Home Organisation Hacks That Work

A well-organised home is easier to clean, more relaxing to live in, and saves you time every day. But getting organised doesn't mean buying expensive storage systems or spending a weekend overhauling every room. Here are practical, proven organisation hacks that you can start using today.

Start with the "Four Box" Method

Before organising anything, you need to declutter. The four-box method is the simplest way to do this. Get four boxes or bags and label them: Keep, Donate, Bin, and Relocate. Go through each area of your home and sort every item into one of these four categories. Be honest with yourself - if you haven't used something in over a year, it's time to let it go.

The "One In, One Out" Rule

This is the golden rule for staying organised long-term. Every time you bring something new into your home, something similar must leave. Buy a new jumper? Donate an old one. New kitchen gadget? Pass on the one it replaces. This simple discipline prevents clutter from creeping back in after you've worked hard to clear it.

Zone Your Rooms

Every room should have clear zones with specific purposes. In the kitchen, designate areas for cooking prep, baking supplies, everyday dishes, and cleaning products. In a child's bedroom, create zones for sleeping, homework, play, and clothing. When everything has a designated home, tidying up becomes automatic rather than a decision-making exercise.

Use Vertical Space

Most homes have unused vertical space that's perfect for storage. Install floating shelves above desks, use the back of doors for hanging organisers, and add hooks inside cupboard doors for small items. In the kitchen, magnetic knife strips and wall-mounted spice racks free up valuable counter and drawer space.

The Hallway Is Your First Defence

A well-organised entrance prevents mess from spreading through your home. Set up a system with hooks for coats and bags, a shoe rack or tray, a small table or shelf for keys and post, and a basket for items that need to go upstairs or to other rooms. Deal with the post daily - open, action, file, or recycle.

Kitchen Drawer Dividers Are Essential

Junk drawers happen because drawers don't have structure. Invest in adjustable drawer dividers for cutlery, utensils, and that catch-all kitchen drawer. Use small containers or jars to corral batteries, pens, tape, and other small items. A tidy drawer takes seconds to find things in; a messy one wastes minutes every time.

Bathroom Storage Solutions

Bathrooms are typically small spaces with lots of products. Use a shower caddy to keep bottles off the floor, add a tiered shelf inside the vanity cabinet, and use clear containers to group similar products together. Keep only what you use daily on display; store back-ups and occasional items in a separate cupboard.

Label Everything

Labels are the secret weapon of organised homes. Label storage boxes, pantry containers, filing folders, and children's toy bins. When everyone in the household knows where things belong, they're far more likely to put things back. A simple label maker or even masking tape and a marker will do the job.

The "10-Minute Tidy" Before Bed

Spend 10 minutes each evening doing a quick reset of your main living areas. Return items to their homes, fluff cushions, clear surfaces, and set out anything you need for the morning. Waking up to a tidy home sets a positive tone and means you're not starting the day with yesterday's mess.

Seasonal Rotation

Not everything needs to be accessible all year round. Store out-of-season clothing, decorations, and equipment in clearly labelled boxes in the loft, garage, or under the bed. Rotating seasonal items frees up space in your everyday storage for the things you actually use right now.