Opening Words
Hey dear readers! As a post-95s who just started working, I totally understand your frustrations. Every new year, looking at the piles of items in my home that resemble an archaeological site, I just want to immediately turn my house upside down and reorganize everything. But honestly, in the past, every time after organizing, my room would magically return to its "archaeological site" state within a week. After countless failures and attempts, I finally figured out a set of organization secrets suitable for young people, which I'm sharing with you today!
Organization Philosophy
Let me share a true story. When I first started working, I impulsively bought a bunch of storage boxes on Taobao, happily thinking this would finally keep my home neat and tidy. The result? The storage boxes filled every corner of my room, but the stuff inside was never properly organized, creating even more chaos. Looking back now, I was basically paying for trouble!
After years of exploration, I finally realized something: organization isn't simply about hiding things away, but about helping each item find its "home." Just like how we need to find our place in society, every item in our home needs its most suitable position. This not only looks good but, most importantly, it's functional!
For example, my cosmetics used to be placed randomly, and finding them was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Now I keep my daily essentials in the first drawer of my vanity, seasonal items like sunscreen and moisturizer in the second drawer, and backup products in the bottom drawer. I no longer have to dig through everything when doing my makeup, and I can even use that saved time for a quick nap!
Kitchen Revolution
Don't get me started on the kitchen - I have so many complaints! Do you know what my kitchen looked like when I first moved into my new home? It was absolutely dreadful! Seasoning bottles were crammed crookedly in the cabinets, pots and pans were in complete disarray, and cooking felt like going to war.
The most frustrating part was that even though my kitchen wasn't small, it seemed impossible to find places for everything. Later I learned that the space utilization rate in average households' kitchens is only around 40%! Isn't that like throwing away half of our kitchen?
After some research and practice, I discovered that vertical space is a treasure. I installed a magnetic knife holder on the kitchen wall, and it's truly amazing! Previously, my knives either lay in drawers dulling each other, or were scattered across the cutting board taking up space. Now the knives are neatly arranged on the wall - just take one when needed, clean it after use, and hang it back. It's not only safe but also adds a stylish touch, like kitchen art!
Moreover, I installed a foldable dish rack next to the sink. It doesn't take up space when folded, and when dishes are placed on it, water drains directly into the sink, keeping the counter dry. The cutting boards also have their own vertical storage rack, standing like books - space-efficient and easy to dry.
There's also a lot to work with inside the cabinets. I organized spices and seasonings on rotating storage trays, arranged by frequency of use: commonly used items like salt, soy sauce, and vinegar are placed within easy reach, while less frequently used items like hotpot seasonings and baking ingredients are stored further back. Now I don't have to spin around looking for things while cooking - efficiency has skyrocketed!
Pot storage also requires technique. I used to stack pots together, which meant taking everything out just to reach the bottom one - what a hassle. Now I have a pot organizer in the cabinet, storing them vertically like books. Just pull out the one you need - so convenient!
For all those bottles and containers of various sizes, I've planned dedicated areas. Dry goods together, seasonings together, snacks together, and everything labeled. This not only makes things easy to find but also prevents buying duplicates - saving both money and hassle!
Closet Organization
Speaking of closets, I bet if you open yours right now, you'll find quite a few clothes collecting dust. Don't be embarrassed to admit it - I've calculated that about 30% of clothes in an average person's closet are just there for show! These clothes not only take up space but also make us spend more time deciding what to wear.
I now use the "hanger flip method," which is perfect for young people who are both lazy and want to stay organized. How does it work? First, hang all hangers facing one direction (like hooks pointing left). Each time you wear and return clothing, face the hanger the opposite way (hooks pointing right). After a month or so, you can easily see which clothes haven't been touched!
This method helped me clear out many "zombie clothes." Like that floral dress I bought but never wore (who hasn't made impulsive purchases?), and that sweater that makes me look bigger (don't ask why I bought it). After sorting these clothes, I sold the wearable ones and donated the rest to charity - both environmentally friendly and helpful to others.
