Keep a Place for Everything
Our ancestors often had only a few key belongings, but they made sure each one had a designated place. Today, this practice still makes life easier. Assign a home for everything you own, from scissors to seasonal shoes. It’s a simple but powerful way to stay organized—and it reduces that endless search for “where did I put that?”
Embrace the Power of a Junk Drawer
Yes, even the tidy folks from generations past had one drawer for bits and bobs. They just limited it to one! Dedicate a drawer to odds and ends, keeping it under control with a small tray or dividers. This way, you can avoid letting “junk” spread to other parts of your home.
Utilize Baskets Everywhere
Baskets have been organizing heroes for centuries. They’re versatile, durable, and make tidying up a breeze. Use them for blankets, magazines, or even pantry items. Wicker, wire, or cloth—there’s a style for every room, and they’re ideal for corraling clutter while keeping things accessible.
Rotate Seasonal Items
Our great-grandparents didn’t have endless storage space, so they rotated clothing and items based on the season. Take a cue from them and put away out-of-season gear. Use under-bed storage, vacuum-sealed bags, or top-shelf boxes to keep things neat and create room for what you need now.
Label Like a Pro
Labels aren’t just modern-day tricks; they’ve been a part of home organization for ages. Labeling jars, bins, and shelves makes finding things a breeze and keeps everyone on the same page. Consider chalk labels or erasable markers for easy re-labeling as your needs change.
Keep Only What’s Useful or Beautiful
A simple but effective motto from the past: If it isn’t useful or beautiful, do you really need it? By keeping only items that serve a purpose or bring you joy, you’ll have fewer things to organize, which means less clutter to worry about. Minimalism may seem new, but it’s got some timeless roots.
Invest in Multi-Purpose Furniture
Many pieces of furniture back in the day served more than one purpose, like a chest that doubled as a seat or a bed with drawers underneath. This trend is making a comeback, with modern versions that help save space. Look for tables with storage, ottomans with compartments, or beds with drawers to make your space work smarter.
Hang it Up
Hanging things, from pots in the kitchen to coats by the door, was a common way to save space. Use hooks and wall-mounted racks to store items vertically, whether it’s in your entryway, kitchen, or closet. This not only keeps things tidy but also frees up counter and floor space.
Use Clear Containers in the Pantry
Mason jars and clear glass containers have been around for generations, and they’re still great for organization today. Use them to store pantry staples like grains, flour, and snacks. The best part? You can see exactly what’s inside, so you know when you’re running low.
Dedicate a Cleaning Day
Historically, people dedicated specific days for tasks, and “cleaning day” was a weekly ritual in many homes. Picking one day a week to tidy, dust, and organize not only keeps things clean but prevents mess from piling up. Set aside time each week for a little maintenance, and you’ll save yourself a deep-clean marathon later.
Repurpose Before Buying New
Reusing or repurposing items is an age-old trick that’s both cost-effective and eco-friendly. Before buying new storage containers, look at what you already have. Glass jars, wooden crates, or old suitcases can make unique, stylish storage options. Get creative and see what you can transform.
Air Out Your Space Regularly
Airing out homes has been practiced for generations to keep spaces fresh and inviting. Open windows, clear out cluttered corners, and even rotate your furniture layout once in a while. This not only helps keep the air fresh but also gives you a new perspective on your space, making it feel refreshed without the need to add more things.