I'm a recent graduate working a regular job who used to struggle with room clutter when living with roommates. Coming home always felt exhausting, with the sight of mess everywhere giving me headaches. Finding a charger meant turning everything upside down, and I often couldn't tell clean clothes from dirty ones. After continuous exploration and learning, I finally found an organization system that works for me. Now I can use all that saved time to watch my favorite shows!
Today I'd like to share my experience with you. Whether you're renting or have bought your own place, these methods can help you easily restore order to your life. Practice has shown that when your living environment is well-organized, your entire mood becomes incredibly positive!
After years of hands-on experience, I've watched many Japanese housewife organization videos and observed various friends' storage solutions. I discovered one truth: having more storage products doesn't equal better organization - the key is proper space planning.
Take my case - I used to buy loads of storage boxes, but my place actually became messier. Later, when I started studying space planning, I gradually developed a system that works for me. Now I only need 20 minutes to tidy up daily, saving at least an hour or two compared to before!
First, I want to recommend the zone organization method. Did you know that a room shouldn't have too many functional areas, or it will look messy? I've summarized a "5-zone principle" - here's how you can plan your living room:
The rest area is where we lounge on the sofa watching shows and using our phones - this only needs some cushions and blankets. The entertainment area typically houses the TV and gaming consoles, along with commonly used peripherals. For the storage area, I use a concealed cabinet to store various items by category. The decoration area can have some plants and artwork to add style. Finally, the transition area is for foot traffic and must remain clear.
I recently renovated my place this way. Previously, clothes would pile up on the sofa, and snack bags would cover the coffee table, looking terrible. Now everything has its designated spot. A quick evening tidy-up instantly restores order to the living room. Most importantly, my family and I have developed good habits of putting things back where they belong.
This brings up a common issue that bothers many people: why do certain areas always end up cluttered?
Take my entryway - it used to be a disaster zone. Bags, coats, delivery boxes would all get dumped there, almost blocking the path. Later I realized this was due to poor traffic flow design.
After careful observation, I noticed people follow a fixed sequence when entering: put down keys, take off shoes, hang bags, change into slippers. So I created a "one-stop" design at the entrance: key hooks on the right when entering, shoe cabinet directly ahead, bag hooks above the shoe cabinet, and a slipper rack next to it. Now, every action after coming home flows smoothly, and things no longer end up scattered everywhere.
The same applies to bedrooms. Many people's nightstands become cluttered because it's a necessary stop before bed. Rather than letting it become a catch-all spot, better to plan it well. My nightstand now only holds essentials: a small lamp, a charging station, and a small tray for nighttime skincare items - nothing else allowed.
Kitchen traffic flow optimization is also crucial. I used to be all over the place while cooking, unable to find things and often spilling seasonings. Later I reorganized based on frequency of use: most-used seasonings on the first shelf by the stove, less-used ones on the second shelf. The cutting area, prep area, and cooking area form a triangle, eliminating the need to run back and forth while cooking.
Honestly, when I first tried minimalism, I was very reluctant to let go. Those things that "might be useful someday" and those "it's a waste to throw away since I bought them" - I wanted to keep them all. But guess what? Of the 8 bags of stuff I threw out during my first major cleanup, I can't even remember what was in them now, let alone regret it.
This taught me something: we actually need far less than we imagine. Many things are kept for inexplicable reasons. Now before keeping anything, I ask myself three questions:
The first question is whether I've used it in the past year. If not, what's the point of keeping it? Even if it might be useful in the future, is it worth occupying limited space for this "possibility"?
The second question is whether there are alternatives. Sometimes we keep several items with similar functions - like how I used to hoard several thermal bottles. But thinking carefully, do we really need so many? Keeping one or two most-used ones is enough.
The third question is whether this item is truly precious. Often we keep things because they're gifts or have special meaning, but if they're just taking up space without being useful, what's the point of keeping them?
Through these three screening questions, I got rid of about half my belongings. Now my home is more spacious, finding things is easier, and I feel much lighter overall.
