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These Genius Organizing Tricks Can Cut Down On Clutter Fast

By Daniel Cobb
organizing tricks cut clutter stylish middle aged mother with tattoos sorts out shoes in hallway at home

Natalia Lebedinskaia//Getty Images

doesn't have to take the entire weekend. A few simple swaps can make it easier to keep your home clutter-free, no marathon organizing sessions needed. We've collected our favorite organizing tricks to cut clutter all in one place. These creative hacks just might inspire you to see your space differently. Soon, you'll be thinking about all the different spots around your home where you might add hooks, shelves, containers, or baskets to corral everything.

Of course, the easiest way to cut down on clutter is to minimize the amount of stuff you have to store in your home. Our team has tested just about every decluttering method there is: The , the , and the are just a few of our favorites. Before diving into these home organizing ideas, we recommend decluttering using whatever strategy works best for you. You might be surprised at how much more space you have to work with once you've gotten rid of some non-essential items.

Below, you'll find clever organizing tricks you can put to use all over your home, from the to the.

1

Install Open Shelving

modern bathroom setup featuring a mirror sink and decorative elements

A Beautiful Mess

If your bathroom doesn't have under-the-sink storage or a mirror that opens up, you might have to get a bit more creative. Installing shelves on the wall is an easy way to improve your space's functionality while keeping everything organized.

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2

Store LEGOs in Bins

storage organization for small toys and building blocks

Almost Makes Perfect

Let's face it: LEGOs are not the easiest toy to contain. With tons of small pieces, it can be pretty challenging to find a place to keep them all. This blogger uses drawers with dividers to store her kids' LEGOs. That way, they're out of sight when not in use.

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Use Stackable Containers

organized food storage in a refrigerator

For The Home

Although what's in your refrigerator isn't often visible, there's nothing worse than precariously stacking different boxes or snacks and having to search for what you want. Instead, opt for clear containers of the same shape and size so they can be easily stacked. You'll thank yourself later when it's time for dinner.

4

Label, Label, Label

storage jars containing laundry supplies and clothes pins

Alice & Lois

Sure, you might know what's in a container just by looking at it. But labeling each jar creates a cohesive look for all your belongings, whether it's laundry supplies, snacks or toiletries.

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Take Advantage of All Available Space

bathroom interior with a sink mirror and shelves of toiletries

Style by Emily Henderson

Sometimes the built-in storage we already have just isn't enough. If that's the case, find storage solutions in unique places like this blogger does here with her bathroom's window indent. She makes room for toiletries while still ensuring that her space gets some natural light.

6

Use a Card Catalog as a Wine Holder

wine organization drawer

Abby Murphy

A bottle of wine fits perfectly into a drawer of an old card catalog. Drawers without wine offer a perfect spot to stash birthday and other holiday cards.

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Hide a Hamper

basket in bedroom

Jonny Valiant

Place a basket underneath an open bedside table to create an undercover drop spot for laundry or throw pillows.

8

Rethink Bag Organization

organized kitchen drawer containing food storage bags and wraps

Brepurposed

Constantly searching for the tinfoil or sandwich bags? Rethink the way you organize these kitchen staples with a dedicated labeled drawer that fits them all in one place.

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Create a Toy Dresser

storage drawers filled with various childrens toys and activity items

Blooming Nest

Toy storage is not easy. But if you take the time to create one space for everything, it can be a bit simpler to contain. This blogger uses one full dresser just for toys. Not only does it help keep the space uncluttered, it's also easy for kids to grab whatever they want.

10

Invest in a Spice Jar Set

organized spice jars in a drawer with labels

A Pretty Life In the Suburbs

It's almost impossible to neatly stack spices that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. While transferring spices from their original packaging to jars of the same size adds an extra step, it's worth while in the long run. Once all your spices look the same, you can lay them in a drawer, stack them in the cabinet or place them on a turntable for easy access.

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Hide Paper Towels

storage drawer for paper towels and trash bag

Brepurposed

Not all kitchen counters are created equally. If you have limited counter space, try hiding paper towels in an easily accessible drawer to create some more room for appliances.

12

Add Sturdy Hooks to the Mudroom

functional entryway storage with hooks and compartments

Style by Emily Henderson

Hooks aren't only for jackets and coats. With strong hooks, you can keep all your backpacks, purses and hats off the ground for good.

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Install a Shower Caddy

shower accessories including a showerhead body wash and sponges

The Crafty Blog Stalker

Without built-in shelves, your shower essentials can become difficult to organize. Try attaching a reliable shower caddy right on your shower head for convenient use.

14

Create a Basket Tower

stylish entryway with organized accessories and a plant

The Merrythought

Turn organization solutions into decor with this multi-tiered basket tower that perfect for storing all your belongings. Throw in hats, gloves, sunglasses and anything else you don't already have a place for.

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Organize by Color

craft room with colorful storage and a sewing machine

The House That Lars Built

This craft room is the ultimate example of why color-coding works so well. Try sorting your bookshelf or closet by color for a visually appealing (and organized!) look.

16

Wall Mount Your Tools

wallmounted organization of tools and equipment with a tool chest below

The Homes I Have Made

Wall mounting is a great space-saving technique, whether it be for your television, shelves or in this case, tools. It also makes everything easily visible (and therefore more accessible).

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Designate Cubbies

organized storage unit with plants and decorative items

Sugar & Cloth

The entryway or mudroom can easily become cluttered with piles of shoes, jackets and bags. Avoid that mess with designated cubbies for each family member — that way, everyone's in charge of their own belongings.

18

Divide Closet Shelves

organized closet displaying neatly folded clothes a hanging garment and storage baskets

Studio DIY

Complete closet organization is definitely a challenge. But making sure you're using your space to the fullest is one of the most important parts. This blogger uses vertical dividers to fit two stacks of clothes on each shelf. The result? A more organized, uncluttered setup.

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Throw Blankets in a Basket

blanket basket

Pretty in the Pines

Easy access to blankets is essential in creating a cozy, welcoming home. But having them thrown all over the place can create a mess. Roll or fold them up in a basket by the couch so that there's less clutter and more room to sit.

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20

Or Store Them on a Ladder

interior corner featuring a plant artwork and accessories

Paper & Stitch

If a basket doesn't work for your space, try folding your blankets and letting them hang on a ladder. You can also use this trick for towels in the bathroom.

Headshot of Laura Millar

Assistant Lifestyle Editor

Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2026, she wrote for NBC's TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates. 

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