10 Simple Ways to Organize Your House Right Now

This super organized storage closet is only 1 of 10 simple working professional home organization hacks.

You know the feeling. You’ve stared at the same pile of paperwork building in the corner of your kitchen for weeks. You’ve meant to sort it. You really wanted to see it gone.

You even have designated piles within the pile that have seemed totally harmless up until now.

Unfortunately, the paper has multiplied and you are now completely overwhelmed.

And the truth is, you work really hard at keeping the kitchen neat and tidy. It’s just that one relentless pile staring back at you. Ok and the junk drawer. But that’s pretty much the only culprit.

It’s scenarios like this that can make home organization seem daunting - especially for busy women. But the benefits of a clean and clutter-free home are immense - it can reduce stress, improve productivity, and create a sense of calm. Here are 10 home organization hacks to help take a cluttered home to calm, even for the busiest of women.

  1. Start Small: One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to organize their home is taking on too much at once. Instead, start with a small area like a drawer or a shelf, and then move on to bigger projects.

  2. Use Vertical Space: Maximize your storage space by using vertical storage solutions such as floating shelves or hanging organizers. This will help you keep your floors clear and create more space.

  3. Label Everything: Whether it's a label maker or a piece of masking tape, labeling everything in your home will help you stay organized and save time in the long run.

  4. Create a Command Center: Create a designated area in your home for important documents, keys, and other everyday items. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you always know where things are.

  5. Use Drawer Dividers: Drawer dividers are a great way to keep small items like socks, underwear, and jewelry organized and easy to find.

  6. Implement the "One In, One Out" Rule: Every time you buy something new, get rid of something old. This will help prevent clutter from building up and make it easier to maintain a clutter-free home.

  7. Store Seasonal Items: Keep seasonal items like holiday decorations and winter clothes in storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags when they're not in use. This will free up space in your home and keep your seasonal items organized.

  8. Create a Cleaning Schedule: Set aside time each week to clean and organize your home. This will help you stay on top of clutter and prevent it from getting out of control.

  9. Utilize Under-Bed Storage: Invest in under-bed storage containers to store extra linens, blankets, and off-season clothing. This will help free up space in your closet and keep your bedroom clutter-free.

  10. Keep a Donation Box: Keep a designated box in your home for items you no longer need or want. When the box is full, donate the items to a local charity or thrift store.

By implementing these 10 home organization hacks, you can take a cluttered home to calm, even if you're a busy woman. Remember to start small, label everything, and use vertical space to maximize storage. With a little effort and determination, you can create a calm and clutter-free home that will benefit you for years to come.

Interested in the whole less is more idea? Click here and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consult and chat with me about your home organization goals or follow me on Instagram here for daily organization and minimalist-living tips.

Amazon Favorites: Cleaning Must Haves

A collage of cleaning essential Amazon finds: Distilled white vinegar, bamboo brushes, microfiber cloths, cleaning caddy, Swedish dishcloths, wool dryer balls, glass spray bottles, mini and full size broom and dust pan, and cleaning gloves.

Whether you consider yourself a clean freak or you just like to do an annual deep clean, you may have Spring cleaning on your mind and if you’re like me, you’ve been opting for less toxic cleaning options that will still tackle the grime.

I’ve rounded up a list of my favorites on my Amazon storefront page, here.

1// Distilled White Vinegar

I use white vinegar on almost all of the places. Windows, bathroom glass and mirrors, countertops and even in the cup holders in my car.

My obsession has less to do with the odor and more to do with the fact that it cleans just about everything. And I mean clean like sparkling clean. It’s also non-toxic, deodorizes and disinfects. All-in-one and affordable.

You can find it, here.

2// Bamboo brushes

These little guys are tough on food build up on any dish. I like that they’re not made of plastic and they last a long time.

You can find it, here.

3// Microfiber cleaning cloths

Use them on just about any surface - especially windows! And you can never go wrong with classic white.

You can find it, here.

4// Cleaning Caddy

I love a good cleaning caddy. This option made by Yamazaki Home is not only beautiful to look at but it’s incredibly sturdy. I love that brand because of their steel and wood combinations.

You can find it, here.

5// Swedish Dishcloths

Sometimes you don’t want to use a ton of paper towels. Sometimes all you need is a strong and durable rag to wipe down your kitchen counters or table. That’s where the Swedish dishcloths come into play. Love the prints of these black and white ones!

