7 Year-Round Habits for a Neat and Calm Space

A clutter-free and calm home doesn’t just appear overnight. It takes consistent habits and smart practices to create an environment that feels both functional and serene. Whether it’s keeping the kitchen counter clear or cultivating mindful cleaning routines, these year-round habits for a neat and calm space will help you maintain order and tranquility in your home.

1. Create “Homes” for Everything

Designate a spot for every item in your home to enhance organization. Knowing where keys, wallets, reusable bags, and sports equipment belong prevents clutter. Consider labeling bins or baskets for easy item return.

This is especially useful in shared spaces like entryways and kitchens, fostering responsibility and consistency among family members. Regularly review and update these spots to adjust for new items or household changes.

2. Make a Decluttering Routine

Dedicate 10 minutes daily to declutter a specific area in your home or workspace. Instead of waiting for spring cleaning or letting clutter accumulate, this habit helps keep your environment organized year-round.

Start with smaller spaces like a drawer, closet shelf, or desk, and as you adjust, gradually tackle larger areas to ensure every corner is clean and inviting.

3. Limit What Comes Into the House

Adopt intentional shopping habits by considering your purchases before making them. Ask if you genuinely need that extra kitchen gadget, such as a specialized peeler, or a decorative item, like an ornate vase.

Evaluating the necessity of these items saves money and reduces the volume of items that need organizing and maintenance, leading to a more streamlined, clutter-free environment.

4. Optimize Vertical and Hidden Storage

Use wall-mounted shelves and hooks to maximize often-overlooked vertical space. Consider underutilized areas like the back of doors and beneath beds for hidden storage. Incorporate decorative bins or baskets on these shelves and hooks to keep your belongings organized and enhance your room's aesthetics. This change maximizes space and maintains a serene, uncluttered appearance for a more peaceful environment.

5. Tidy as You Go

Develop a habit of returning items to their designated spots immediately after use. For example, place your shoes on the rack when you come in, or fold blankets after lounging on the couch.

By tidying up during daily activities—like putting away kitchen utensils after cooking or organizing books after reading—you can reduce the need for major cleaning sessions later. This strategy keeps your space organized and creates a more inviting environment.

6. Stick to a Cleaning Schedule

Consistency is key to a tidy home. Create a cleaning schedule—weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—that fits your household's routines. To ease the process, divide chores into daily tasks.

For instance, assign specific days for vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing the bathroom. This method boosts productivity and makes chores manageable, allowing everyone to help without feeling overwhelmed.

7. Weatherproof Your Home for Every Season

From insulating doors in the winter to setting up dehumidifiers in the summer, weatherproofing your home ensures comfort and longevity for your living space. This proactive habit prevents potential damage related to extreme weather conditions and helps maintain an organized, welcoming atmosphere year-round.

Equip yourself with smart tips, such as using weather stripping and strategically placing fans, to enhance your weatherproofing efforts and maximize energy efficiency.

A Calmer Space Awaits

By incorporating these year-round habits for a neat and calm space into your daily life, you’ll create an environment that is not only functional but also soothing. Need help achieving your dream space? Start small, stay consistent, and watch your space transform into a haven of peace and organization.

Why You Shouldn’t Organize Like a Minimalist if You’re Not One

Minimalism has become a popular organizing trend, often touted as the key to a stress-free and clutter-free life. But there’s an important question to consider: why you shouldn’t organize like a minimalist if you’re not one. Well, the minimalist approach emphasizes simplicity and the elimination of unnecessary things. However, it might not fit everyone's lifestyle. People with different priorities, values, or attachments to their possessions may find this method frustrating or unrealistic. Therefore, this piece explores how organizing like a minimalist can be counterproductive for those who thrive on variety or need more space for practicality or sentimental value.

Understanding Minimalist Organizing

Also, minimalist organizing revolves around simplicity and reducing clutter to create a more focused environment. It encourages people to keep only what is necessary or valuable, eliminating distractions. For some, an easy interior design is about creating a space that reflects personality and offers functionality. So, instead of focusing solely on simplicity, they may prioritize comfort, versatility, and practicality. These individuals often want their homes to serve multiple purposes and to feel lived-in. Minimalism can feel restrictive, especially if one values variety or sentimental objects. Understanding different organizing preferences can help identify the best approach for any lifestyle.

The Fundamental Conflict for Non-Minimalists

Minimalist organizing works best for those who prefer a simple, decluttered space. Still, it doesn’t fit everyone. Some people cherish their possessions for practical or emotional reasons. For them, holding on to items creates a sense of comfort. It may be family heirlooms, collectibles, or things tied to special memories. Organizing is not just about removing items but also about arranging things in a way that suits individual needs. A system that prioritizes simplicity can overlook the personal value people place on their belongings. When minimalism clashes with personal values, it can cause frustration instead of creating a more organized and functional space.

