10 Simple Habits to Keep Your Home Organized Year-Round

Keeping your home organized year-round might seem like an impossible dream, but with a few simple habits, it’s totally doable! A tidy home not only looks great, but it also reduces stress, saves time, and creates a more peaceful environment. When everything has a place and clutter is kept at bay, daily life becomes more efficient and enjoyable.

Organization isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating systems that work for your lifestyle. Small, consistent habits can make a big difference, and they don’t have to be time-consuming or overwhelming. By implementing just a few of these strategies, you’ll find that maintaining a clean and functional space is easier than you ever imagined.

Let’s dive into ten easy-to-follow routines that will help you maintain an organized home all year long.

1. Declutter Regularly

Clutter is the enemy of organization, so make it a habit to clear out unnecessary items consistently.

• Frequency: Set a reminder to declutter one area of your home every month.
• Quick Tip: Use the “one in, one out” rule—if you bring something new in, remove something old.
• Expand Your Efforts: Keep a donation box in a closet and add items to it regularly so you can donate once it’s full.
• Picture This: Imagine opening your closet to see neatly hung clothes, perfectly folded sweaters, and labeled storage bins. Every item has a purpose, and there’s no unnecessary clutter to distract you.

2. Create a Daily Reset Routine

Spending just a few minutes each day resetting your space can keep messes from piling up.

• Time Commitment: 10–15 minutes before bed.
• Quick Tip: Set a timer and make it a fun challenge to tidy up as much as possible before it goes off.
• Expand Your Efforts: Focus on high-traffic areas like the kitchen, entryway, and living room to maintain a clutter-free feel.
• Picture This: Waking up to a sparkling kitchen with clean countertops, a sofa free of blankets and clutter, and a welcoming entryway, ready for a fresh and productive day.

3. Use Smart Storage Solutions

A place for everything and everything in its place—this is the golden rule of organization.

• Cost: Budget-friendly bins and baskets ($5–$20 each).
• Pinterest Tip: Label containers for easy access and a chic, uniform look.
• Expand Your Efforts: Opt for multi-functional furniture like ottomans with hidden storage or under-bed drawers to maximize space.
• Picture This: Imagine opening your pantry to find clear, labeled bins holding snacks, spices arranged neatly, and baskets organizing dry goods—everything at your fingertips and visually pleasing.

4. Adopt the 5-Minute Rule

If a task takes less than five minutes, do it immediately.

• Applies To: Dishes, mail sorting, hanging up clothes, and wiping surfaces.
• Quick Tip: Keep a small cleaning caddy handy for quick touch-ups.
• Expand Your Efforts: Encourage family members to follow this rule so tasks don’t accumulate.
• Picture This: Instead of a pile of dishes in the sink, imagine an always-clear kitchen counter, a mail-free entryway, and a tidy bedroom where clothes are neatly put away instantly.

5. Plan a Weekly Cleaning Schedule

Breaking up cleaning tasks throughout the week makes upkeep effortless.

• Schedule Example:
  • Monday: Laundry
  • Tuesday: Dusting
  • Wednesday: Floors
  • Thursday: Kitchen deep clean
  • Friday: Bathrooms
• Quick Tip: Assigning specific tasks to each day prevents cleaning from becoming overwhelming.
• Expand Your Efforts: Set reminders on your phone or use a planner to track your cleaning tasks.
• Picture This: A consistently clean home where each room gets the attention it needs, without spending your entire weekend catching up on chores.

6. Keep an Entryway Drop Zone

Create a designated spot for shoes, bags, and keys to prevent clutter from creeping in.

• Setup Needs: A small bench, hooks, and baskets.
• Quick Tip: Encourage family members to use this space as soon as they walk in.
• Expand Your Efforts: Add a charging station for electronics and a mail sorter to keep surfaces clear.
• Picture This: A stylish yet functional entryway with neatly hung coats, organized shoes in a basket, and a small tray for keys and mail—everything in its place.

7. Digitize Paper Clutter

Paper piles can quickly take over if left unchecked.

• What to Do: Scan important documents and store them digitally.
• Quick Tip: Set up a “To File” folder to prevent loose papers from taking over counters.
• Expand Your Efforts: Invest in a document scanner or use an app like Evernote to keep everything organized digitally.
• Picture This: A home office free of messy paper stacks, with neatly organized digital folders accessible with just a few clicks.

8. Make Bed-Making a Daily Habit

A neatly made bed instantly makes a room feel more put together.

• Time Commitment: Less than 2 minutes!
• Quick Tip: Keep bedding simple for easy tidying.
• Expand Your Efforts: Get family members involved by making their beds part of their morning routine.
• Picture This: Walking into your bedroom at night to find crisp sheets and a beautifully arranged bed, instantly making the room feel inviting and peaceful.

9. Rotate Seasonal Items

Store off-season clothing and decor to prevent overcrowding.

• Storage Ideas: Under-bed bins or vacuum-sealed bags.
• Quick Tip: Label everything so it’s easy to switch items out when the seasons change.
• Expand Your Efforts: Create a yearly schedule for swapping out seasonal decor and clothing.
• Picture This: A closet free of bulky winter coats in summer, neatly stored under the bed, while current-season items are displayed beautifully and easy to access.

10. Involve the Whole Family

Organization works best when everyone pitches in.

• Strategy: Assign age-appropriate tasks to each family member.
• Quick Tip: Make tidying up fun with music or a reward system.
• Expand Your Efforts: Hold a 10-minute family cleanup session every evening to keep the house in order.
• Picture This: A household where everyone plays a part—kids picking up toys, parents handling larger tasks, and a living space that stays effortlessly tidy and inviting.

Ready to Get Started?

We’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite organization hacks? Do you have any go-to habits that help keep your home tidy? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to create a more organized and stress-free living space!

By adopting these ten simple habits, you’ll create a home that stays organized effortlessly throughout the year. Which habit will you start with first? Pin this article for later, and let’s make tidy living a reality together!