You can find it, here.

6// Wool Dryer Balls

For the past three years I’ve been trying to opt for less toxic cleaning solutions my home because turns out, the air inside of our homes can be more toxic than outside. Part of the switches I have made are to laundry detergents and dryer sheets. I love applying a few drops of essential oils to wool dryer balls for an extra fresh load of laundry.

You can find it, here.

7// Glass Spray Bottles

Make your own cleaning solution with these glass spray bottles. I use mine for my vinegar, soap and water cleaning favorite!

You can find it, here.

8// Dust Pan and Broom Set

Sometimes you just need to sweep up the crumbs and you don’t exactly need a full-size broom. Love this minimal and modern option.

You can find it, here.

9// Full Size Broom and Dust Pan

For the regular clean-ups you’ll want a broom and dust pan that can handle the dust bunnies and food droppings. This minimally designed option will blend in with just about any aesthetic and help you when you need it most.

You can find it, here.

10// Cleaning Gloves

These aren’t the turquoise cleaning gloves you grew up with. The dark charcoal color is easier on the eyes and durable to help with dish duty or bathroom duty. This pair is also skid and tear resistant.

You can find it, here.

I hope you find those cleaning essentials helpful for your own spring cleaning this year! You can find more of my Amazon favorites on my storefront, here.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Are you looking for a little (or a lot) of help with your own home organization? Click here and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consult and chat with Britnee about your home organization goals.

RELATED POST: My Favorite Spice Jars and Labels to Match

My Favorite Spice Jars and Labels to Match

These neat method spice jars are professional organizer Britnee Tanner's favorite.

Some organization seems extra to some people.

Like why decant spices into pretty little jars? Why spend the time when you can just keep them in the jars they came in from the store?

If that sounds like you, I get where you’re coming from. I didn’t always organize my spices and snacks by individual containers (yes, there was a time).

But I do think that this little bit of extra work is totally worth it.

Why?

Because taking the time to separate something like your spice collection into uniform jars with beautiful labels is worth its weight in gold when you feel the calm that it creates. And when you experience the happiness you see from every spice in your cabinet (or drawer) uniformly placed and labeled.

Friends GIF celebrating that uniformity creates calm, especially when it comes to labels and jars.

Uniformity creates calm.

Containment creates a sense of control.

Neat labels mean you can read what you have without searching.

So yes, the extra effort is worth it.

If that doesn’t convince you, I can attest to the transformation I’ve seen with my clients. It’s been these extra details that really set a space a part from others. It’s the detail that creates a custom experience - an experience that is felt every time they walk into their pantry or open a kitchen cabinet.

So without further adieu, my favorite spice jar set is from Neat Method and my favorite labels are from Paper and Pear.

Buy them, transform your spice collection and thank me later.

Looking for more minimal-inspired content? Submit your name and email below to join my free email list and you'll be sent simple living tips, insights and invites to future webinars.

Design Series Feature: Renew Home Staging & Design

I’ve always appreciated a beautifully styled home.

Even as a kid, I remember my own “oohs” and “ahhs” when I’d walk through a model home - always wishing I had the kid’s room styled with the minimal but sophisticated decor.

Now (a few decades later) I’ve come to the conclusion that those elegantly staged homes impressed me at 10 and continue to impress me now because interiors make all the difference in a home.

This month I am so excited to feature Harmony Young and Laneè Miller of Renew Home Staging & Design. Harmony and Laneè bring both interior design chops and an in-depth knowledge of real estate to their work. They created a growing company in Utah with a team that helps homes sell faster and for more. I had the pleasure of meeting them via social media last year and have been so amazed by their business and eye for styling. I am so excited to share their insight with you this month.

Harmony Young and Lanee Miller of Renew Home Staging & Design

Photo credit: Renew Home Staging & Design

Q: Is there anything unique about the Utah home market right now from your perspective?

L: Not completely unique because other areas are growing as well, but it is very obviously a sellers market that’s going up rapidly.

H: Something interesting is that I did a consultation yesterday in a $400,000 home and then another consultation for a $4M home. Every price point is selling and going for top dollar, and every home sells better with staging.  

A neutral dining room and kitchen open concept design in Utah from Renew Home Staging and Design

Photo credit: Renew Home Staging & Design

Q: What’s one mistake you see homeowners making before they list their homes from a design perspective? Any tips to avoid it?