Different Organizational Needs for Different People

Organizing needs vary greatly from person to person. Some prefer a minimalist approach, while others need more space to keep things that matter. For families, hobbies, or work items, residential storage solutions are key to staying organized. These solutions provide a safe place for your belongings, allowing easy access without overwhelming your space. Shelves, cabinets, and storage bins help separate and store different categories of belongings.

People may also need to store seasonal items, sports equipment, or paperwork that doesn’t fit into a minimalist design. These practical solutions make life easier while keeping the home functional. By tailoring the organizing method to suit personal preferences, it’s possible to achieve an organized home without compromising on comfort.

Emotional Connections and Overwhelm

Many people have emotional connections to their belongings. For them, decluttering can be overwhelming and stressful. Here's why you shouldn't organize like a minimalist:

• Sentimental Value: Some items hold personal meaning, like gifts or family heirlooms.

• Functionality: Items like kitchenware, tools, or even books are necessary for daily life.

• Guilt: Removing possessions that hold sentimental value can create feelings of guilt or loss.

• Stress: Trying to adhere to minimalism can make the process feel like a chore, not a solution.

By respecting emotional connections and practical needs, organizing becomes a positive experience instead of a stressful one. Tailor your method to what feels comfortable, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.

Minimalism Doesn’t Always Consider Practicality

Minimalist organizing often overlooks practicality. People need extra storage for daily essentials, like work tools, seasonal clothes, or sports equipment. In eco-friendly homes, sustainability plays a big role in how people store their items. A minimalist approach may ignore the importance of storage solutions that balance both eco-friendliness and functionality. For example, using recycled or repurposed materials for storage can reduce waste without sacrificing space. People also need room for hobbies or interests, like crafting or gardening. By focusing only on decluttering, minimalist systems may miss the mark on organizing in a way that is truly practical for individual lifestyles. Finding a system that meets personal needs is essential for long-term organization.

Why You Shouldn’t Organize Like a Minimalist: The Downsides of Strict Minimalist Approaches

Adopting a minimalist organizing style can cause problems, especially when it doesn’t fit personal preferences. Here’s why it may not be ideal:

• Guilt: Constantly discarding items can make people feel like they’re failing to hold on to what matters.

• Emotional Stress: Letting go of sentimental belongings might create unnecessary emotional strain and regret.

• Environmental Impact: Frequently purging items can contribute to waste, contradicting sustainable living goals.

• Unrealistic Expectations: Minimalism often sets an ideal that’s difficult to maintain, leading to frustration and stress.

So, instead of focusing solely on minimalism, consider organizing methods that accommodate both emotional value and practicality. Balancing decluttering with sustainability can result in a more manageable, guilt-free approach.

Alternative Organizing Approaches

Also, instead of adhering strictly to minimalist principles, consider other organizing methods that better suit your lifestyle. Some people prefer organizing by function, grouping items based on how often they are used. Others focus on creating a space that reflects personal style and needs. If sustainability matters to you, you might practice sustainability with your furniture choices. Recycled or second-hand pieces can add character while reducing waste. Another option is mindful organizing, where you keep items that bring joy or serve a clear purpose. Again, tailoring your organizing system to your preferences makes it easier to maintain, and it ensures your space is both functional and comfortable. Organizing should reflect your needs and values, not a set standard.

Finding the Right Organization Method for You

In the end, it’s clear why you shouldn’t organize like a minimalist if you don’t naturally embrace the minimalist mindset. Not every home or lifestyle benefits from extreme simplification, and there are many ways to stay organized without adhering strictly to minimalist principles. Instead of following a one-size-fits-all approach, it's better to find a system that aligns with personal needs and preferences. With that said, organization should bring peace of mind and functionality, not stress or guilt. So, choosing the right method allows for a more balanced and sustainable way to manage possessions and living spaces.

Car Organization Guide

A well-organized car can make daily commutes, road trips and errands significantly more enjoyable and stress-free. Just as homeowners strive to keep their living spaces neat and efficient, applying the same principles to their vehicles can enhance functionality and convenience. This guide provides practical strategies for decluttering, organizing essential items and maintaining a tidy vehicle, helping homeowners transform their cars into organized extensions of their homes. 

Decluttering Your Car 

The first step to an organized vehicle is decluttering. Over time, unnecessary items accumulate in cars, taking up valuable space and creating chaos. Start by removing all trash, such as food wrappers, receipts and empty water bottles. Next, take out any non-essential items that do not belong in the car, such as clothing, shoes and random household objects. 

Organizing Essential Items 

Once the unnecessary items are removed, it's time to categorize and organize the essentials. Every car should have designated areas for key items to prevent them from becoming misplaced or creating clutter. Consider using the following organization strategies: 

1. Glove Compartment — Keep only essential documents such as the vehicle registration, insurance papers, and owner's manual. A small pouch or organizer can help keep these papers neat and easily accessible. 

