Opening Thoughts

Every time I open my door, seeing the mess all over the room drives me crazy! Clothes pile up on chairs, snack wrappers and delivery boxes clutter the desk, and drawers are a jumble of small items. As someone who used to be too lazy to even match socks, I totally understand this frustration.

After years of exploration and practice, I've finally found an organization system that works well for people like us. From starting with a "junkyard" under my bed to now having a tidy space, I've learned so much along the way. Today I'll share all my insights with you.

Mindset First

When I first wanted to organize my room, I felt overwhelmed looking at all the stuff and just gave up. Back then, I thought: "I'll definitely clean my entire room spotlessly this weekend!" The result? I spent the whole weekend lying in bed on my phone, too lazy to even put away the water glass on my nightstand.

Later I realized that organizing isn't a sprint, but a marathon. Rather than trying to do everything at once, it's better to make small daily improvements. Now I set a 15-minute timer on my phone during my bedtime routine. One day I'll organize the right desk drawer, the next day the top shelf of my closet, and the day after that I'll tackle the bedside table.

This steady approach works especially well for busy people like us. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, we can feel accomplished with each small improvement. For example, the first time I organized my desk drawer, just looking at the neat arrangement of stationery made me smile for hours.

This gradual approach is particularly easy to maintain. Like watching a TV series, it's more engaging to watch episode by episode rather than binging the whole show at once. Similarly, organizing a small area each day and watching your home become tidier day by day creates an addictive sense of achievement.

The Rule of Less is More

When it comes to organization, the biggest enemy is actually hoarding. I used to love stockpiling things, wanting to buy entire stores during sales. I bought tons of skincare products that expired before I could use them, and clothes that were forgotten in the depths of my closet after just a few wears.

Later I learned an incredibly useful principle: one in, one out. Simply put, when you buy something new, you need to remove something old. This method is amazing - it not only controls the total amount of items but also makes us more rational when shopping.

Here's my own example. Last month I saw a beautiful trench coat, but thinking about the one-in-one-out rule, I started looking through my closet. I found a coat I hadn't worn in two years - slightly outdated but still in good condition. I gave it to my cousin who had always admired it. Seeing her happy wearing it made me even happier than wearing it myself.

This principle helps us develop healthier consumption habits. Whenever I want to buy something new, I ask myself: if I had to get rid of something old, what would I choose? If I can't think of anything, it probably means I don't really need the new item.

This approach is also very environmentally friendly. Instead of letting old items collect dust in corners, they can go to people who really need them. I often give clothes I rarely wear to friends and family or donate them to charity. Sometimes when friends visit and like something I have, I'll give it to them directly. This keeps my home tidy while spreading kindness - why not?

Space Magic

When it comes to storage space, many people's first reaction is "my home is too small, there's no way to fit everything." But the issue isn't actually about space size, it's about whether we're truly utilizing every inch of space. Vertical space, in particular, is often overlooked. With a little creativity, many "impossibles" can become "possible."

Take my kitchen for example. I used to stack pots horizontally in the cabinet, and had to remove everything on top whenever I needed one at the bottom - it was quite a workout. Later I bought a simple divider on Taobao to store the pots vertically, and suddenly the space felt twice as big! Plus it's super convenient - I can just pull out whichever pot I need without moving the others.

Bathroom storage was also a big challenge. With all the skincare products, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies, it can get overwhelming. My solution was to fully utilize wall space. I installed a shelf behind the toilet for toilet paper and cleaning supplies, added a simple shelf above the sink for frequently used skincare items, and hung a small basket in the shower for body wash and shampoo. Just like that, the formerly cluttered bathroom became neat and organized.

Closet organization also has its tricks. I now sort clothes by season, keeping current season items in easily accessible spots and storing off-season items on upper or lower shelves. I highly recommend using storage boxes to keep similar items together neatly. For example, I use compartmented boxes for underwear and socks - this makes them easy to find while keeping everything tidy.