L: The biggest mistakes people make are underestimating the large impact that small design changes can make. You don’t have to flip your entire home for it to be completely transformed.

H: They clear out too much so that there’s not appeal or warmth because it’s so empty. Or they end up spending too much money on repairs that might not make a big impression. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to update their space?

L: Check with a professional first for what’s going to make the biggest difference so you don’t spend unnecessary time or money on something that won’t have that big of an impact. For example, you might not need to completely replace your floors and instead putting down a few cute rugs will completely transform a space! It can truly save you thousands of dollars.

H: Start with paint! Because it’s cheap and easy. And then try to incorporate your existing pieces, but add in some new pieces to give it a refresh and update. Rugs also can be inexpensive and transform a room. 

Throw pillow can add flare to a space, like this Salt Lake City home styled by Renew Home Staging and Design.

Photo credit: Renew Home Staging & Design

Q: What are your thoughts on home organization and interior design?

L: I think that in order for people to feel good in their space and get the most out of their space, design and organization is the only way to really do that. Our homes are where most of us spend the majority of our lives, and so why not put our effort into it and feel good about it?

H: Hire a professional. If you know you’re not amazing at it, spend your money on a professional because you’ll get the most for your money. Home organization and interior design are such an important duo because it creates a beautiful AND functional space.

Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom with us, Harmony and Laneè. You can learn more about Renew Home Staging & Design on their website, here. You can also find them on Instagram, here.

RELATED POST: Design Series Feature: SPACES Collective

Design Series Feature: Elyse Garlock Home

A white and wood kitchen in Utah designed by Elyse Garlock.

Photo credit: Elyse Garlock Home

I’m always inspired by what interior designers can do to a space. While I think in terms of how a space is organized, an interior designer is so easily able to balance things like color and texture all while creating a beautiful scene out of furniture and form.

This month, I am so happy to feature Elyse Garlock of Elyse Garlock Home. I had heard how amazing Elyse was from mutual friends that she and I had in common but didn’t end up meeting her in-person until years later when we both relocated from California to Utah.

Once we connected, I just knew I wanted to interview her and have her share some of her design insights with you in this month’s Design Series Feature.

Highlights of this Salt Lake City living room are the wood fireplace and carefully decluttered bookcases.

Photo credit: Elyse Garlock Home

Q: How do you go about planning out a new space?

A: I usually sit down with the client (or myself) and talk through a few things—1) the purpose/main use of the space (want it pretty but also practical); 2) what their general design style is—simple, modern, traditional—I usually have them send me a few inspiration pictures so I can really get a sense of what they’re picturing in their head for the space; 3) and their realistic budget.

Q: What budget-conscious tips do you have for someone who wants to redo a space in their home? Where should they look for ideas and pieces?

A: I usually tell people to invest in nicer large items that will hold up well and that they can have for a long time - think area rugs, couches, kitchen table, etc. I think a lot of people - especially those with kids - will just get something cheap because they figure it will get trashed anyway. Well, cheap items usually do get trashed pretty quickly, and then they just don’t look nice! And no one wants that. Instead, purchase large items that are good quality and will be able to withstand the wear and tear. Solid wood, performance fabrics, etc. These will usually cost more up front, but will last longer, look nicer, and clean up easier. Other items that are easily influenced by ever-changing design trends are great places to save money. This could include decor to fill shelves & built-ins, throw pillows, art work, etc. For things like this, I turn to places like Target, Amazon, H&M home, Zara Home, IKEA, and Heirloom Art Co (for art prints). Bringing in natural elements like wood tones and greenery can also make your space feel more refined without costing a lot.

This nursery has pink rose wallpaper and springy white, thanks to expert interior design by Elyse Garlock Home.

Photo credit: Elyse Garlock Home

Q: How do you feel about the relationship between home organization and home design?

A: For me, home organization and home design are completely intertwined. I value simplicity and clean lines in my design, and that is impossible to achieve when things are cluttered and disorganized. Designing is all about how the space is going to make you feel - for me I’m looking to feel peaceful and content - and a huge part of that feeling comes from knowing that everything has its place and that I know where to find the things I need. When I can see all the messes in my house, it adds so much to my anxiety. I wish I were better at keeping things organized - it’s definitely a constant battle!

