5 Amazing Tips to Organize, Sort and Declutter Your Catch All Room for Maximum Space
Your catch all room is the space in your home where everything without a proper place ends up. This includes old toys, seasonal decorations, unfinished projects or items you’re “saving for later.” It’s convenient in the movement, but over time, it can turn into a chaotic mess that’s hard to navigate.
In a busy household, it often becomes a source of frustration when finding what you need is nearly impossible. Instead of serving a useful purpose, this space adds unnecessary stress to your day. Luckily, with a little strategy, you can transform and declutter your catch all room from a dumping ground into a functional, organized part of your home.
In this blog, I am sharing my top tips as a professional organizer to declutter your catch all room.
1. Start with a Clear Plan
Remember that you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed — around half of Americans admit to having at least one space in their home that feels unsalvageable because of clutter.
Then, decide how you want your catch-all room to function. For example, it can be a productive home office or a playful haven for your kids.
The key is to tackle the mess one step at a time. Break the project into smaller, manageable chunks that fit your schedule, like decluttering for 20 minutes daily. Before you begin, gather bins or bags labeled “Keep,” “Donate,” “Trash” and “Relocate.” These will help you sort items efficiently and stay focused on your goal. With some planning, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the space starts to transform.
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The Space Audit (our version of a consultation) is the very first step in our process. It’s our opportunity to connect to determine the support you need and if Tidied By K can offer you exactly what your space requires. During the space audit, we’ll do a personalized needs assessment, analyze your project, and discuss the investment required to accomplish your goals. At minimum, you will leave with a few ideas that can help you move the needle in your journey.
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2. Declutter Systematically
Work through your clutter one category at a time, such as books, toys, clothing or whatever tends to pile up in your catch all room. Ask yourself whether the item is useful, loved, or truly needed. This will make decisions more manageable and help you let go of things you no longer need.
To build momentum, start with the low-hanging fruit, like broken items or things you haven’t used in years. You can also try the 12-12-12 decluttering method if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Find 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate and 12 to relocate. It’s a quick, manageable way to make progress and see results without spending hours tidying up and declutter your catch all room.
3. Create Organizational Zones
Invest in clear bins, shelves or drawer organizers to keep your newly organized space neat and functional. Clear storage makes it easy to see what’s inside without rummaging through everything, saving you time and effort. Make sure your system is family-friendly and easy to maintain — labels are your best friend here.
Use simple, clear tags so everyone knows where things belong. For items you rarely use — such as seasonal decorations or memorabilia — store them in labeled containers and tuck them away on higher shelves or in the closet. This way, your space stays tidy and functional, and your items are ready to use whenever needed.
4. Repurpose and Transform the Space
Busy families can turn a catch-all room into a practical area like a home office or a sunroom. Sunrooms can also double as cozy guest rooms, giving friends and family an inviting alternative to a hotel stay. Guests will love waking to natural light and falling asleep under the stars.
To make the most of the space, choose furniture that doubles as storage, like a daybed with pull-out drawers or a storage bench. This ensures the room stays organized and functional while maintaining a welcoming vibe for your visitors.
5. Involve the Whole Family
Get your whole family involved by giving everyone tasks that match their age and abilities. Younger kids can sort toys into “keep” or “donate” piles, while older kids can tackle folding clothes or organizing books. This makes the job easier and teaches your kids valuable skills, like staying organized and appreciating their belongings.
Guide them through decisions by asking simple questions like “Do you still play with this?” or “Would another child enjoy this more?” When the space is finally cleared and organized, celebrate together — whether it’s a family movie night, a fun treat or taking a moment to admire your hard work as a team.
Transform Your Catch-All Room Into a Space Your Family Will Love
Don’t let your catch all room go to waste when it could be a functional, purposeful area that serves your family’s unique needs. Whether a library or home office, reclaiming the room can bring order and joy back into your home.
In this blog, I shared expert professional organizer tips on how to declutter your catch all room. Take these tips and implement them to transform your space to the functional room you've been wanting.
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