10 Popular Organization Ideas

Happy New Year! I'm slowly getting back into my normal schedule {we were still out of town on Monday.. and I'm still getting caught up with work}; but I wanted to take a few minutes to encourage you to organize a space in this first month of 2016.

Organizational projects are one of my favorite focuses for the New Year. Not so much in a "New Years Resolution" way; but more with a preparedness mindset. I feel that if I devote some time to sorting, cleaning and organizing spaces at the beginning of the year; it will set us up better for the remainder of the year.

#1 Add Open Shelving

Open shelving in kitchen makeovers has been trendy the last several years; but don't limit this storage solution to the kitchen. We used a combination of closed cabinetry and open shelving to maximize storage in our bathroom makeover.

DIY Faux Weathered Wood Shelves

#2 Organize the Hall Closet

I usually tackle a "purge and sort" of each closet in our home once/twice per year. Typically, I know that it's time for an update when it starts feeling jam-packed. Most likely, there are items in that closet that we aren't using -- or that need a better identified home. The hall closet storage system of bins, baskets and an over-the-door shoe holder works great for our family. You know an organizational project is effective when it is easy to maintain -- and that has definitely been the case with this space.

How to Organize a Hall Closet

#3 Re-purpose Jars to Store Small Items

In some ways, storing small items can end up being more difficult than larger items -- because they get lost in bins/baskets. Instead, search your home for smaller containers, like mason jars, to re-purpose as small-item storage.

Cupcake Wrapper Storage

Craft Supply Storage

#4 Set a System for Digital Photo Storage

Digital photo organization can be a giant project; but once the system is set  in place, it is much easier to manage photo storage. When it is time to compile our Family Yearbook, I am so thankful for this organizational system that I am able to maintain through the year.

Digital Photo Storage System using iPhoto

#5 Cover a Pin Board and Create a Command Center

There are several places in our home where we need visible paper storage. Things like calendars, to-dos, invitations, recent school work and art. If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the paper, make a pretty pin board and create a command center. Choose a spot in your home that is visible and is used daily.

Fabric Pin Board

#6 Organize a Drawer

A drawer is a quick project that you can easily complete in less than an hour. Once you've purged the items that aren't needed, find some smart storage solutions for the remaining items -- and think outside of the box. Most likely, you can find items for drawer organization around the house or at the dollar store.

Dollar Store Drawer Organizer

Drawer Organization Ideas

#7 Make a Tiered Tray

When storing anything on a counter, shelf or any flat surface -- it's always great when you can maximize the vertical space, too. A tiered tray is a simple, inexpensive craft project that allows to you to create vertical storage for small items.

Tiered Jewelry Tray

#8 Create a Place for Bags and Coats

The entry to a home is always difficult to keep organized, because it's the drop zone. If this is your trouble spot, buy some coat hooks and get the entry organized. Our old collage picture frame works as a coat rack and message board, which keeps coats and bags off the floor.

Coat Rack and Message Board

#9 Make a Mini-Office

Do you find yourself often needing papers, pens and other office supplies in a spot besides your main work-space? Create a mini-office in that room, so that you have what you need at hand.

Create a Mini-Office

#10 Organize the Laundry and Cleaning Supplies

Sometimes, its the utilitarian items that we don't organize. No one ever sees them, after all. However, it's little things -- like trying to track down the right cleaner after a spill -- that can be simplified by cleaning out the utility closet.

Utility Cabinet Organization

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Do you have any organizational projects planned? What will you be working on?