5 (Proven) Life-Changing Home Organization Secrets

When it comes to home decor, I’ve always been a bit clueless, but at the same time, I’m obsessed with organization. In this video, I’m going to share five secret principles that have allowed me to marry these two passions—organization and decor. One of the most impactful changes I’ve made involves the system behind the doors of this bookshelf. Starting with Principle One: Urgency Zones, I’ve organized my entire space based on how urgently I need access to items, from Zone 1 to Zone 4.

Think about it—of all the things we own, some are used daily, while others might be used less than once a year. The key rule to maintaining order, though it sounds simple, is often difficult to implement: Everything must have a dedicated home. The trick is organizing these “homes” into urgency zones. Let’s take a look at my setup using an Ikea Billy bookcase. Zone 1 has no barriers to access because it contains things I use the most—wallet, keys, and everyday work essentials. Even my work bag hangs on a 3M hook right next to it for easy grabbing. Now, while it might seem like Zone 2 should hold things I use weekly, it’s more about urgency than frequency. For example, I rarely need to change batteries, but when I do, it feels urgent. That’s why they’re stored in an open-top bin that’s easy to access but tucked away in Zone 2.

Another fantastic hack I’ve adopted is a “don’t know, looks important” bin in Zone 2. This has been a lifesaver for those random screws or pieces you find lying around, which you may need months later. Moving on to Zone 3, this area is for things I use sporadically but that never feel urgent. For instance, I keep my flatlay props here, which I use for photo shoots, but they’re planned in advance, so there’s no urgency. Lastly, Zone 4 holds items I rarely need to access, like tax documents or sentimental items. These things don’t require easy access, so they stay at the top or bottom of my bookshelf.

Now on to Principle Two: Show and Hide. This principle combines both organization and decor. Visible clutter is the enemy of a tidy, peaceful space. The solution? Doors, drawers, cabinets, and even curtains to conceal as much clutter as possible. In my setup, I’ve turned an Ikea monitor stand into a shelf splitter, allowing me to store and display items in a neat and organized way. I’ve also tackled the problem of unsightly cables by creating a hidden charging shelf with a power bar, using velcro and grommets to keep everything anchored and out of sight.

Next up is Principle Three: The Rule of Threes. This is more about aesthetics than organization, but it’s worth mentioning. Clusters of three items are visually pleasing and help maintain a balanced, uncluttered look. On my shelves, I arrange decor and functional items in groups of three to achieve that balance. If you have a lot of items to keep out in the open, try “blocking” them together. For instance, all my remote controls are placed on a tray, which visually groups them as one item.

Principle Four: Do Sweat the Small Stuff focus on dealing with those small, random items that often lead to disorganization. For example, when I bought a new pocketknife, it came with spare parts. To avoid forgetting which parts go with which knife, I use small, labeled baggies to store everything neatly and place them in Zone 4. This keeps my space organized and ensures I don’t lose track of these small but important items.

Lastly, Principle Five: The Nightly Five is a game changer for maintaining order. Once everything has a designated home, it only takes five minutes at the end of each day to return everything to its place. For someone like me, whose home gets messy quickly while filming YouTube videos, this routine has been invaluable. Even on the busiest of days, it only takes five minutes to tidy up because every item has a dedicated spot.

In conclusion, while the specific tools and products I use may not work for everyone, the system of urgency zones, concealment, and thoughtful organization is universal. I’m also working on a detailed guide that will cover everything from clothes to kitchen items, so stay tuned for more! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by mental clutter, I’ve linked to a video that can help you regain control of your life. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more content like this!

Additionally, one of the most important takeaways from these five principles is that organization isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating a system that works for you. Whether you’re dealing with a small apartment or a large house, applying these principles allows you to make the most of your space while also keeping it visually appealing.

Take urgency zones, for example. They can be adapted for any size room, closet, or workspace. The key is to ensure that the items you need most frequently are easily accessible, while less urgent things are tucked away but still within reach. By structuring your home this way, you create a flow that not only looks good but also helps you stay productive and stress-free.

In terms of decor, the Show and Hide principle is a lifesaver for keeping your space looking sleek and clutter-free. Nobody likes looking at tangled wires or scattered gadgets, but with clever use of cabinets, shelves, and hidden compartments, you can easily manage the mess. Whether it’s installing grommets for cord management or utilizing adhesive velcro to keep things in place, these small tweaks make a world of difference. The aesthetic of your space improves dramatically, while still being functional and efficient.

