New Year’s resolutions are famous for falling into one of two categories: fitness or organization. And for most the struggle is real in both areas. But it doesn’t have to be when you have a plan and some great resources. I’m not a fitness guru, so I’m here to help you out with the organization aspect of your life in 2023. I’ve scoured my designer resources and came up with 10 cute and unique pieces that will help keep your home clutter-free. So take a deep breath and let’s organize!
Tips to Keep in Mind
First, it’s important to have a bit of a plan and not just dive in. The lack of a plan may land you with stacks of cute containers and nowhere to put them. Which then equals overwhelm, which equals inactivity, which puts us back at square one. Instead, follow some of these tips to start and stay on the right path.
Tips from me:
- Start small. Don’t set yourself the task of organizing a whole room right from the get-go. Instead, pick a corner or a messy shelf, cull through what’s there, and then decide what type of organization furniture or accessories would best serve the items you’re keeping.
- Hide storage in plain sight. If you’re in the market for a side table, make sure the ones you’re looking at also have the storage you’ll need for that room and the daily activities you enjoy there. Really utilize the furniture and space you have and don’t be afraid to integrate the storage space right into your everyday furniture needs. Storage and organization doesn’t necessarily mean it’s out sight completely.
- Donate. A huge part of decluttering is getting rid of things. It’s a tough step but an unavoidable one. I highly suggest donating items to an organization that will repurpose them in order to soften the blow of getting rid of items around the house. I love New Life Furniture Bank for donated furniture, but they will also take other decor. Find a local charity and be honest with yourself about what you need in your home.
Tips from Architectural Digest:
- Stagger Shelves. “Staggered shelving units are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also allow you to play with height, which in turn provides more storage space for taller and more sculptural items.”
- Designate a play space. “Creating a specific playroom for the little ones is a great way to consolidate the inevitable mess of toys in an extra space.”
- Use a bookcase for more than books. “A tale as old as time but, hey, it really does work. Add jars and trays to the shelves for maximum organization.”
YDP Organization Picks
Jesse Wicker Storage Coffee Table
Hidden in plain sight, just how we like it. An easy way to add a bit more storage while also adding a valuable piece of furniture is the multi-purpose storage ottoman or coffee table. I really like the Jesse Wicker Storage Coffee Table for more casual spaces, but there are so many options out there that it’s easy to find something to your taste. Plus, pieces like the Jesse Wicker Storage Table and the Amelia Tufted Storage Ottoman are useful beyond the living room; storage ottomans and coffee tables also work in bedrooms and playrooms as an alternative to the larger storage bench.
Percy Storage Bench
Just, yes. I love love love this storage bench because of its pull-out drawers that make storing shoes incredibly easy and super cute! There’s also the cushioned bench top and natural wood that helps the Percy Storage Bench blend right into your entryway, mudroom, laundry room, or even your bedroom. There are some other bench options out there too, like the Brisbane Storage Bench, so you’ll have some options depending on how much space you have to work with.
Karma Green Lacquer Buffet
This adorable and modern credenza is a little bit funky and super functional. With push-to-open doors, the Karma Green Lacquer Buffet has a hardware-free façade that emphasizes the circular design of the doors. This is a great way to get a pop of color too! There are also some more muted options if you want to go more subtle like the Leary Sideboard and the Camberly 62.99 TV Stand.
Santorini Tall Metal Kitchen Cabinet
The minimalist Santorini Metal Kitchen Cabinet comes in a sleek deep, cerulean blue color with glass-front doors. This is a great option for collectables, or fancier dishes. Or you can use it in the living room or office to store books and trinkets. Either way, there is plenty of space to not just pack away but display your belongings in a thoughtful way. If you want something with a little more of a Mid-Century Modern look to it, there’s also the Chester Storage Tower.
Aba 46”W Corner Writing Desk
Multi-purpose furniture might just save you headache and heartache when it comes to smaller spaces. I love the Aba desk because it combines two in one and it gives you lots of open shelving that can be styled in a variety of ways. It’s minimalist and simple. I would use this in a teenager’s room in a heartbeat because they can really make it their own!
Home Entertainment Wall System
If you’re the family with a lot of movies, photos, and electronics, the Home Entertainment Wall System is probably going to make your life so much easier. Definitely suited to a larger living room space, the wall system integrates shelving and TV mounting and entertainment stand into one piece.
Utopia 10 Bottle Wine Rack China Storage Closet
I love this Utopia Bottle Rack and Storage Closet because it combines cute aesthetics with purpose and can fit in almost anywhere. I envision this integrating with existing cabinets in a kitchen or taking the place of a large hutch in a dining room.
Storage Basket
Storage baskets are a classic way to add something a little different to your home while also creating useful space. Blankets, electronics, toys, pillows, and more can fit in these 2-tone storage baskets. If you want something with a lid that moves away from the basket look, there’s also pieces like the Leather Dresser Storage Box that can sit beside a chair or sofa and keep necessities close at hand without taking up too much space.
Storage Mirror
This storage mirror has a secret compartment with shelves that slides out from the side to offer discrete storage in any room. Though the slide-out compartment is specifically meant for jewelry, the storage mirror would work in a bathroom just as much as a bedroom and would make a great addition to his & hers sinks.
Tremont King Storage Bed
Under-the-bed boxes are incredibly useful, but under-the-bed drawers might just be better! Built right into the Tremont King Storage Bed are drawers perfect for keeping out-of-season clothes, shoes, accessories, blankets, or spare bedding. This type of design is inspired by campaign furnishings from the 18th and 19th centuries, so it has a classic, vintage aesthetic too!
Shop the Whole Clutter-Free Home Collection
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