5 Creative Ways to Contain Clutter
Updated: Aug. 06, 2019
Bring order to scattered household items with these inspired ideas.
Use the Basket Trick
Place a decorative basket or crate in or near the most cluttered room of your house. Place items that belong in other rooms in the basket. Anytime you exit the room, grab items out of the basket and return them to their rightful place.
Sort Those Loose Items
Loose items, such as batteries, buttons, lightbulbs, and matches, often end up scattered in junk drawers and can’t be found when you need them. Keep them at hand by labeling containers for these items.
Label Laundry Baskets
Save time by presorting laundry. Label bags or baskets: “Whites,” “Colors,” “Permanent Press,” and “Dry Cleaning.” You will always know when it is time to deal with a particular load, and you will never waste time separating laundry again, says home organizer Karen Lawrence.
Use Paraphernalia Baskets
Keep baskets or small bins on tables to store small frequently used items, such as remote controls, nail clippers, and notepads. Similarly, put a small dish on the bureau top to collect loose change and earrings, and an old mug on the desk to hold pens, pencils, and scissors. Surfaces will appear neater.
Make Kid Stuff Reachable
Create kid storage units that are lightweight and low to the ground – rolling crates and small plastic dressers, for instance – so that children can help keep toys organized. Tape a photo or drawing of the items to the outside of each drawer or crate.