Besides clearing out, storage methods are also important. I now organize clothes by season and type: current season's clothes in the most visible spots, off-season items stored away. I also use storage boxes with labels for small items like underwear and socks, so searching for them doesn't feel like an archaeological dig.
For folding clothes, I use the popular "vertical storage method." Storing T-shirts and sweaters vertically not only lets you see all your clothes at once but also prevents other clothes from getting messy when taking something out. Since using this method, my closet has finally said goodbye to the "stuff and shove" mess!
Study Room Transformation
As someone who often works from home, I deeply understand how important a tidy study is for work efficiency. They say a clean study can increase work efficiency by at least 25%! This is no joke - since I organized my study, my work efficiency has notably improved.
I now use the "three-zone method." First is the work zone, or desk area. I only keep three essentials on my desk: laptop, pen holder, and a simple desk lamp. Other stationery is organized in drawers by frequency of use. This way, my attention won't be scattered by clutter while working.
Managing computer cables is also a skill. I bought special cable organizers and secured various data and charging cables to the back of the desk with velcro. This not only looks neat but also makes finding cables hassle-free.
The reading zone is my favorite spot. I placed a comfortable armchair by the window, with a floor lamp beside it and a small side table - the perfect reading corner! For book storage, I use adjustable bookshelves that can be modified based on the number of books.
The storage zone utilizes the study's wall cabinets. I use many transparent storage boxes so I can see what's inside at a glance. Each box is labeled, organizing various office supplies and documents. Most importantly, I regularly check the storage zone and clear out unnecessary items to prevent accumulation.
Bathroom Organization
Honestly, bathroom organization is often overlooked, but it's actually very important! Especially for young people like us who are addicted to skincare products - without proper organization, the bathroom can easily turn into a "beauty store."
I now use the shelf organization method, which is super practical! First is the cleaning supplies zone, with daily necessities like shower gel and shampoo in the most accessible places. The skincare zone is arranged by usage order: cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers... This way, skincare routines become much smoother.
Wall space utilization is also important. I installed several strong suction hooks on the wall for hanging towels and shower poufs. I even got a special draining rack for bathroom slippers to keep them from being scattered around.
Particularly worth mentioning is that moisture prevention and ventilation are crucial for bathroom storage. I chose storage items with ventilation holes to prevent items from getting moldy. I also regularly check and clean, disposing of expired or unused products promptly.
Advanced Organization
After years of exploration, I've realized a truth: organization isn't a one-time thing but a continuous lifestyle habit. I now do a major cleanup every season, checking every corner of the house and clearing out unnecessary items. I also spend some time each weekend doing minor organizing to maintain tidiness.
The most important thing is developing a good habit: whenever something new comes into the house, plan its storage location immediately. Like when I bought a new coffee machine recently, I had already planned its dedicated spot in the kitchen before ordering. This prevents new items from being randomly placed around the house.
Another tip is the "reduce, remove, release" principle. Before every purchase, I ask myself: Do I really need this? Is there space for it at home? If the answer is no, I firmly pass. This not only prevents impulse purchases but also keeps home spaces more organized.
Final Words
Reading this far, are you eager to start organizing right away? Don't rush - I suggest starting with a small area. Maybe your desk, or one drawer in your closet. Take it slow, let organization become a lifestyle habit rather than a one-time task.
Remember, the ultimate goal of organization isn't to make your home look perfect like a magazine photo, but to make our lives more convenient and comfortable. Everyone's lifestyle is different, so organization methods don't need to be identical. Finding what works for you is most important.
Finally, I hope these organization experiences help you create a neater, more comfortable living space. Do you have any unique organization tricks? Welcome to share them in the comments section, let's improve together!
While this might seem like a lot of content, as long as you take it step by step, I believe you can do it too. Looking forward to seeing your organization results in the comments!