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CONTENTS
Introduction
How to Get Started
01 BEDROOMS AND CLOSETS
Closets
Dressers, Drawers, and Other Bedroom Storage
Beds and Nightstands
02 KITCHEN AND DINING
Countertops
Cabinets, Drawers, and Islands
Refrigerators and Other Appliances
Pantry and Food Storage
Dining Room
03 BATHROOMS
Countertops, Sinks, and Vanities
Toiletries and Personal Care Products
Showers, Bathtubs, and Towels
04 LIVING ROOM, ENTRYWAY, AND MEDIA
Living Rooms
Entryways
Media
05 WORKSPACES, TECHNOLOGY, AND PAPERS
Office Organization
Arts and Crafts Supplies
Technology and Cords
Files, Papers, and Photos
06 KIDS’ ROOMS AND TOYS
Clothing and Accessories
Toys
Art, Books, and Games
Babies and Preschoolers
07 UTILITY AND STORAGE SPACES
Laundry Room
Garage
Attic and Basement
08 EVERYTHING ELSE
Travel
Vehicles
Moving
Seasonal
Holidays
US/Metric Conversion Chart
About the Author
Index
For my tribe,
Abby, Ben, and Casey . . .
for more reasons than could ever fit on this page.
INTRODUCTION
Imagine your perfect life: You have more time for the things you
love. You have a little extra money in your pocket. There’s less
stress in your life. There isn’t nearly as much chaos swirling
around you as there seems to be now. While you might not
achieve perfection, the organization hacks in this book can help
make all these wishes come true. You’ll save time by quickly
finding any item you need; be more efficient when deciding
what to wear each day; spend less money replacing lost or
improperly stored items; and enjoy a calmer, more peaceful
environment once you ditch the clutter and chaos.
Throughout this book, you will find three types of hacks: the
short hack, the DIY project, and the list. The short hacks in each
chapter are simple ideas that quickly solve a problem. One or
two of these hacks alone may not do much, but as you
implement more of these and begin getting into an organized
mindset, the benefits will quickly add up. The DIY projects are
more in depth than the hacks and can be tweaked to fit
different rooms and spaces. Each DIY project should be able to
be completed in under three hours, with most of them taking far
less time. Finally, the lists shine a spotlight on several ways to
hack a featured item or several ways to tackle a specific
problem. Use these lists to find the tip that works best for you,
to brainstorm the best way to execute an organization hack, or
to come up with your own unique use for handy items.
Each person is different, which means there’s not a “one-size-
fits-all” method of organizing. To that end, you may notice
several hacks to choose from that are focused on one common
organization problem. Sometimes you want a quick fix; other
times you don’t mind taking on a larger DIY project. Choose the
one that best fits your schedule, habits, and routine. Combined,
this format of short hacks, DIY projects, and lists that are
tailored specifically to each area of your home provides one
powerhouse of an organization plan!
HOW TO GET STARTED
Laying the groundwork for organizing is almost as important as
the actual projects. Before you begin, ensure success by taking
a moment to set your organizing vision, review the list of basic
organizing necessities, and learn the Ten Commandments of
Organizing. Each one is important, but together they create a
framework that will help you set yourself up for continued
success.
The first thing you want to do is to consider the end goal.
Take a moment and jot down why you want to get organized.
What does an organized home look like to you? What does it
feel like? What will happen when you get organized?
Considering these questions is important; these reasons will
give you a clear goal to work toward and a reminder of the end
goal when you’re in the thick of it. Organization comes from
having a clear and executable plan. Once you’ve laid out your
goals, you’re ready to begin to gather supplies.
General Organizing Supplies
Now that you’re in the right mindset to get organized, let’s get
everything you need to be successful. As a rule, it’s best to sort
first and determine your needs before buying any new products
for organizing. However, there are a few basic supplies that you
should have on hand before you begin, including:
❑ Camera or smartphone for taking photos of important
papers and/or kids’ art
❑ Cleaning wipes
❑ Cordless drill
❑ Set of general purpose drill and driver bits
❑ Hammer
❑ Hot glue gun
❑ 1 package of 50 hot glue sticks
❑ Labels
❑ Label maker with label tape
❑ Level
❑ Measuring tape
❑ Pencil
❑ 1 box each of snack-, sandwich-, quart-, and gallon-sized
plastic zip-top bags
❑ 1 (1.88" × 60") roll of painter’s tape
❑ Post-it notes
❑ Ruler
❑ Scissors
❑ 1 package (1") screws
❑ 1 package (2") screws
❑ 1 black Sharpie marker
❑ Stud finder
❑ 1 box kitchen-sized white trash bags
Place them in a basket or caddy that you can carry from room
to room so they’re always within reach when needed. Store it in
the same place at the end of each organizing session so that
you can quickly find it each time you’re ready to start again.
Those basic supplies and the hacks in this book are pretty much
all you need to create an organization system that works for
you!
The Ten Commandments of Organizing
There are a few basic principles—you may even want to call
them “commandments”—you need to know before jumping into
organizing your home. Read them, do them, live them. Consider
photocopying this information and pinning it to a bulletin board.
Each time you start to organize, reread it until it sinks in. Once
