How to Start Organizing a Messy House (Detailed Guide)

Photo of a messy living room full of kids toys and a baby boy playing with the toys. How to Start Organizing a Messy House.

Are you tired of living in a cluttered and disorganized home? Do you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start? Organizing a messy house can be a daunting task, but with the right plan, it can be accomplished. Below we’ll provide you with tips and tricks to help you start organizing your messy house.

The first step in organizing a messy house is to create a plan. You need to assess your home and figure out which areas need the most attention. Start small and focus on one room at a time. It’s important to set realistic goals and not try to tackle everything at once. By breaking the task into smaller parts, you’ll feel less overwhelmed and more motivated to continue.

Key Takeaways

  • Importance of Home Organization: Home organization offers numerous benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, increasing productivity, and improving mental and physical health.
  • Creating a Realistic Plan: Organizing a messy house requires a well-thought-out plan with realistic goals. Start small, pace yourself, and divide your home into manageable sections for better results.
  • Decluttering as the First Step: Before organizing, declutter your space by categorizing items into keep, donate, and toss. Be honest about what you use to create a more functional environment.
  • Organizing Room by Room: Tackle clutter one room at a time, starting with high-traffic areas like the kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, and home office. Declutter and organize items by category.
  • Utilizing Storage Solutions: Efficient use of storage containers, shelves, shoe racks, baskets, and hooks can help maximize space and keep your home organized.
  • Maintaining Your Organized Home: Establish a maintenance routine to keep your home organized. Develop new habits like putting things back in their designated places and celebrate your accomplishments.
  • Making Organizing Fun and Manageable: Turn organizing into a game, focus on one task at a time, create a plan, add enjoyable elements like music, and overcome organizational challenges by breaking tasks into smaller steps and finding a method that suits you.

Understanding the Importance of Home Organization

Organizing a messy house can be a daunting task, but the benefits of home organization are numerous. Having a clutter-free and organized home can reduce stress and anxiety, increase productivity, and improve both mental and physical health.

When your home is disorganized, it can be difficult to find what you need and complete tasks efficiently. This can lead to frustration and stress, which can negatively impact your mental health. By organizing your home, you can create a space that is both functional and calming.

In addition to reducing stress, home organization can also increase productivity. When your home is organized, you can easily find what you need and complete tasks quickly. This can help you save time and be more efficient, which can lead to increased productivity in other areas of your life.

Furthermore, home organization can also have a positive impact on your physical health. A cluttered home can be a breeding ground for dust, allergens, and other irritants that can negatively impact your health. By organizing your home, you can create a space that is clean and healthy.

To get started with home organization, it’s important to create a plan that works for you. This may involve decluttering, creating storage solutions, and developing a cleaning routine. By taking small steps towards home organization, you can create a space that is both functional and enjoyable to live in.

Creating a Realistic Plan

Starting to organize a messy house can seem like a daunting task, but with a realistic plan, you can break it down into manageable steps. Here are some tips to help you create a plan that works for you:

Set Realistic Goals

Before you start, think about what you want to achieve and set realistic goals. It’s important to be specific about what you want to accomplish and to break it down into smaller, achievable steps. For example, instead of saying “I want to organize my whole house,” you could set a goal to organize one specific area, such as your closet.

Pace Yourself

Organizing a messy house is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. It’s important to pace yourself and not try to do everything at once. Set a pace that works for you and stick to it. For example, you could set aside a few hours every weekend to work on organizing your home.

Divide and Conquer

Breaking your home into sections can help you stay organized and focused. Divide your home into specific areas, such as the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms, and focus on one area at a time. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and make it easier to stay on track.

Be Specific

When creating your plan, be specific about what you want to accomplish in each area. For example, instead of saying “I want to organize my kitchen,” you could set a goal to organize your pantry or clean out your refrigerator. Being specific will help you stay focused and make it easier to track your progress.

Measure Your Progress

Tracking your progress can help you stay motivated and on track. Set milestones for each area you want to organize and measure your progress against them. For example, if your goal is to organize your closet, you could set a milestone to donate or sell a certain number of items by a specific date.

Decluttering: The First Step to Organizing

If you’re looking to organize a messy house, the first step is always decluttering. Decluttering involves eliminating unnecessary items from your living space to establish a more organized and efficient environment. It’s important to start with decluttering because it allows you to get rid of items that are taking up valuable space and preventing you from being able to organize effectively.

To begin the decluttering process, start by gathering trash bags and sorting items into three categories: keep, donate, and toss. This will help you to quickly identify which items are worth keeping and which ones are just cluttering up your space. Be sure to have a designated place for each category of items to make the process more efficient.

When sorting through your belongings, it’s important to be honest with yourself about what you actually use and need. If you haven’t used an item in over a year, it’s likely that you don’t need it and can donate or toss it. Remember, the goal is to create a more functional space, not to hold onto items that are just taking up valuable real estate in your home.

