Simple Home Improvement Projects to Make Staying Organized Easier​

If you find it difficult to stay organized no matter how hard you try, the problem may be with your home, not you. Not all homes are built the same. Yours may be missing key features that could transform your space. Here are a few DIY projects you can knock out on the weekend to make it easier to stay organized in your home.

1. Add Shelving

Bare walls can be decorated with shelving, which can hold plenty of things you can’t put elsewhere. Shelves allow you to display your aesthetic preferences while showing off items that matter to you. You can add open shelving to a wall that needs extra love or elevation. You might find a way to organize certain things, like setting a plant on top of stacked books that wouldn’t fit on a bookshelf. 

2. Add Storage Under the Stairs

If you have wasted space under your stairs, consider converting it to storage or closet space. Knock out walls wisely and safely, and consult a professional if you want to DIY. You can store seasonal items or extra linens in this previously unused area. This project might be heftier than some others, but it can help you use space you didn’t know you had. 

3. Change the Floors

If you have carpet in your home, you must monitor the house’s humidity to prevent mold growth. Carpeting can be unpleasant for people with allergies, and when you combine that with the possibility of mold growth, it might be better to remove it entirely. Switching to hardwood or laminate floors can make upkeep easier, as you can typically see when they’re dirty.

Chemical products have expiration dates just like food, but it’s easy to forget about them. Bleach, degreasers, pesticides, drain cleaners and other items sit in storage for most of their life spans.

4. Convert to Sliding Doors 

You want to conserve as much space as possible in a smaller home. That way, you have more room for organizational features, like shelving. Sliding barn doors are a great option because they don’t swing outward and instead move along a track on the wall. Use them to disguise anything that might not fit the aesthetic of your home.  

5. Use Vertical Space

Do you find it hard to keep surfaces in your home free from clutter? We’ve all been guilty of piling mail on the kitchen table or leaving shoes in a heap on the floor. If you need a new storage solution, look to the vertical space in your home.

Put your empty walls to use by installing floating shelves, shallow bookcases or hanging baskets. Organize your shoes on a shelf and stash the mail in a file pocket on the wall. With vertical solutions, you’ll be able to keep walkways and tabletops clean. No more tripping in the hallway or shuffling papers from one table to the next.  

6. Switch Cabinets for Shelves

Sometimes, having something out of sight means it’s also out of mind. If you’re the type of person who will only use something if you see it, you should replace some of your cabinets with open shelving. It can reduce the clutter and force you into a more minimalist aesthetic. Otherwise, you can swap the doors for glass, allowing you to see inside your cabinets. 

7. Use Every part of Your Garage

Your garage may have plenty of space for storing and organizing things you use less often. Since about 65% of new construction features garages, you likely have some room to work with. Consider creating a crafting bench or adding nice seating and a small entertainment area. If your garage is insulated, you can use it as an additional space for your home. 

8. Rethink Your Kitchen Seating

The kitchen is one room in your home that needs to be fully organized. Everything should have its place, and that means sometimes adding more storage.

Instead of using chairs around a table, you can build a bench into an unused wall. Include drawers underneath where you can store seasonal linens or other things that won’t fit elsewhere in your kitchen. It will take up less room and be a more fun and inviting space.

9. Change Your Backsplash

A backsplash is a small thing that can make a huge difference in your home. Most are made of ceramic or porcelain tile, which can be easy to clean in case of spills. This will help you organize your cleaning checklist more easily and not spend too long on one area. Consider changing out your tough-to-clean backsplash with something that wipes away dirt easily.

10. Utilize Loft Space

If you have high ceilings, building a loft space might work well to add more square footage for storage. Alternatively, if you have children, they can play and store toys there so their room isn’t as cluttered. Figure out what you want most from a loft and get to work. Consider hiring a contractor for this project if you lack confidence in your skills. Once complete, you can furnish or store boxes and totes there. 

Prioritize Organization Above All 

Nice things are worth nothing if you can’t find them. You must have a proper organizational system to help you find things you need, whether they’re items you use every day or seasonal stuff you pull out once a year. The right organizational system will make your home perform like a dream, and you’ll always be able to find what you need.