Start 2024 with a clutter-free home that promotes peace of mind.

We love the start of a new year! It's the perfect chance to hit the reset button and start fresh. And let us tell you, there's nothing quite like having a newly organized and decluttered space to help you feel energized and ready to tackle anything that comes your way.

Whether you are an organization enthusiast or just looking for some clever storage ideas to start the year off right, we have a few simple tips that can help you. As a parent of a growing family, I like to prepare our home for the needs of the new year. We have a newborn and a 7-year-old, and part of my routine every season is to take inventory of what we have, and what we need, and reassess our setup. And when I say, "our routine," I mean mine! ;)

(1) the first impression

First impressions are important, so keeping your home's entryway and hallway free from mess makes sense. Your entryway should be a welcoming, simple, and organized space. Consider your needs when entering your home. You usually are walking in with bags, shopping bags, kids, etc.…. So having a few simple organizational tips for those items to be placed in an easy to keep up way when you come in is key. Try and avoid things not landing on a couch or the floor out of laziness. A little planning goes a long way and keeping this first impression zone clear is a major win.

Choose an elegant furniture piece to house shoes. We are huge fans of shoes coming off when you enter the home. No one needs to bring the city home with them. Here are a few ideas of simple but practical pieces you can invest in to improve this space.

1. A bench that serves both as a storage space and a convenient spot for tying shoes before stepping out.

2. A console with built-in cubbies specifically designed to store shoes, hold keys, or blankets.

3. You can choose to have either stylish coat stands or interesting hooks to hang your jackets or scarves. As a design tip, using creative coat hooks can bring a touch of personality to the space and prevent these intricate details from feeling mundane.

A CLUTTER-FREE FIRST IMPRESSION MAKES A BIG STATEMENT

Try to avoid cluttering the entry space. Instead, keep it clean, organized, and simple. This approach is generally the best way to go.

The entryway can quickly become cluttered, but it's easy to transform it into a welcoming space with minimal effort - it just takes a little organizing know-how.

Consider selecting a distinctive piece of furniture that can help to differentiate your space from the rest of the house. If you have enough room, you might want to opt for a hall stand with a storage bench. On the other hand, if your space is limited, you could try a smaller coat rack. Both options provide plenty of space for hanging coats, scarves, shopping bags, and umbrellas.

Hall tree with storage for coats, hats, and a bench to hide things.
you can find this at CB2.
Mahogany Modern Black Hall Tree + Reviews | CB2

For an even smaller space, why not install a couple of coat hooks or a small floating shelf that is perfect for housing your keys? Alternatively, consider slimline hallway consoles, and do not forget to add some stylish containers that will help keep all the small items organized.

(2) The LIVING ROOM: Create A Home for Everything

The living room is a focal point for socializing, and despite best-laid plans, can often attract clutter from all members of the family, particularly if you have kids.

The first steps in decluttering and organizing your living room are to assess the space and figure out what you need and how often you use the things that are there. Every item should have a home to go to at night's end. Review your books, board games, kids’ toys hanging out on the floor, coasters, and candles. Get rid of items you no longer use, have outgrown, or are sick of, and either toss, sell, or donate. We like to assign a category for each furniture piece we have in the living room. For example, a decorative dresser in our living room is an activity cabinet for our little girl. On the outside, it looks chic and clean, and she has activities organized on the inside of the cabinet due to unavailable space in her room.

Custom Living Room with Custom Shelving and Entertainment Area, Baron Residence ‘2022

TIP: Make your life easier by choosing a basket with a lid! No more folding blankets every night. With a lid, your blankets will stay organized and tidy effortlessly.

(3) THE KITCHEN

This area demands an entire book to explain, right down to the organization of drawers! But let's leave that for another blog post.

Maintaining an organized kitchen can be quite challenging. To get started, you need to take inventory and be ruthless. If you have a can of soup that's been sitting in your pantry for over a year and haven't opened it yet, it's time to toss it out. Let's get rid of anything that's been taking up unnecessary space and start fresh.

If you have items in your freezer that you don't plan on using, it's a good idea to toss them. Also, consider getting rid of any mismatched Tupperware or containers that you cannot find the lid for. It will help you start fresh and make room for items that you will use.

When refreshing your kitchen, it's important to start with a thorough cleaning. You may consider hiring a team to help with a deep clean.

Custom Kitchen Design LaFayette Home, 2023

To start organizing your pantry, begin by removing all items and throwing away anything that is expired or no longer needed. Then, wipe down the shelves thoroughly. Next, reorganize your pantry from top to bottom, making sure to store any perishable goods in airtight containers to avoid pantry moths. Whenever possible, opt for clear, stackable containers to give your space a more streamlined look. Additionally, it's important to keep your countertops clutter-free. Make sure everything has a designated home to maintain a tidy and organized appearance.

If you're having trouble maintaining an organized kitchen, labeling could be the solution you've been looking for! After you've established a system, adding labels will make it much easier to find, use, and maintain everything. Believe us, labeling can completely change the game!

(4) THE BATHROOM

Bathrooms often have limited space, so it's important to be creative when it comes to keeping them clutter-free. Start by throwing away any expired cosmetics or duplicates. If you come across almost empty bottles that you think still have some product left, either throw them away or transfer the remaining product to a smaller container.

Next, try using storage solutions like an over-the-toilet rack or a set of bathroom shelves. These can be used to store towels, toilet rolls, and other items. You can place the shelves inside the shower or next to your mirror, allowing you to make the most of your bathroom space.

transform your living space by organizing each area with purpose and intention.

COURTYARD HOUSE BATHROOM DESIGN

Experience the impact it can have on the overall design and the way you live your daily life.

Use small containers for behind-the-mirror storage and invest in larger containers or baskets for under-the-sink storage.

(5) THE BEDROOM

Bedrooms are not immune to clutter, and it can accumulate quickly. However, a quick declutter can instantly freshen up the space. The most common culprit of clutter in the bedroom is clothes - both dirty and clean. For dirty clothes, do a quick sweep through the room and put them in your laundry hamper. For clean clothes, you should turn your attention to your wardrobe. To organize your wardrobe without a complete bedroom makeover, consider investing in stylish woven baskets. Ensure that the clothes required to be in the wardrobe are neatly hung and folded to create a semblance of order.

Custom Bedroom Design, Shiloh House 2023

Baskets are a great storage solution for clothes, shoes, handbags, and toiletries in the bedroom. You can store them away in a wardrobe or place them at the foot of your bed. You may want to invest in larger storage containers for your bedside table or chest of drawers to keep your little knick-knacks organized. If your clothes are causing clutter in your bedroom, consider improving the layout and organization of your wardrobe.