How To Organize Your Home on a Budget

There are always areas in the house where clutter seems to build up, and organizing those spaces can feel like an overwhelming project to tackle.

Instead of spending a small fortune to organize, what can you do to get it under control cheaply? Clutter tends to accumulate more in the kitchen and pantry areas, or in your kid’s bedrooms.

How about some cheap ways to organize your home? These 25+ cheap organization tricks will have you getting clutter under control in no time at all!

Set A Timer

Set a timer for 15 minutes, and only take out what you can finish in that amount of time.

Come Up With Good Routines

Establish simple routines that you can do regularly to avoid clutter from creeping back up on you.

• Shine your sink to help keep kitchen clutter free (from Flylady.net)
• Use a laundry basket as you clean a room to place items in that belong somewhere else. Empty it out daily.
• Empty the trash as soon as it’s full.
• Wipe out the bathroom sink each time you are done using it.
• Remove 27 items each day from your life. This will help clean out clutter easily. Toss or donate these items.

Budget Home Organization Ideas / How To Organize for Cheap, HomeGoods & Target Organize With Me

Utilize Storage Containers from the Dollar Store

One way to declutter your home without breaking the bank is to utilize storage containers from the dollar store. Dollar stores typically sell a variety of plastic storage bins in different sizes and colors.

These bins can be used to store everything from linens and books to clothes and toys. In addition, dollar store bins are often stackable, which makes them ideal for small spaces.

Declutter Constantly and Consistently Rather Than All At Once

Take a few minutes every day to put away anything that’s out of place. This could be putting your keys in the same spot every day or hanging up your jacket when you come in from work.

Make it a habit to go through your mail as soon as you get it and recycle any junk mail or unwanted catalogs.

And set aside some time each week or ideally, each day, to declutter a specific area of your home, such as your closet or your kids’ toy room. By decluttering constantly and consistently, you can keep the clutter under control without spending a lot of money.

Follow One In, One Out Rule

Every time you bring something new into your home, take the time to get rid of something that you no longer need.

This could mean donating items to a local charity or simply throwing away items that are no longer usable. By following this rule, you can declutter your home without spending a fortune on new storage solutions.

Make Your Own Recycled Organizers

One great option is to recycle items you already have and repurpose them into stylish organizers.

For instance, an empty coffee can makes a great desk tidy for pens and pencils, while an old shoe box can be transformed into a chic jewelry holder.

Mason jars are also terrific for storing everything from spices to craft supplies, and they can easily be decorated to match your decor.

Use Free Printables

From labels and organizing charts to color-coded systems, there are a variety of printables available online that can help you declutter your home without breaking the bank.

In addition, using printables is a great way to custom-tailor your decluttering system to your specific needs and preferences.

Look at Craiglist, Thrift Stores, and Freecycle to Pick Up What You Need…

One great option is to check out local classifieds websites like Craigslist, where you can often find gently used furniture and home decor for a fraction of the retail price.

Thrift stores are another great option for finding affordable home goods, and you may even be able to find some unique items that will add personality to your space.

Finally, don’t forget about Freecycle, where people give away unwanted items for free.

…But Don’t Buy Any Organizers Until You PURGE First!

Most of us have too much stuff. We hang on to things that we don’t need, and it ends up taking up valuable space in our homes.

Not only is this cluttered living inefficient, but it can also be costly. The solution is to declutter your home, but DON’T buy any organizers until you PURGE first!

When you declutter your home, you will be amazed at how much easier it is to find things and how much more efficient your living space becomes.

The first step is to get rid of all the clutter. This means going through every room in your house and getting rid of anything that you don’t use or need.

Be ruthless! Once you have decluttered your home, then you can start thinking about organizing it.

But don’t go out and buy a bunch of expensive organizers until you are sure that you won’t just end up with another clutter problem.

Start with what you already have and see how far you can get. You may be surprised at how little you actually need to buy in order to keep your home organized and clutter-free.

Create a Central Command Station in the Home

One of the best ways to keep your home organized is to create a central command station. This can be a small desk or table where you can keep track of important papers, bills, and paperwork.

By having a dedicated spot for these items, you can avoid leaving them scattered around the house. In addition, your command station can be a great place to store frequently used items such as pens, pencils, and paperclips.

By keeping these items in one place, you can avoid wasting time searching for them when you need them.

Have a Plan for How You Will Maintain Your Organizational Systems – and Stick To It

One of the best ways to save money when decluttering your home is to have a plan for maintaining your organizational systems – and stick to it. That means taking the time to figure out what works for you and your family and then sticking to it.

Don’t let things slide just because they’re not perfect – that only leads to more clutter. If you have a system that works, stick to it!

It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to be something you can maintain over time. This can be anything from setting up regular decluttering sessions to simply putting things away as soon as you’re done using them.

Connect Decluttering to Something You Already Do on a Regular Basis

One way to make the process more affordable is to connect it to something you already do on a regular basis.

For example, if you’re already in the habit of taking a weekly trip to the grocery store, use that time to declutter your pantry. Or if you have a nightly routine of putting the kids to bed, use that time to clear out your closet.

By connecting decluttering to something you already do, you can make it part of your regular routine without having to make any major changes or incur additional costs.

Use a Shower Rod for Hanging Various Products

A shower rod is not just for showers! In fact, it can be a versatile and inexpensive tool for decluttering your home. Here are a few ideas:

• Use shower hooks to hang purses, scarves, belts, and other accessories from a shower rod in your closet. This will free up space on shelves and in drawers.
• Install a shower rod in the laundry room and use it to hang clothes that need to air dry. This will save space on the clothesline or in the dryer.
• Place a shower rod in the kitchen and use it to store pot lids, cutting boards, and other bulky items. This will clear up valuable counter space.
• Put a shower rod in the garage and use it to hang sports equipment, holiday decor, or other items that are taking up too much space.

So don’t limit yourself to using a shower rod just for showers! Get creative and use it to declutter your home on a budget.

Use Hooks for More Storage

One of the best ways to declutter your home on a budget is to use hooks. Hooks are an easy and inexpensive way to add more storage space to any room. They can be used to hang coats, hats, purses, towels, and many other items.

In the kitchen, hooks can be used to store pots and pans, while in the bathroom they can be used to store toiletries and towels.

Hooks are also a great way to organize jewelry, scarves, and belts. Best of all, they can be easily removed when not in use, so you can change up your storage solution as often as you like.

Whether you use them in the entryway or the bedroom, hooks are an affordable and easy way to declutter your home.

Make the Most of Cabinet Space in Any Room With a Lazy Susan

One of the best ways to declutter your home on a budget is to make the most of your cabinet space.

A Lazy Susan is a great way to do this. Lazy Susans come in a variety of sizes and can be placed in any room with cabinets.

They make it easy to reach items that are stored in the back of the cabinet and can also be used to store items that are not used often.

For example, you can use a Lazy Susan to store holiday decorations in the back of a closet or to keep extra paper towels and cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink.

Best of all, Lazy Susans are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most home improvement stores.

Utilize Wasted Corners and Crevices for Storage

One way to free up some space is to utilize wasted corners and crevices for storage. For example, you can install shelves in empty corners or use sticky hooks to hang purses, scarves, and other items from the back of doors. You can also use modular storage units to create additional space in small rooms.

Organize By Category, Room, or Project

Being organized can feel like a never-ending task, and when you’re on a tight budget, it can be difficult to know where to start.

One way to approach the problem is to declutter your home by category, room, or project.

Sorting your belongings into categories such as clothes, books, or kitchenware can help you to see how much stuff you really have and make it easier to decide what to keep and what to get rid of.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand, start with one room or one project (such as decluttering your closet) and work your way from there.

Remember, the goal is not to achieve perfection, but simply to make your home more livable and comfortable for you and your family.

How to Decide What to Keep, Sell, Donate, or Throw Out

It can be tough to let go of things. After all, you never know when you might need that extra set of dishes or when your child might want to wear their baby clothes again (just kidding – but I do recognize the sentimental value of certain items, for sure!).

However, holding on to too much stuff can quickly lead to a cluttered home. If you’re looking to declutter your home on a budget, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

First, ask yourself whether you really need the item in question. If you haven’t used it in six months, chances are you can live without it.

Second, think about whether the item could be sold or donated. Many thrift stores are happy to take gently used items off your hands, and you might be able to make a few extra dollars in the process.

Finally, don’t be afraid to get rid of items that are damaged or no longer serve a purpose. A little decluttering can go a long way towards making your home more organized and inviting.

What is the 20/20 Rule for Decluttering?

The 20/20 rule is a simple, yet effective decluttering strategy that can help you to streamline your belongings and reduce clutter.

The basic premise is that for every item you own, you should be able to ask yourself two questions: “Do I use this regularly?” and “Do I love it?” If the answer to both questions is no, then it’s time to let the item go.

This rule can be applied to everything from clothes and shoes to books and knick-knacks. While it may seem daunting at first, decluttering your home using the 20/20 rule can ultimately provide a sense of freedom and peace of mind.

As an added bonus, it can also make it easier to find things when you need them!

Organization Tips for Bedrooms

The bedroom can be a quick hot spot of junk piled up on dressers, nightstands and more. When there are piles everywhere, it can make it hard to shut your brain off and get a good night’s rest.

Organizing your bedroom to cut clutter may help you rest and be more productive in the long run. Set a timer for 15 minutes, and only do one project at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed.

For the adults:

• Clear out clothing that is ripped, stained, doesn’t fit, or you don’t love. In January, turn all the hangers facing backwards. Hang them up normally as you wear the clothing. In June, get rid of all the clothing that is still on a backwards hanger.
• If you have a headboard, take advantage of the space. You can easily create simple shelves out of reclaimed wood for storage.
• Add a storage ottoman to create storage AND a place to sit in your room.
• