Having a place for everything is the only way to ensure a tidy home.
Earlier this week I asked all of you to comment items you would like me to help you find homes for. I took the first 15 comments from Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Before we get into your comments, let’s talk about finding a home for your items.
If you want to find a home for everything, you will more than likely need to create it. How do you create it? By getting rid of stuff. I use this example a lot (now remember, it’s just an example), let’s say you have an air fryer that you’re trying to find a home for. You have a space that houses a punch bowl and a space that houses a blender. Ask yourself how often you use both items. You use the punch bowl a couple times a year and the blender at least twice a month. So, it’s safe to say, you can live without the punch bowl. Donating that item has shored up space for your air fryer. Like I said, that is merely an example to get your mind thinking. When deciding where to store something ask yourself some questions: Where would this item make sense to be stored? Where would I look for it? Can it be up high or should it be within arms reach? Etc. Now let’s dive into your item requests.
Let’s start with the INSTAGRAM comments.
1. Product manuals, instructions, etc.
My answer: TOSS THEM. There isn’t one product that I’ve purchased where, if I needed to, I couldn’t find the manual online. For instance, I purchased the Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful Hand Blender with attachments from Walmart and, of course, I couldn’t figure out how to use the attachments. I do not have an engineering brain or any kind of common sense with these products. But I did a quick google search and it popped right up!
2. I live near my parents and also my in-laws. I tend to accumulate stuff from their house. I put their items by the garage door in a basket, but I tend to forget it’s there. Should I do a clear basket or something different to store these temporary items?
My answer: A basket is a great idea!! I always recommend a basket at the back door for returns, items that belong someplace else, etc. So, you were definitely on track with the basket. That’s not the problem. The problem is simply habit. You forget to check it. I think it’s as simple as leaving a sticky note on the back door or in your car or a reminder on your phone. Start working on the habit of checking the box before you leave the house. After a few times, it will become a natural part of your routine (like checking the lights before you leave, etc.). You could also stick the bin in your car if you have a large trunk. But, I’m not one to walk an item to my car. I’m too lazy. I do a basket in my house.
3. Shoes, snack foods, remote control, game pieces
This follower beat the system. They gave me 4 here!! HAHA!
My answer:
Shoes: I have a slim shoe organizer by the back door. My back entry is narrow and there really isn’t a place for anything more than that. It works great! I bought my gray one from IKEA. But I also have a white one right outside the door in the garage. I bought it on Amazon. I have also used my collapsible baskets at the front door to hold shoes too. I’ll link those below. I only allow my family to store one pair of shoes by the back door, the rest are stored in that person’s bedroom closet. My kids use shoe boxes to store theirs. I’ll link those below, as well. Shoes are an item where it’s easy to accumulate a lot. So, you need to be tough with yourself here. How many can you comfortably store? Do you have a favorite, but they’re all ripped and torn? I have had to part with so many favorites because they were stained and just wouldn’t get clean. It was hard. I had a pair that matched a shirt EXACTLY and I couldn’t get a replacement pair so I had to say goodbye to those. You can stick your summer ones out during the warmer months and then stick those in a tote and bring out your winter ones when it starts to cool off. Remember, just because you have the means to buy something or own something, doesn’t mean you need to. If you don’t love the item, if you can’t maintain the item (keep it clean, keep it put away) then you need to part with it.
My IKEA shoe organizer: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/staell-shoe-cabinet-with-4-compartments-dark-gray-90530236/
My Amazon shoe organizer: https://amzlink.to/az0NWOWbRsCiT
My collapsible baskets: https://amzlink.to/az0uWrOcUOCyO
Shoe boxes: https://amzlink.to/az0sodJU0VDl0
Snack foods: In the pantry. I like to store them in containers so it’s easy to see what you have. Think of your kitchen as a store. When you go shopping, products are laid out in nice rows, with room to see everything. That is for the buyers’ benefit. You’re more likely to make a purchase when you can see all the products. Same for your home. You’re more likely to eat something if you know it’s there.
My pantry organization: https://amzlink.to/az0N0VJMtN4dB
Remote control: You guys know I’m OBSESSED with a box for remote control storage. I used to get thousands of people asking about my precious book boxes. They were from Hobby Lobby. Of course, they no longer carry them and I lost mine in the house fire. ☹
I now use these decorative boxes from Amazon. I’ll link them below. I store the remotes and the game controller in there. It holds a lot. I’m a multipurpose queen whether it’s cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, even my home décor. My ottoman, my remote box… being able to use something as storage, but that’s also a décor piece is the biggest win in my box. I love a multipurpose item!
Ottoman link: https://amzlink.to/az0y7tAfRws0x
Remote box link: https://amzlink.to/az0mOmzNVguG3
Game pieces: I’m not totally sure what this means. I’m going to assume it’s board games in general. I stick the games into these bags. I’ll link them below. They take up a lot less space that way. I, then, store them in my son’s closet. It works best for us right now. Just like I say above, ask yourself, where does this item make sense to store? If it wouldn’t work for you in a child’s bedroom, stick it in the storage ottoman in the living room, maybe a cabinet in the laundry room, etc.
Zipper bags: https://amzlink.to/az0de9RoucrIg
4. Medicines
My answer: There are sooo many storage solutions I’ve seen for these. I’ll link a couple I’ve seen. Currently, because I have the space, I have mine in these containers. I’ll link them below. I have them organized by personal medications, cold and flu, tummy troubles, supplements, accessories and pain relief. I store mine in the pantry. I’ve seen people store them in the bathrooms, but I thought I read (years ago) that doing so isn’t good on them because of the heat and moisture in the room? So, I would try to find a cabinet in the kitchen, laundry room, etc. Remember to find a high place to store them if you have littles running around.
My medicine storage: https://amzlink.to/az0zSdNSbgp0Y
5. Papers
My answer: I have this mail organizer at the back door. I’ll link it below. It’s from Target. All papers go right there as soon as they enter the home, that includes mail, my daughter’s papers from school, bills, etc.
Once a week, I go through them. If you can’t remember to do that, put it on your calendar. I then have a space on the main level that I store them. This is what it looks like.
At the end of the year, they’ll go downstairs in permanent boxes that look like this.
Sorted by person and then by year.
I don’t keep bills and such for longer than necessary. Here’s a video where I talk about the length of time to store papers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBzqosix8i0&list=PLI6lgS8-qbbdXdBkz-ZIzfbXkFCX3Vfz3
6. Kids craft items. I want them accessible, but not where the kids can get to them.
My answer: This is how I store mine. Yes, it’s in a lower cabinet. But you could do this in an upper cabinet, as well. I love the lazy susan for markers, etc. and a paper organizer for different types of paper.
Lazy Susan: https://amzlink.to/az0qITRTU5200
Paper organizer: https://amzn.to/3TjsdTS
I’ve also used this before from Crayola. It was a fave when my older kids were little. I’m sure we’ll use it for Xander, too.
7. Kitchen appliances
My answer: Like I said earlier, my first question when people bring this item to me is, “CAN you live without it?” If you have a small kitchen, you may not be able to keep all of the items you want. The follower from this specific question mentioned a crockpot, a blender, an instant pot and a food processor. These are all great items to have. But, if you really are desperate for room I urge you to analyze each one. A food processor can be somewhat replicated from a blender (or you can get a handheld one like I have from Walmart). An instant pot can be replicated from a stove. So, just ask yourself, can I live without it? How often am I using it? That sort of thing. Now, I’m not saying get rid of those things, I’m just getting you thinking. So, if you want to keep those things they need a home. Like I say above, if you want to find a home you need to create one. What’s something I can get rid of to store this? Do I need 7 large serving bowls, or can I get by with 2? Do I need a stock pot, or can I get by with a smaller pot? Do I need a punch bowl, or can I borrow someone’s or buy a dollar store one for a party? Etc. Now, if there’s absolutely NOTHING you can get rid of (which is almost never the case), then get creative with storage. Go vertical, store stuff inside of other stuff, use the top of the fridge, use the wall beside the fridge, use the oven, etc. Get creative.
8. The robot vacuum dock
My answer: This is a little out there and when I told my husband my idea, he was against it. We store ours in a closet with our other vacuums. We built an outlet in there. Now if you have ever owned one, you know, your robot vacuum needs to have access to it’s dock. So we just leave that closet door open when it’s running and then when it docks itself, we close it. It’s been the perfect solution. The closet we use is very small. Just a little coat closet size. That’s my recommendation.
1. Finding time to organize a place for everything is a challenge.
My answer: Go item by item, make it a natural part of your day. Don’t try to tackle the whole house in a weekend. As you move throughout your day, toss items you notice you never use into a donation box. As you’re cooking dinner and you notice a crock pot you haven’t used in 2 years because you normally use the same one each time, grab that crock pot and stick it by your donation box. Now, you’ve got that space to stick something else in that didn’t have a home. Don’t look at finding a home for everything as a huge project. Look at it more as a hobby, or a routine. There’s no deadline, no rush. Take it nice and slow. As you sip your morning coffee think, “I need to find a better home for my hair dryer. What could I get rid of? You know, I haven’t used that box of hair rollers since I bought them. I should probably donate those.”
2. Bathroom and linen closet drawers
My answer: If you’re an avid follower of mine, you know what’s coming next. How many linens do you actually use? How many could you live without? I keep two per person in my house. That’s plenty for us. Yes, we’ve had instances where there’s been illnesses, water leaks, etc. and the amount of towels has always sufficed. So, ask yourself, “can I live without them?” Do that with your bathroom items too. Do you need a drawer full of makeup? I use a small toiletry bag for all of mine. Do you need a drawer full of skincare? My dermatologist gave me the following list for skincare. 4 different items, that’s it. Use drawer organizers for the smaller drawers, I’ll link mine below. Use drawers under the sink for easy access, I’ll link those too. I’m all about portable storage for my products because I find that they 1. It keep me honest. I can’t store too much and 2. It’s the most convenient way to store items. My hair supplies, my jewelry, my makeup. I’ll link them all.
My dermatologist approved skin care routine:
A.M.
Facial cleanser (Pan Oxyl)
Clindamycin
Facial moisturizer with SPF
P.M.
Facial cleanser
Adapalene
Moisturizer
Drawer organizer: https://amzlink.to/az0gEPcgTcwJP
Under sink drawers: https://amzlink.to/az05CPg8Toftm
Hair supply organizer: https://amzlink.to/az0bcKsrMQyO4
Jewelry organizer: https://amzn.to/4eaR844
Makeup organizer: https://amzlink.to/az0zSW2Yjat9f
3. Charging cords
My answer: Ummmmmmm, this is the only way to store them and I’ll die on this hill. THESE organizers are a MUST for every home. I have 3 of them. I’m OBSESSED!!!! Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/3XAwG76
4. Accessories like shoes, purses, jewelry
My answer: I’ve covered shoes already. I just covered jewelry. I store my purses on a shelf in my closet. I keep myself honest. I only keep what fits and I just happen to have found the perfect purse for my taste and for this shelf. Easy peasy. I will not shop for another purse again.
Here’s the link to my purse: https://amzn.to/4dSI2sS
5. The Doom Bin
My answer: I assume they are referring to the basket method I teach. Toss everything in a basket and put away later. So, there are rules to the basket method. And you won’t be successful without following them. You can find them here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/777922067721281
In the meantime, like throughout the week, store the basket just somewhere out of the way like in the corner, by the table, etc.
6. School work/art projects
My answer: Take a picture of each item or scan it, either way. Create a photo book with the artwork. For really special pieces, store them in a tote in the basement.
7. Knitting supplies
My answer: Now, I am not a knitter. But, I’m assuming you would sit in your living room or bedroom to do this. Somewhere comfy. So, I would buy something like this. It’s easy to store by your chair or nightstand. It keeps everything together. Or I would do a rolling cart. I have a rolling cart. I love the versatility. So you could store your drink and remote on it and use it as a side table. You can put your supplies on there too. I think both are really great options.
Rolling cart: https://amzn.to/3MCgk7W
YouTube
1. Emergency food in a very small home.
My answer: Unfortunately, I’m not a lot of help here. I don’t store “emergency food”. My family has chosen not to live with an “apocalypse” mentality. We have enough food in our pantry and freezer to last us comfortably for a couple months if we make our own food (like using flours, etc.). I just don’t find it a healthy way for me to live (with my mental health issues).
2. High closet storage
My answer: I am a big proponent of utilizing all the storage possible, that includes the high closet storage of my 12 foot ceilings. I suggest all houses have a step stool in your closet so you can easily access this area. This is the one I have used in the past: https://amzn.to/3AVxwCR
3. Gifts you don’t want
My answer: I have a whole video on this and my feeling towards this topic have not changed. I’ll link it below.
4. Activity skills toys
My answer: In our old house, I stored them in cabinetry right beside our dining room table. Just like I teach, “where does this item make sense to store?” In our new home, I store them in the desk area. Homeschool curriculum, manipulatives, etc. all stored here. Here are some storage options. You can then stick these in a cabinet that makes sense for your home.
5. Stationary, sentimental items, homeschool curriculum
Another follower that beat the system. 😉
My answer: Homeschool curriculum I’ve covered above.
Stationary: I stored my “family stationary”, stamps, pens, etc. in this organizer. Loved it. Haven’t bought it again for the new home. But NEED to.
6. Sentimental items:
My answer: Here’s my video on that.
7. Countertop clutter
My answer: I refer to this as VISUAL CLUTTER. The countertops are going to accumulate stuff, it’s inevitable. I stick my mail and papers in the mail organizer I referred to earlier. But, if you’re still struggling, stick some type of basket on the counter. Toss everything in there. That random screw, those pens, that mail, that silly putty!!!! Stick it in the basket. Put it away over the weekend.
8. No entryway
My answer: I talked about this before, my house has no real entry way for shoes and such. I grew up in a modular home so you entered right into the living room. I completely get this. Just like I said above, use a very narrow shoe organizer, use a wall mail organizer (there’s a spot for keys too) and then do not keep more shoes at the door than what’s necessary.
9. Laundry basket
My answer: This one is easy! Grab my collapsible laundry basket. Fits in a cabinet, fits between the washer and dryer, fits on top of the dryer, etc. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/3TjuIpe
10. Jam packed basement
My answer: This follower didn’t ask for help, just a prayer. But I’ll still link my video that I made for dealing with this area. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrkRtqWuxlw
11. One of each
My answer: Where to store items that are singular? There’s only one of them. 2 options. 1. A junk drawer. 2. For larger items, store them in areas that make sense TO YOUR HOME. A shredder? Store it with the paper and crafts or in the office. Bug spray? I’d store it with the sporting gear because we’d mostly use it at ball games. Lint roller? I store that in the bathroom drawer, because we use it when we’re getting ready. Every item DOES have a home that makes sense, it just might look different for everyone.
12. What to do when people do not put items back where they belong?
My answer: This is not a home organization issue, this is a family issue. I’m not a family therapist. So I’ll just tell you how I feel. If I say something, it’s law in my house. That might sound harsh, but that’s the way it is. Mom sets up the organizational systems (for the most part). So, if you want to live here, you respect her enough to follow them. Now, we all stumble. I might have to remind the kids that the shoes need to go back in the bin, or that when we’re done with the blanket it goes in the ottoman. I have no problem reminding my people sometimes. Heck, I need reminded sometimes! But, if you’ve created systems that WORK in your home and your household members are not following them after a family meeting and MULTIPLE reminders… head to counseling because the issue is far bigger than organization.
I actually didn’t end up doing 15 for each platform. I’m still waiting on responses from some followers. But this extensive list should give you some motivation and a road map of how to apply this process to your own home!
PLEASE share and comment if this helped you!!!
-Aud
Organized Chaos 
Each one of these ideas really helped me. Especially the children’s school work. I love the idea of making a phot album of it.
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Thank you! This was so helpful I plan to re-read it many more times.
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the link to the ottoman is actually to the zip bags. can you re-link it ? thanks
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Oh no! I’ll fix it now! Here’s the ottoman link for you! https://amzlink.to/az0y7tAfRws0x
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