Does it feel like getting organized at home is an insurmountable task? Does it seem like it could take days, weeks, months, or even years to get on top of your clutter? Are you so overwhelmed that you don’t even know where to begin? We hear you! Getting – and staying – organized at home can be a challenge, especially if you have a family. But we’re here to tell you that you can adopt some small strategies that will help you be more organized in the long run. The best thing is that these tips don’t take much time or effort but can pay off big!

Make your bed every day

It’s such a small thing, but it can make a big difference in how your bedroom looks and feels. Making your bed when you get up in the morning gives your day a jumpstart. As the main focus of the room, having a tidy bed will make your whole room feel more organized. It will also give you a mental boost to get your day started on a positive note.

Complete tasks

This is a big one. Do you tend to start a task, get most of it done, and then…just leave it? After a while, you may have a whole house full of unfinished tasks. Going forward, when you begin a task, don’t move on to the next one until you complete the first one. That means completing it from start to finish including putting away all the materials needed to do the task. While it may feel like you’re getting fewer things done in the beginning, it will set a habit. In the long run, you’ll have more jobs completed and your house will feel less chaotic.

Use your wait time wisely

What do you do while your leftovers are heating up in the microwave or you’re waiting for water to boil? Or what about when you’re waiting for your kids to put on their shoes? Instead of reaching for your smartphone to pass the time, why not put it to good use? You can get a lot accomplished in just a few minutes. This could include wiping down the kitchen counter, emptying the dishwasher, or tidying up the foyer.

Use the one in, one out rule

It’s amazing how quickly clutter can accumulate. One day your house looks neat and tidy, and the next it looks like a tornado blew through. If this feels like you, then maybe it’s time to start using the one in, one out rule. Every time you bring a new item into your home, you need to get rid of one item from your home. This helps you keep on top of clutter before it becomes a real issue.

Keep paperwork contained

Does it feel like you’re slowly being consumed by a tower of paperwork? Papers can pile up quickly, especially with school-age kids. Have a plan for how you will deal with new paperwork when it comes into your home. Have a designated place to store papers until they are needed, and discard them as soon as you no longer need them.