Q: Design isn't the only thing you're an expert about - can you share more about Dualspace?

A: Dualspace is a company my husband and I started in 2018. It is essentially a marketplace of locations - homes and studios - that are available to rent for photo and video shoots. It wasn’t something we ever really intended to do. In 2017, the company my husband was working for needed a house for a product shoot (my husband was on the marketing team), and he volunteered our house as a last minute replacement. It went well and was a super easy way to make money. After that, some of the people on the video team asked for other location recommendations for other shoots, and we reached out to some friends and neighbors who had cool homes to see if they’d be interested. It just kind of snowballed from there. We found there wasn’t really a great option for finding locations, other than these sites with thousands of homes that were all over the place style/design wise. We thought it would be helpful for crews to have a smaller, more curated collection to choose from. And, it would also be helpful to those homeowners wanting to host shoots to have a platform to get greater exposure… I find that brands are looking for a couple different types of homes when they do shoots. One preference is for spaces that are light and bright, free of clutter, and that are neutral enough to change decor as needed to match the brand. Alternatively, they sometimes are looking for a home with a very specific style - mid-century modern, tuscan, farmhouse - that is consistent throughout the space.

Thank you so much Elyse for taking the time to answer my interior design questions and for sharing your tips! Be sure to give her a follow on Instagram and you can learn more about Dualspace here.

RELATED POST: Design Series Feature: Renew Home Staging & Design

3 Ways to Teach Your Kids to Tidy Up and Organize

Kids can learn to organize young, making them successful their whole lives, according to Britnee Tanner's home organizing advice.

I get asked a lot of the same questions when people find out I’m a professional home organizer.

Some of the more common questions I get are:

“How do I teach my kids to tidy up?”

“How do I manage toy clutter?”

While I could go on and on about ways to declutter toys, I’ll instead focus this post on ways to teach your kids to organize and tidy up around the house. These are things I do with my own kids and what I share with clients.

First - show them.

You can’t expect your little ones to instinctively know how or when to organize their toys. Be sure to show them by doing and be consistent. Consistency helps create lifelong healthy habits.

Remember that by showing your child where their items go - you are literally teaching them. Designate certain containers for their personal items. Show them where their clothing should live. Show them where the cars and the blocks and the bikes go when they’re done with playtime.

Second - patiently remind them.

Just because you told them and showed them where their things go, doesn’t mean your child will magically be amazing at tidying up. Kids have distractions and their own agendas and their own free will! It takes constant, patient reminders and for many parents this can mean reward systems or other systems to help kids make and keep good habits. Organization and tidying up are no different. Be patient and you’ll be amazed at the results over time.

Third - be clear.

Be sure you have designated zones for your child’s items. If you say, put your clothes over there - what does “over there” actually mean? Instead, put your dirty clothes in the hamper in the corner. Or please put your cars in the car bin in the closet. I don’t know about you but I appreciate when adults give me clear direction - same is helpful for little ones when it comes to home organization and tidying up.

A child practices organization thanks to mom and organizer Britnee's guidance.

What tips or suggestions have you used with your own kids? Do you use any of these tips already? Let me know in the comments!

Design Series Feature: Sarah Gibson from Room for Tuesday

So much of how a home feels is directly correlated to how it is designed and styled.

Because as it turns out, good design matters.

Like a lot.

I have always had an appreciation for beautiful interior design and as a home organizer I’m a firm believer that thoughtful interiors matter. Interior design sets a tone and a mood for the day-to-day of all those who are surrounded by it. It’s powerful and beautiful.

This month I am so excited to get to share my interview with Sarah Gibson - the creative director, designer and founder behind Room for Tuesday and owner of the shop, Tuesday Made.

When I first saw Sarah’s work, I had to stop and stare. Her eye for detail and her thoughtful approach to the various elements that make a house a home are just a few of the things that have made her projects so memorable for me.

What I love about Sarah’s approach to designing and styling is that her designs are timeless and oh so sophisticated. It’s the kind of sophistication that makes you want to sit in one of her spaces and soak in all the details that she has so intentionally placed.

A Utah home living room designed by Room For Tuesday includes this sleek library area.

Photo credit: Sarah Gibson from Room for Tuesday

Q: You're no stranger to home renovations - how do you approach your new projects? Do you set mood boards? Or do you follow your innate interior design mind and go for it?

