to tip #1, when you have a specific day of the week where you clean, you won’t have this issue!
I totally get it though and trust me, I’ve been there. Sometimes you just do not want to clean, and that’s okay. Just don’t let it get ahead of you to the point where it’s overwhelming. Keep it manageable.
10. Get something to inspire you
Nothing is more motivating than Pinterest. Hop on Pinterest and look up organization tips, containers, clean rooms, or whatever you’re looking for. When you can see a room that is what you want yours to look like, it can really motivate you to get clean and organized.
I hope that these 10 tips to get a clean and organized space were helpful to you! Keeping a clean space doesn’t have to be hard. It’s okay to fall off the wagon, but these tips will definitely get you back on track!
xoxo
Love these !! I’m a type A also and fully agree with the notes and to-do lists. Great post!
Thanks Taylor!! I’m so glad you can relate. So important to stay organized!