As you sort through your belongings, keep in mind that decluttering is a process that takes time. It’s not something that can be done in a day, but rather something that should be done gradually over time. Start with one room or area of your home and work your way through each space until everything has been decluttered.

Organizing Room by Room

When it comes to organizing a messy house, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. A great way to tackle the clutter is to take it one room at a time. By breaking down the task into smaller, more manageable pieces, you’ll be able to see progress more quickly and feel motivated to keep going. Here are some tips for organizing the most common rooms in your home.

Organizing the Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it can also be a source of clutter and disorganization. Start by decluttering your kitchen cabinets and drawers. Donate or toss any items that you haven’t used in the past year. Then, organize your remaining items by category (e.g. baking supplies, cooking utensils, etc.) and store them in clear, labeled containers.

Next, tackle your kitchen countertops. Keep only the items that you use daily on the counters, such as your coffee maker or toaster. Store the rest in cabinets or drawers. Finally, make sure to regularly clean and declutter your refrigerator and pantry to keep them organized.

Organizing the Living Room

The living room is often a gathering place for family and friends, but it can also be a place where clutter accumulates. Start by decluttering any flat surfaces, such as your coffee table or end tables. Only keep items that are necessary or meaningful to you.

Next, organize your common areas, such as bookshelves or entertainment centers. Store items by category and use baskets or bins to corral smaller items. Finally, make sure to regularly dust and vacuum your living room to keep it looking tidy.

Organizing the Bedroom

The bedroom should be a place of relaxation and rest, but it can be difficult to unwind in a cluttered space. Start by decluttering your closet. Donate or toss any items that you haven’t worn in the past year. Then, organize your remaining items by category (e.g. pants, shirts, etc.) and store them in labeled containers or on hangers.

Next, declutter any flat surfaces in your bedroom, such as your nightstand or dresser. Only keep items that are necessary or meaningful to you. Finally, make sure to regularly wash your bedding and vacuum your floors to keep your bedroom feeling fresh.

Organizing the Bathroom

The bathroom is often a small space that can quickly become cluttered. Start by decluttering your bathroom cabinets and drawers. Toss any expired or unused items. Then, organize your remaining items by category (e.g. hair care, skin care, etc.) and store them in labeled containers.

Next, declutter any flat surfaces in your bathroom, such as your countertop or medicine cabinet. Only keep items that you use daily. Finally, make sure to regularly clean your bathroom to keep it feeling fresh.

Organizing the Home Office

The home office can be a source of stress and clutter, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by decluttering your desk. Toss any items that you no longer need or use. Then, organize your remaining items by category (e.g. office supplies, files, etc.) and store them in labeled containers or drawers.

Next, declutter any flat surfaces in your home office, such as your bookshelf or filing cabinet. Only keep items that are necessary or meaningful to you. Finally, make sure to regularly clean and dust your home office to keep it feeling fresh and inviting.

Utilizing Storage Solutions

When it comes to organizing a messy house, utilizing storage solutions is key. Not only will it help you declutter your space, but it will also make it easier to find what you need when you need it. Here are some tips on how to effectively use storage solutions in your home.

Use Storage Containers and Bins

Storage containers and bins are a great way to organize your belongings. They come in various sizes and shapes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your items. Use clear containers to make it easy to see what’s inside, and label them to avoid confusion. Stackable bins are also a great option to save space.

Install Shelves

Shelves are a great way to utilize vertical space in your home. Install them in your closet, pantry, or even in your living room to display your favorite items. Floating shelves are a great option if you don’t want to take up floor space, and they add a modern touch to any room.

Use Storage Solutions for Shoes

Shoes can take up a lot of space and create clutter in your home. Utilize a shoe rack to keep them organized and off the floor. Over-the-door shoe organizers are also a great option if you’re short on space.

Utilize Baskets and Hooks

Baskets and hooks are a great way to organize items that don’t have a designated spot. Use baskets to store blankets, pillows, or even toys. Hooks are great for hanging jackets, hats, and bags.

Store Items in a Storage Bin

If you have items that you don’t use frequently, consider storing them in a storage bin. This will keep them out of sight and free up space in your home. Make sure to label the bin so you know what’s inside.

Maintaining Your Organized Home

Congratulations! You have successfully organized your messy house. Now, the next challenge is to maintain it. Here are some tips to help you keep your home organized:

Establish a Maintenance Routine

Creating a maintenance routine is essential to keep your home organized. It’s important to set a schedule for cleaning and decluttering your home. You can create a weekly or monthly schedule that includes tasks such as vacuuming, dusting, and organizing. By setting a regular schedule, you can stop clutter buildup and maintain a clean, organized home.

