How to tidy up your house? The best tips

Tidying up your home may seem as simple as “putting things in their place” (if only!). However, with routine, small objects piling up, and lack of time, we often find ourselves looking for tips that really work. Here, no boring advice, but tried and tested tips to make your home an orderly space without feeling like you’re entering a museum!
1. The art of smart decluttering: we keep the essentials
To tidy up, you first need to have less stuff. But be careful, there's no question of throwing everything away! We're talking about decluttering smartly by following a simple rule: "If you haven't used it in the last six months, it's time to say goodbye to it."
• Grandma's tip : For clothes, try turning your hangers upside down in your closet. When you wear an item of clothing, put it back the right way up. After six months, anything that is still upside down... no longer really has a place in your wardrobe. Simple and effective!
• Bonus for sentimental items : You don't have to keep everything. Take pictures of items that are important to you but are taking up too much space. This way, you can keep them as a keepsake without them cluttering up your home.
2. Create specific zones for each category of objects
Once you've sorted, it's time to organize! Ideally, you'll want to create themed areas in each room so that each type of object has its designated place.
• Kitchen : Turn your kitchen drawers into “stations.” One drawer for cooking utensils (spoons, spatulas), another for small appliances, another for basic ingredients. This makes meal prep easier and allows you to find everything at a glance. For spice lovers, investing in a rotating rack or clear spice jars (found on NeatMag!) keeps everything within reach while still looking stylish.
• Bathroom : Group your products by use. One basket for skincare, one for haircare, and one for bath accessories. Invest in small baskets for shelves (another gem available on NeatMag!). This keeps everything organized and gives your bathroom an effortless minimalist look.
3. Creative storage: use vertical space
In a small house or apartment, every square inch counts. Thinking vertically can make a huge difference.
• In the kitchen : Use wall shelves to store glasses, cups, or even plants (for a decorative touch).
• In the living room : For books and small decorative objects, floating shelves are ideal. They give an impression of lightness and free up floor space. Use hooks under the shelves to hang keys or other small objects.
• Bedroom : If you're short on drawer space, consider under-bed storage bags for out-of-season clothes or hooks to hang your bags and accessories without taking up space in the main living area.
4. The 15-minute daily tidying rule
This tip is a bit magical: every evening, set a timer and spend 15 minutes tidying up. It's amazing what you can do in a short time when you're focused. You'll see that your house will stay much tidier, without tidying up becoming a chore.
• End of Day Routine : Go through key areas, such as the kitchen and living room. Put away any loose items, fold blankets, and put cushions back in place. This small daily effort will make the big cleaning chores much lighter.
5. Closed storage for a clean look
Having open shelves is pretty but often difficult to keep tidy. Opt for closed storage to hide everyday objects, especially in living spaces like the living room.
• Sideboards and chests of drawers : These are the heroes of hidden storage. Store everything you use daily but that can quickly become visually cluttered, such as remote controls, magazines, or even board games.
• Small Baskets and Boxes : Use boxes or baskets for small items that you can slide into closets or onto shelves. This creates a more organized look without requiring too much effort.
6. Recycle and transform for eco-friendly storage
This is the ultimate zero-waste technique: using what you already have to organize your home. An economical and eco-friendly way to tidy up while adding a unique touch.
• Glass Jars for Dry Foods : These glass jars (like the ones available at NeatMag) are perfect for storing pasta, rice, and other dry goods. They add a clean look to your kitchen shelves.
• Shoe boxes as drawer organizers : It's trendy recycling! Cover them with pretty paper and use them to organize your drawers or closets.
7. A “transition” basket for each member of the family
If you live with several people, this tip is a small miracle: a basket for each person . Place a basket in a central room (the entrance, for example) where each person can put the objects they have used during the day. In the evening, each person takes their basket and puts away their things.
• Advantage : No more wasting time looking for “where did my charger go” or “who took my book”. Everyone learns to be responsible for their own things while reducing clutter.
8. Minimalism: the elegance of “less is more”
Fewer objects, less clutter, and above all less stress! For those who want to go even further, minimalism is the solution. Here, it is not about throwing everything away, but about keeping only what really brings you value .
• Sorting Tip : Take an item and ask yourself this question: “Does this item bring me joy?” If the answer is no, then it no longer has a place in your home.
• Optimize multifunctional furniture : Choose furniture that can fulfill several functions. A bench with drawers underneath, a coffee table with storage spaces, etc. This will free up space while keeping a refined decor.
9. Special tips for “critical areas”
There are some areas of the house that are always in disarray: the entryway, the shoe closet, and the bathroom . For these areas, here are some practical tips:
• Entrance : Install a storage area, hooks for keys and coats, and a small bench for putting on shoes. Practical and aesthetic!
• Bathroom : Use transparent containers for beauty products. They allow you to see everything at a glance and avoid accumulating too many products.
10. Take advantage of NeatMag products to organize your home
At NeatMag, you’ll find stylish and functional storage solutions for every room in your home. From the kitchen to the living room, our products help you create a tidy and harmonious space. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular organization tips and discover exclusive promo codes, like 10% off to start your journey towards a tidy home!