When it comes to storage, we must discuss choosing storage containers. Supermarkets and online stores have all kinds of storage products, but expensive doesn't mean better - the key is choosing right. After long practice, I've identified three most practical storage solutions.
The first type is transparent storage boxes. These are my absolute favorites! Why choose transparent ones? Because you can see what's inside at a glance, without having to open them to check. I have over twenty transparent storage boxes of various sizes at home, used for all sorts of things.
One in the wardrobe specifically for seasonal clothes. One on the desk for stationery and cables. One on the vanity too, so skincare and makeup products don't scatter everywhere. My most-used size is 30×20×15 centimeters, which is just right for most daily items.
The second type is drawer-style storage baskets. These baskets are perfect for organizing small items inside cabinets. For instance, I have several in my bathroom cabinet, separately storing skincare products, cosmetics, hair accessories, etc. Each basket is labeled, making everything easy to find.
The bathroom has lots of skincare products, which used to be jumbled together, making it hard to find what I wanted. Now I use storage baskets to categorize everything - one for face masks, one for lotions and creams, one for sunscreen - just pull out what you need, super convenient.
The third type is hanging storage bags. These are incredibly useful! Behind doors, in wardrobes, beside desks - they can be hung anywhere there's vertical space. I have several storage bags hanging behind my wardrobe door for socks, underwear, scarves, and other small clothing items. This not only saves drawer space but also makes these small items easier to find.
Just using these storage bags has increased my storage space by about half. And because they're hanging, items are very accessible - no more rummaging through drawers.
Many friends ask me: why is your home always so clean and tidy? The secret is simple - consistent immediate processing.
This method is easier said than done. At first, I often forgot too. Used cups would stay on the coffee table, worn clothes would be thrown on chairs, used cotton pads would be left on the sink... When it came time to clean up, there would be things needing attention everywhere.
Later I made a rule for myself: used items must be put away immediately, and garbage must be thrown away right away. It took conscious effort at first, but after about three weeks, these actions became natural habits.
Now when I finish drinking water, my first reaction is to wash the cup and put it back on the rack; after using skincare products, I immediately return the bottles to their storage box; after applying makeup, I put the cosmetics away right away. These actions might seem small, but they add up to save quite a bit of time.
I also have a small habit of doing a 10-minute "room patrol" before bed. Starting from the entrance, I go clockwise through each room. Anything out of place gets put back, any garbage gets thrown away. This way I wake up to a clean and tidy home the next day, which really improves my mood.
Even with good daily maintenance, regular deep cleaning is necessary. I now mark quarterly deep cleaning dates on my calendar and treat them as seriously as important appointments.
Spring cleaning focuses on seasonal clothing. Winter clothes are washed and stored away, while spring clothes are taken out to air in the sun. This is also when I clean out the shoe cabinet, storing off-season shoes in boxes.
Summer cleaning emphasizes appliance maintenance. Fans and air conditioners need thorough cleaning, and various electronic devices need dusting.
Fall cleaning means preparing for another season change. Summer clothes are stored away, fall clothes come out, and it's time to check for any garments needing washing or repair.
Winter cleaning is usually the most thorough. Taking advantage of year-end, every corner of the house gets a complete cleanup - throwing out what needs to go, storing what needs keeping, welcoming the new year.
Regular organization has many benefits. First, it keeps the home consistently clean without blind spots. Second, it helps catch problems early, like furniture damage or expired items. Most importantly, regular organization helps us better understand what we have, what we need, and what we don't need.
I've found that since starting regular organization, my work efficiency has improved. Maybe it's because a more orderly living environment improves mood too. I used to always be unable to find things, rushing out the door, but now I can start each day calmly.
Creating a tidy home isn't difficult - the key is developing good living habits. As I often tell friends: storage and organization isn't a one-time task but a lifestyle. When you truly turn these methods into habits, you'll find life becomes much easier.
A clean environment not only improves our mood but also makes life more efficient. Imagine coming home to a clean and tidy space every day, not worrying about finding things or dealing with mess - isn't that wonderful?
Finally, I want to say that life needs ritual, and a tidy home is the best ritual. It can make our lives more refined and help us enjoy every moment more. Let's work together to create a better living environment!
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