The space under the bed is also a treasure trove. I bought several storage boxes with wheels, perfect for storing seasonal clothes and less frequently used items. They're easy to pull out when needed and push back when done - practical without taking up living space.

Desk organization can be interesting too. I put a storage rack under my monitor, which not only raises it to protect my neck but also creates space underneath for stationery and documents. I also use a storage pad under my keyboard and mouse where I can keep frequently used items like sticky notes and staplers.

Creative Tips

Sometimes a flash of inspiration can make organization really fun. Once while drinking a beverage, I noticed the pull tab on the can looked just like a clothes hanger hook. I tried attaching it to a hanger, and it worked amazingly well! Now my closet is full of these "double-layer" hangers, doubling the capacity while saving space.

Another organization hack I recently discovered is using toilet paper rolls. Home electrical cords and data cables always got tangled together, making them hard to find. Now I wrap these cords around toilet paper rolls and label them with a marker, like "phone charger" or "camera cable." This not only prevents tangling but also makes them easy to find.

Shoe boxes are also great. I used to throw them away, but later realized they're natural storage boxes. Now I cover them with nice wrapping paper and use them to store various small items. One box is dedicated to chargers and power strips, another for receipts and manuals, and another for spare batteries and remotes.

Old jewelry boxes can also be put to good use. I converted them into desk organizers, with different compartments for paper clips, staples, rubber bands, and other small items. Everything has its place, so I never have to worry about finding things anymore.

Another really useful trick is using hooks. I've attached many 3M hooks on the back of doors and inside closets to hang bags, hats, and scarves - items that shouldn't be folded. This not only utilizes otherwise ignored spaces but also helps items maintain their shape.

Magnets are great organization helpers too. I installed a magnetic board next to my vanity specifically for makeup tools. Metal items like eyelash curlers and tweezers stick right to it, saving space while keeping everything easily accessible.

Ongoing Maintenance

Honestly, getting your home organized isn't the hard part - maintaining that organization is. At first, I would organize everything perfectly, only to have it become a mess again in a few days. Later I realized that maintaining tidiness is all about developing habits.

Now I spend 10 minutes before bed doing a quick cleanup. I fold and put away worn clothes, return used items to their places, and throw out trash. It might feel tedious at first, but after a while, it becomes natural. Plus, waking up to a tidy room the next morning really improves your mood.

I've also adopted a "put it back immediately" rule. For example, I return scissors to their spot right after using them instead of leaving them out; books go back to the shelf immediately after reading instead of piling up by the bed. While this might take a few extra seconds in the moment, it saves time in the long run by avoiding the need for major cleanup sessions.

On weekends, I do a more thorough organization. I reorganize the closet and check for laundry; tidy up the desk and sort through documents; clean out the fridge and check for expiring food. This helps catch problems early and prevents items from accumulating.

Final Reflections

Through these years of exploration and practice, I've truly understood the importance of organization. It's not just about making your home neat - it's a reflection of your attitude toward life.

When your living space is in order, you'll find everything becomes more efficient. No more anxiety about not finding things, no more stress about cluttered environments - your whole mood becomes lighter and happier.

Moreover, during the organization process, we're constantly examining our lives. What do we really need? What can we let go of? What lifestyle suits us best? This process helps us better understand ourselves and build healthier living habits.

I remember when I first started organizing, I always struggled with deciding whether to throw things away. Eventually, I understood that rather than keeping unnecessary items around, it's better to let them go to people who really need them. This mindset made me more decisive in organizing and more appreciative of what truly matters.

Organization is like having a dialogue with your life. Each time you organize, you're re-examining your lifestyle, thinking about what you really need and what you can let go of. Through this process, we not only improve our living environment but also make our lives simpler and more meaningful.

What do you think about these organization tips? Feel free to share your organization insights in the comments. If you have any particular organization challenges, let me know, and we can discuss solutions together. After all, everyone's living environment and habits are different - finding what works best for you is what matters most.