The Rule of Threes is a subtle but powerful tool when it comes to maintaining visual harmony in your home. It’s not just about how many things are on display; it’s about how they are arranged. Clustering items into groups of three makes them easier to look at and less overwhelming. So, even in spaces that might otherwise feel chaotic, like a coffee table loaded with gadgets or a busy shelf, the rule of threes brings a sense of balance and order.

For the tiny, random objects that always seem to accumulate—those screws, paper clips, and spare parts—the Do Sweat the Small Stuff principle ensures that nothing is lost. Labeling baggies and bins is a simple yet highly effective method to store these items without causing clutter. This approach to organization is more proactive, helping you avoid frustration later when you inevitably need that one small item.

Finally, the Nightly Five is perhaps the easiest and most rewarding of all the principles. By dedicating just five minutes each night to put everything back in its place, you eliminate the need for massive cleanups and maintain a sense of order. It’s the consistency that makes this habit powerful; it prevents things from spiraling out of control, no matter how busy your day gets.

In essence, these five principles—urgency zones, show and hide, the rule of threes, sweating the small stuff, and the nightly five—are designed to streamline your living space without sacrificing aesthetics or convenience. They’re about making your home work for you, rather than the other way around. And while the system may seem specific, the beauty of it lies in its adaptability. You can take these ideas and make them your own, creating a personalized system that suits your lifestyle and the way you use your space.

If this approach to home organization resonates with you, I’ve got even more content and a detailed guide coming soon. It will cover everything from managing your wardrobe to decluttering your kitchen, complete with worksheets and tutorials. Stay tuned, and in the meantime, don’t forget to hit that like button, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more home organization tips and decor hacks!

5 Life-Changing Organization Hacks for a Tidy Workspace

Introduction:

A cluttered workspace can lead to distractions, stress, and decreased productivity. A well-organized desk, on the other hand, boosts focus, efficiency, and creativity. In this post, we’ll cover five life-changing organization hacks that will transform your workspace into a tidy, functional, and inspiring environment.

Hack #1: Declutter and Categorize

• Overview: Start by clearing out everything from your desk and storage spaces. Sort your items into categories like “must-have,” “nice-to-have,” and “donate/toss.”

• How to Implement: Keep only essential items on your desk—things you use daily or multiple times a week. Use drawers or shelves to store non-essentials, ensuring your workspace remains clear.

• Pro Tip: Apply the “one-touch” rule—handle an item once by immediately putting it in its proper place, rather than leaving it to deal with later.

Hack #2: Utilize Drawer Dividers and Organizers

• Overview: Drawers often become the go-to space for stashing everything, leading to chaos. Drawer dividers or small trays can help keep things in order.

• How to Implement: Measure your drawer space and invest in dividers or trays that fit. Use different sections for stationery, documents, electronics, and personal items.

• Pro Tip: Label each section for clarity, so items are easy to find and put back. Keep like items together (e.g., pens and pencils in one compartment, chargers in another).

Hack #3: Go Vertical with Wall Organizers

• Overview: When desk space is limited, wall-mounted organizers can save the day. They provide storage while keeping your workspace clutter-free.

• How to Implement: Install wall-mounted shelves, magnetic boards, or pegboards near your desk. Use them to store files, clipboards, supplies, or even inspirational photos and notes.

• Pro Tip: Consider adding hooks for headphones, cables, or small baskets for office essentials.

Hack #4: Implement a Cable Management System

• Overview: Tangled cords and cables not only look messy but can also be a safety hazard. A cable management system will help keep your cords neat and out of sight.

• How to Implement: Use cable clips, zip ties, or adhesive cable organizers to bundle and hide cords. Label each cord with tags or colored stickers for easy identification.

• Pro Tip: If you have many electronic devices, consider a docking station or charging hub to consolidate your power needs in one place.

Hack #5: Create a Daily Desk Reset Routine

• Overview: Maintaining a tidy workspace is easier if you adopt a simple routine at the end of each workday. It keeps clutter from building up and prepares you for the next day.

• How to Implement: Spend 5-10 minutes at the end of each day organizing your desk. File away papers, return items to their designated spots, and wipe down your desk surface.

• Pro Tip: Keep a small basket or tray on your desk for items that need to be dealt with later, ensuring they don’t clutter up your workspace immediately.

Conclusion:

A tidy workspace isn’t just about aesthetics—it can significantly impact your productivity and mindset. By decluttering, organizing efficiently, and maintaining a routine, you can transform your workspace into a clean, functional area that promotes focus and creativity. Try these life-changing hacks today and experience the difference for yourself!