Most people aspire to keep their homes tidy and spacious, but it can be challenging, especially with a busy lifestyle and a growing number of belongings. An organized space creates a more comfortable living environment, reduces stress, and makes everyday tasks easier.
For those living in Lakewood, where many homes may have limited space, finding the right balance between keeping what you need and maintaining a spacious feel is essential. Using effective storage solutions in Lakewood can help you make the most of your available space, making your home more open and inviting.
This article will cover practical tips for helping homeowners declutter and utilize smart techniques to create a more organized living space.
Declutter
Before you begin organizing, it’s important to declutter. Start by going through each room and sorting items into three categories: keep, donate, and discard. This initial sorting helps you get rid of items that are no longer useful or needed. It can be surprising how much you accumulate over time, and by going through this process, you can instantly create more space.
To make the process easier, take it one room at a time. Don’t rush it—dedicate a specific time each day to focus on a different space. Once you get rid of things you don’t need, it becomes much easier to keep everything in order. This step is the foundation for creating an open and organized living area.
Consider Using Self–Storage for Seasonal or Extra Items
Sometimes, even after decluttering, you may have too many items to keep in your home. This is where self-storage can come in handy, which you can rent to keep seasonal items, such as holiday decorations or winter clothing, out of the way when they’re not in use. This will help free up valuable space in your home, making it feel more open. If you’re looking for such storage Lakewood has plenty of options. One of the most reliable options in your city is National Storage, where you can keep your stuff without worrying about safety.
Self-storage is also a great option for items you don’t use dailybut aren’t quite ready to part with. It allows you to keep your home free of unnecessary belongings while still holding onto things that have sentimental value or may be needed later. Moving these items out of your living space can create a more comfortable and tidier environment.
Use the One-Year Rule for Sorting Belongings
Sorting belongings can be difficult, especially when certain items hold sentimental value. The one-year rule is a simple guideline to help you decide whether or not to keep something. If you haven’t used an item in the past year, it’s likely that you don’t need it. Of course, this doesn’t apply to sentimental keepsakes, but for clothes, kitchen gadgets, and other household items, the rule can be a useful way to decide what stays and what goes.
To simplify this process, ask yourself if the item has served a practical purpose in the past twelve months. If the answer is no, it might be time to donate it to someone who will use it more. Not only does this reduce clutter, but it also makes it easier to keep your home clean and organized.
Make Use of Vertical Space
A great way to save space is by using the vertical areas in your home. Walls are often underused, yet they can be a valuable area for adding more room. Installing shelves can help store books, decorative items, or anything else you want to keep handy but out of the way. Hanging organizers are also a good option, especially for closets or bathrooms.
Using vertical space helps free up floor areas, making your rooms appear larger. It’s also a great way to keep essential items accessible without having them spread across surfaces, which can make a room feel crowded. By thinking vertically, you can easily add more storage space without adding more furniture.
Create Dedicated Zones for Items
A big part of keeping a home spacious is knowing where everything belongs. When you create dedicated areas for your belongings, it becomes easier to keep everything in order. For instance, assign specific spots for items like mail, keys, and shoes. When everything has a designated place, it’s less likely that things will end up scattered around the house.
Creating zones also helps everyone in the household know where things go. This can be especially useful if you have children, as it also makes tidying up easier for them. Setting clear areas for different categories of items helps ensure that everything returns to where it belongs after use, helping to maintain a neat and open environment.
Rotate Seasonal Items
Seasonal items can take up a lot of space, and if you keep them in your everyday closets, it can quickly become overwhelming. An effective way to handle these items is to rotate them throughout the year. For instance, store winter clothing and holiday decorations away when they’re not in use and bring them out only when the time is right.
Consider keeping these seasonal items in clearly labeled bins that you can store in your attic, basement, or a self-storage unit. This will free up your everyday living space, making keeping everything else in order easier. Keeping only what you need within reach creates a more open and organized environment throughout the year.
Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture
Multi-functional furniture is a great way to keep your home spacious without sacrificing practicality. Look for pieces that do double duty, such as beds with drawers underneath, ottomans that open up to store blankets or benches with compartments. These types of furniture serve their main purpose and help keep extra items out of sight.
By incorporating multi-functional pieces, you can make the most of your space. This approach works particularly well in smaller homes or apartments where you need to be extra mindful of space usage. The best part is that it allows you to have style and functionality, keeping your home looking great while maintaining its spaciousness.
Maintaining a tidy and spacious home can seem daunting, but by using these simple tips, you can create a more comfortable and organized environment. Starting with thorough decluttering, investing in versatile storage solutions, and maintaining daily habits can make all the difference in how your home looks and feels. It’s about taking small, manageable steps to create a more open, stress-free living space. By being consistent and intentional, you can enjoy the benefits of a home that’s free from unnecessary mess and full of room to live comfortably.
