How to Organize Your Room So You Can Keep it Tidy Longer (2024)

How to Organize Your Bedroom

1. Sort and Declutter Your Items

   The fewer things you have, the less you have to clean and organize. So, the key to organizing your room is to first get rid of the things you no longer use or need. Hord says to fully pull everything out and sort into piles of similar items.

   "It's important to see everything together because you might not know or realize that 20 pairs of jeans have piled up. It can help you with the next step, which is editing—deciding what to keep, toss, donate—because you can then compare items, and it will be easier to make decisions this way," she explains.

   Use Post-it notes to make labels for your trash bags or boxes that your piles will go into. You will need trash bags or boxes for items you want to keep, toss, or donate. You should always declutter before purchasingorganization products, so you know exactly what you need and don't spend unnecessary money.

   "Once you know everything you want to keep, you can then strategize the best area where each item should live," Hord says. "Once you have an ideal spot for each item, you can then determine what organizing products will make the space more functional and measure based on your space and items."

2. Dust and Clean Your Room

   Once you get rid of the clutter, Hord says you should take the opportunity to deep clean and vacuum your room before you begin organizing. Use an all-purpose cleaner that is safe to use on walls, baseboards, and furniture to get rid of dust and dirt. This way, all surfaces and floors are clean and ready for you to implement your new organization systems.

3. Divide and Conquer Your Drawers

   Ypma says that effective bedroom organization often requires tools like drawer dividers to compartmentalize contents. Drawer dividers make your space more functional and easier to organize.

   You can buy or make your own with cardboard or foam board. So, rather than haphazardly tossing your clothing and items into your drawers, use dividers in your dresser and nightstands to keep everything in order.
   

4. Utilize Containers to Keep Surfaces Clear

   Having a place for everything is key to organizing your room effectively. Things have a way of accumulating on flat surfaces, such as your dresser, and that can make your room appear messy. Use small containers or jars for loose items to prevent cluttering up surfaces. You can choose decorative containers or jars to add to your room's decor.

   However, you don't want to have too many containers either. The point is to limit the amount of items in your room so it's easier to organize and maintain.
   

5. Maximize Your Storage Space

   Ypma says under-bed storage bags are perfect for items you don't use as often, like off-season clothing. You may need to invest in bed risers to create additional space under the bed.

   Another area of your room that can benefit from space-maximizing products is your closet. "Hanging organizers in closets can store accessories, socks, and even office supplies efficiently," Ypma says. "Additionally, floating shelves and furniture with built-in storage, like bed frames with drawers or headboards with shelves, are valuable for maximizing space." You can also use hooks to utilize vertical space in your bedroom or closet to hang clothing, bags, or even jewelry.

Tips to Keep Your Bedroom Organized

Don't let your hard work go to waste. Use these tips from the experts to ensure your organized room stays tidy.

• Establish daily habits by making your bed and putting items away after using them.
• Take a few minutes every day to tidy up your room.
• Use the 6-month rule to keep clutter at bay. If you haven't used it within six months, discard it or donate it.
• Adopt the "one in, one out" rule. When you bring a new item into the bedroom, ensure you remove another.
• Use an organizational system that is easy for you. For instance, if you hate folding clothes, consider hanging more items instead.