A: While I no longer design for clients, I treat our projects at home much like I would a client project. I love planning, getting organized, and completing the entire design before demolition even begins. That includes floor planning, elevations, moodboards, selecting finishes, gathering samples, and ordering the bulk of the items that will exist in a space. I like having a set plan! The design and styling portions of the process are always my favorite- so the beginning and the end. It's fun to watch something you envisioned in your mind come to fruition and become reality.

Q: How would you describe your style and do you think it has evolved over time?

A: I believe our personal aesthetic and style is ever-changing and evolving as we grow. I'd like to think it's shaped by our experiences and as we age, we become more capable of determining what feels and looks like us. My personal style has definitely changed over the years. I started my blog at such a young age - it has really proved to be great documentation of my growth and evolution, in regards to aesthetics. I also believe the style or architecture of your home comes into play when it comes to design... I always take that into consideration, because not only do I want my home to reflect my personal aesthetic, but I also want it to feel cohesive to the architecture of the house itself. It's so tricky to nail down a specific style because I enjoy curating and blending multiple aesthetics and design styles. I love classic and traditional design, as well as curating vintage and more eclectic or modern pieces. It's always a mixed bag in my house, but I always try to keep timeless design in mind... if I bring something into my home, I want to make sure I'll still love it in a year, five years or even ten years.

This dreamy, organized laundry room was made over by Room For Tuesday.

Photo credit: Sarah Gibson from Room for Tuesday

Q: How do you feel about the relationship between home organization and home design?

A: I think organization and home design is very correlated. I always consider function and organization when designing rooms or renovations. It's especially important in small or high-functioning spaces! When designing our kitchen, I thought about how each cabinet would be used, what the interior of that cabinet would look like, how it would be organized, and designed accordingly. Having a clean and organized home is important to me - it enhances my happiness and productivity, so it's something I always consider when designing a space. I try to use every square foot in a smart and thoughtful way.

Q: What do you love about Salt Lake? Any favorite places that inspire you?

A: I'm a Salt Lake City transplant (I've lived here 6 years now), and the beautiful mountains are what brought my husband, Emmett, and myself to Utah. We love adventure and the outdoors, and this is the perfect place for that. On weekends, you can find us skiing, camping, paddling, on a trail, etc. The mountains are always a creative and inspiring escape for me. We feel very lucky to live close to so many beautiful spots, trailheads, and incredible (and varied) landscapes.

Room For Tuesday designed this built-in desk set up.

Photo credit: Sarah Gibson from Room for Tuesday

Q: What is your advice to someone looking to update their existing home? Where should they start?

A: I always start with a list... I jot down wants, needs, the budget, and try to figure out how to accomplish those things. It's always easiest to set parameters first (the budget, the amount of space you have to work with, etc), then think creatively about how to achieve a beautiful and functional space, when it comes to design. Whether that path includes getting quotes and hiring contractors or taking the DIY route, it's always best to have a solid plan before the project even begins. That's especially important now that lead-times have been extended thanks to supply chain issues and backorders!

If you’ve ever needed major interior design inspiration then be sure to check out Room for Tuesday and Sarah’s shop, Tuesday Made.

Thanks again Sarah for all of your tips and insight into how you make a house a home. So looking forward to your upcoming projects!


Are you looking for a little (or a lot) of help with your own home organization? Click here and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consult and chat with me about your home organization goals or follow me on Instagram here for daily organization and minimalist-living tips.


Join My Simple Home Decluttering + Organizing Challenge

A closet in Britnee Tanner's organized home in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The older I get the more I realize that if I have someone cheering me on I’m way more likely to finish whatever project I’m working on (aka bake the cookies, get on the exercise bike or clean out my closet). Just a little support in the form of a text message or call where I can share my to-do list or goals are enough to motivate me to finish what I started.

This method of getting things accomplished also applies to the projects in our homes. Yes, even the decluttering and organizing ones! I organize homes for a living and I still love sending those before-and-afters to my sister because there is just something about good ‘ole fashioned support from someone who knows you well.

So, while I don’t know all of you, I do want to help support you in your decluttering journey! A journey that I hope you find fulfilling and enjoyable.

Today starts the January Simple Home Challenge and all month long, I’ll be sharing tips to help you simplify and organize various areas in your home. You can join the challenge on Instagram by following me here.

Share your wins, ask questions and get your organizing BFF to join with you!