In today’s busy world, the last thing you want to waste time on is searching for lost items, digging through clutter, or trying to remember where you put things. A well-organised home with the right organising products doesn’t just look good, it saves you valuable time and reduces daily stress.
The secret to maintaining an organised space is simple: label, store, repeat. With the right organising products and systems, you can streamline routines, create order, and keep everything in its place without constant effort.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best time-saving organising products and share practical tips for making them work in every area of your home.
Why Labels and Storage Are Essential
Organisation isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about efficiency. Labels and storage solutions give everything a “home,” making it easier to maintain order and preventing clutter from creeping back in.
Here’s why they’re essential:
- Saves Time: No more searching through drawers or cupboards for missing items.
- Reduces Stress: A clear system lowers mental load, especially in busy households.
- Encourages Consistency: Everyone in the home knows where things belong.
- Maximises Space: Storage products keep items neat and compact.
- Improves Aesthetic: Coordinated containers and clear labelling make even everyday items look stylish.
Think of storage as an investment in peace of mind. Every minute you save hunting for lost keys or misplaced paperwork adds up over the course of a week, month, or year.
Step 1: Start with Labels
Image source: Little Label Co
Labels are the cornerstone of any good organising system. They eliminate guesswork, make tidying up faster, and encourage the whole household to stick to the system.
Types of Labels to Try:
- Label Maker Labels: Crisp, professional-looking labels that are easy to update.
- Chalkboard Labels: Great for items that change contents often, like pantry jars.
- Picture Labels: Ideal for kids’ rooms so even non-readers can follow along.
- Colour-Coded Labels: Perfect for shared spaces, assign a colour to each family member.
Pro Tip: Label both the container and the shelf where it belongs for double clarity.
Labels aren’t just for storage bins, try them on drawers, shelves, toy boxes, and even inside the fridge. Once in place, they act like silent reminders that guide everyone in the home to put things back where they belong.
Step 2: Invest in Clear Containers
Clear storage containers let you see exactly what you have without rummaging, saving you time and effort. They’re particularly useful in pantries, bathrooms, and craft rooms.
Best Uses for Clear Containers:
- Pantry Items: Store dry goods like pasta, rice, and cereals.
- Craft Supplies: Sort beads, paints, and tools for easy access.
- Bathroom Products: Keep cotton pads, hair ties, and skincare neat.
- Kids’ Toys: Use labelled tubs so clean-up is quick and easy.
Pro Tip: Choose stackable containers to make the most of vertical space on shelves.
Image source: Big W
A pantry filled with matching, labelled containers not only look beautiful but also ensures you can do a quick stocktake before grocery shopping. No more double-buying rice or forgetting you already have a pack of spaghetti tucked away!
Step 3: Use Drawer Dividers for Everyday Items
Drawers are notorious for becoming messy catch-alls. Drawer dividers instantly transform chaotic drawers into neat, easy-to-navigate spaces.
Where to Use Them:
- Kitchen Drawers: Separate utensils, cutlery, and gadgets.
- Bedroom Dressers: Keep socks, underwear, and accessories tidy.
- Bathroom Vanities: Store makeup, skincare, and hair accessories.
- Home Office Drawers: Organise pens, paperclips, and cords.
Pro Tip: Measure your drawers before purchasing dividers to ensure the perfect fit.
A drawer without dividers often becomes a jumble within days, but once divided, everything has its place. It’s the difference between pulling out a perfectly folded pair of socks versus rummaging through mismatched chaos every morning.
Step 4: Baskets and Bins for Bulk Storage
Baskets and bins are stylish, versatile, and practical for larger storage needs. They hide clutter while keeping items grouped together for easy access.
Best Areas to Use Baskets and Bins:
- Living Room: Store blankets, magazines, and remote controls.
- Kids’ Rooms: Perfect for toys, books, and dress-ups.
- Wardrobes: Contain handbags, belts, or seasonal clothes.
- Laundry Room: Sort dirty clothes, cleaning supplies, or linens.
Pro Tip: Choose neutral or woven baskets for a timeless look that blends with your décor.
Baskets don’t just tidy, they decorate. A simple woven basket filled with rolled-up throws beside the sofa makes your living room look curated and cosy while still being functional.
Step 5: Cord and Cable Organisers
Cords and cables can quickly turn into a tangled mess, especially in home offices or near entertainment units. Cord organisers keep everything neat and prevent frustration when unplugging or recharging devices.
Popular Options:
- Cord Clips: Stick to desks or walls to hold charging cords in place.
- Cable Boxes: Hide bulky power boards and keep cables dust-free.
- Velcro Straps: Bundle excess cord length behind desks or TVs.
Pro Tip: Label each cord at the plug end so you instantly know which one belongs to which device.
Neatly organised cords not only look better but also make cleaning easier. No more dust bunnies hiding in cable tangles!
Step 6: Labelled Storage Boxes with Lids
For items you don’t use daily but still need to keep, labelled boxes with lids are perfect. They stack easily and keep dust at bay.
Best Uses:
- Seasonal Clothing: Store winter coats in summer and swap when the seasons change.
- Holiday Decor: Keep Christmas or Easter decorations neat and easy to find.
- Sentimental Items: Protect photos, keepsakes, and memorabilia.
- Kids’ Outgrown Clothes: Save items for younger siblings or donation.
Pro Tip: Use uniform boxes for a clean look and stack them vertically to save space.
These boxes act like a mini archive for your home. Instead of clutter piling up in corners, you’ll have a neat, labelled “library” of storage.
Step 7: Wall-Mounted Organisers
Image source: IKEA
When floor and shelf space is limited, turn to your walls. Wall-mounted organisers free up valuable real estate while keeping essentials at arm’s reach.
Ideas for Wall Storage:
- Hooks and Peg Rails: Hang bags, scarves, or hats in the entryway.
- Floating Shelves: Display decor or store books without taking up floor space.
- Magnetic Strips: Hold knives, craft scissors, or even spice jars.
- Whiteboards and Pinboards: Perfect for family schedules, shopping lists, and reminders.
Pro Tip: Match the finish of your wall organisers to your home’s style for a seamless look.
Even a small entryway can become functional with a row of hooks and a floating shelf. This prevents the dreaded “dumping ground” effect when you walk through the door.
Step 8: Establish the “Label, Store, Repeat” Routine
Organisation isn’t a one-time project, it’s a routine. Once you’ve set up your labelled storage systems, the key is consistency.
How to Maintain Your System:
- Do a quick tidy each evening, returning items to their labelled spots.
- Reassess storage every season to ensure it still works for your lifestyle.
- Teach the whole family to follow the system so you’re not doing it all alone.
Pro Tip: Keep a small stash of extra labels on hand, you’ll always have them ready when adding new storage bins or containers.
Think of organisation as a cycle. Once you’ve established “label, store, repeat,” maintaining it becomes second nature. Over time, you’ll notice you spend less time tidying and more time enjoying your space.
From Chaos To Comfort
With the right products and systems, keeping your home organised doesn’t have to be complicated. The simple formula of label, store, and repeat can save you hours each week and help your home run smoothly.
From clear containers to drawer dividers and wall-mounted solutions, there are endless ways to make your space more efficient and stress-free. Whether you’re managing a busy family household or simply trying to simplify your own routines, these tools and habits will keep clutter at bay.
Ready to create a home that works for you? Book your free consultation with Ducks in a Row Home Organisation and discover how we can transform your space into one that’s organised, beautiful, and easy to maintain.