2. Center Console — Use this space for frequently used items like sunglasses, charging cables, and hand sanitizer. Small storage trays or dividers can prevent items from shifting while driving. 

3. Trunk Storage — Invest in a trunk organizer to store emergency supplies, grocery bags and car maintenance tools like jumper cables and tire inflators. Collapsible bins or storage cubes can help keep things tidy and prevent items from rolling around. 

4. Seatback Organizers — Hanging organizers behind the front seats are ideal for holding items like tablets, tissues, water bottles and kids’ toys. This keeps necessities within reach without cluttering the floor or seats. 

5. Under-Seat Storage — Utilize the space beneath the seats for storing first aid kits, travel blankets or extra shoes. Slim storage bins can slide under the seats for easy access. 

6. Door Pockets and Cup Holders — Maximize small spaces by using them for easy-to-reach essentials, such as snacks, wipes or spare change. Keeping these areas organized will prevent clutter from accumulating in high-touch areas of the car. 

Maintaining a Tidy Vehicle 

Once your car is organized, maintaining its cleanliness and efficiency requires consistency. Implement a routine to keep clutter and messes under control: 

• Weekly Cleanouts — Set aside time each week to remove trash and unnecessary items. A small trash bin or disposable bag in the car can make this process easier. 

• Monthly Deep Cleans — Wipe down surfaces, vacuum carpets and wash windows to keep the interior looking fresh. 

• Use Car-Specific Organizers — Invest in organizers that fit your vehicle’s dimensions and storage needs to ensure items remain in their designated spots. 

• Adopt the One-In, One-Out Rule — When bringing new items into the car, remove an old or unnecessary item to prevent clutter from building up again. 

• Encourage Passengers to Help — If you frequently have passengers, ask them to take their belongings and trash with them when they exit the vehicle. This small habit can prevent buildup over time. 

If your current vehicle lacks the necessary organizational space, you might consider searching for a more suitable option at public car auctions, where a variety of vehicles with nearly every storage configuration can be found. 

By following these simple yet effective strategies, drivers can turn their vehicles into functional and organized spaces. Whether used for daily commutes, long trips, or running errands, an efficiently organized car enhances the driving experience and reduces unnecessary stress. Implementing these tips will ensure that your car remains an extension of your home — clean, practical and always ready for the road ahead. 

Author bio: Reid Zaritsky is Senior Vice President of Capital Auto Auction, a family-run business since 1988 that focuses on finding the right vehicles for families of all sizes. Zaritsky has been with the company since 2009, and has a background in science and engineering. 

Signs You Could Benefit From a Pegboard in Your Garage

Garages: they’re a convenient and necessary part of our homes, but unfortunately, they can often become cluttered and disorganized. Are you tossing your gardening tools here and there, stacking up boxes of holiday decorations, and letting old sports equipment pile up in the corner? It’s easy to see how quickly a garage can become a mess.

One simple solution to this issue is installing a pegboard in your garage. Here are some signs you could benefit from this affordable, space-saving, and efficient organizational tool.

What’s a Pegboard?

A pegboard is a large, flat panel made of wood, metal, or plastic with evenly spaced holes drilled throughout it. These panels come with various sizes and shapes of hooks that fit into the holes. This allows you to easily hang and organize your tools, sports equipment, and other items on the pegboard.

Signs You Could Benefit From a Pegboard

If you’re still on the fence about whether a pegboard is right for your garage, here are some signs you could benefit from one.

Your Tools Are Scattered and Hard To Find

If you often find yourself searching through piles of tools in your garage, desperately trying to locate the one you need, then a pegboard can save you time and frustration. You can organize your tools on a pegboard so they’re easily visible and accessible.

Your Garage Floor Space Is Limited

If you use your garage to store more than your car, then chances are you don’t have a lot of floor space, and what you do have is cluttered. A pegboard can help you take advantage of vertical space by hanging items on the wall instead of stacking them on the floor.

You Have a Lot of Small, Loose Items

Do you have a collection of screws, nuts, bolts, and other small items you can never seem to keep track of? A pegboard is the perfect solution for keeping these items organized and in one place. You can use tiny containers to store these items on the pegboard.

Your Garage Feels Cluttered

If you feel like your garage is constantly cluttered and overwhelming, a pegboard can help create a sense of order and organization. By hanging up your tools, sports equipment, and other items on the pegboard, you’ll free up valuable floor space and create a more open, organized environment.

Your Current Organization System Isn’t Working

Maybe you’ve tried various storage bins and shelving units, but nothing seems to keep your garage organized for long. A pegboard offers versatility and flexibility that allows you to rearrange and customize your storage as necessary.

If your garage isn’t working for you and is in need of some organization, consider installing a pegboard. It’s an affordable, practical solution that can help you reclaim your garage. Use it to hang your tools, store small items, and create a clutter-free space you can actually use.