Develop New Habits

Developing new habits can help you maintain your organized home. For instance, you can make it a habit to put things back in their designated places after use. You can also create a habit of decluttering regularly to prevent clutter from building up. Developing new habits can take time, but it’s worth the effort in the long run.

Celebrate Your Sense of Accomplishment

Maintaining an organized home can be challenging, but it’s important to celebrate your sense of accomplishment. Take a moment to appreciate the hard work you’ve put in to create an organized home. You can reward yourself by doing something you enjoy, such as reading a book or watching a movie. Celebrating your sense of accomplishment can motivate you to maintain your organized home.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you maintain your organized home:

  • Use storage containers to keep things organized
  • Label containers to make it easy to find things
  • Donate or sell items you no longer need
  • Take 15 minutes each day to declutter
  • Involve your family in the maintenance routine

Making Organizing Fun and Manageable

Organizing your messy house can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be boring or overwhelming. In fact, making organizing fun and manageable can help you stay motivated and focused on the task at hand.

One way to make organizing fun is to turn it into a game. Set a timer for 15-30 minutes and see how much you can declutter and organize in that time. Challenge yourself to beat your previous record each time you play. You can also involve your family or friends and turn it into a friendly competition.

Another way to make organizing more manageable is to focus on one thing at a time. Instead of trying to tackle your entire house in one day, start with one room or even just one drawer. This will help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and allow you to see progress more quickly.

The best way to organize is to create a plan and stick to it. Make a list of what you want to accomplish and break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you don’t forget anything important.

To make organizing more enjoyable, try adding some fun elements to the process. Play your favorite music or podcast while you work, or treat yourself to a special snack or beverage when you reach a certain milestone.

Overcoming Organizational Challenges

Organizing a messy house can be overwhelming and stressful. It is not an easy task, and it requires time, effort, and patience. However, there are ways to overcome the challenges of organizing a messy house.

One of the biggest challenges is the stress and anxiety that comes with the task. It can be overwhelming to look at a messy room and not know where to start. The key is to break down the task into smaller, more manageable steps. Start with one area of the room, like a corner or a shelf, and work your way around the room.

Another challenge is finding a method that works for you. There are many different organizing methods, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is important to find a method that fits your lifestyle and personality. Some popular methods include the KonMari method, the 5S method, and the FlyLady method.

Organizing systems can also be helpful in overcoming organizational challenges. Systems like storage containers, shelving units, and drawer dividers can help keep things organized and easy to find. It is important to choose systems that fit your space and your needs.

Pro Tip:

When organizing, it is important to remember that everything needs a home. Assign a specific place for each item, and make sure it is returned to that place after use. This will help keep things organized and make it easier to find what you need when you need it.

FAQ: How to Start Organizing a Messy House

What are some tips for decluttering a messy house?

Decluttering a messy house can be a daunting task, but there are some tips to make it easier. Start by sorting items into three categories: keep, donate/sell, and throw away. Be honest with yourself about what you really need and use. Consider using the KonMari method, which involves keeping only items that “spark joy.” Another tip is to tackle one room at a time, and break it down into smaller tasks.

How can I organize a small space with lots of stuff?

Organizing a small space with lots of stuff requires creativity and efficiency. Consider using vertical space, such as installing shelves or using over-the-door organizers. Use multi-functional furniture, such as a storage ottoman or a bed with built-in drawers. Use clear storage containers to easily see what is inside, and label them for easy access.

What is the best way to start organizing a cluttered room?

The best way to start organizing a cluttered room is to declutter first. Sort items into categories and get rid of anything that is no longer needed or used. Once the room is decluttered, create a plan for organizing the remaining items. Consider the layout of the room and how it can be optimized for storage and functionality. Start with the biggest items, such as furniture, and work your way down to smaller items.

How do I keep my house organized after decluttering?

Keeping your house organized after decluttering requires maintenance and consistency. Create a daily routine for tidying up, such as putting things away after use and doing a quick clean-up before bed. Use storage solutions that work for you and your lifestyle. Regularly assess your belongings and get rid of anything that is no longer needed or used.

What are some home organizers that can help with decluttering?

There are many home organizers that can help with decluttering. Consider using drawer dividers, closet organizers, and under-bed storage containers. Use baskets and bins to corral smaller items, such as toys or office supplies. Use a hanging shoe organizer for more than just shoes, such as storing cleaning supplies or craft materials.

How do I overcome feeling overwhelmed by a messy house?

Feeling overwhelmed by a messy house is common, but there are ways to overcome it. Start by taking small steps, such as tackling one room or area at a time. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Enlist the help of friends or family members. Consider hiring a professional organizer. Remember that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

Rosa Peterson

Rose is the writer and creator of Better That Home, a blog about home design and decor. Rose has been designing spaces for over 10 years and writing home design and decor for big publishers. She has been inspired by many other creatives from around the world and loves to share those inspirations with her readers. Read more about Rose here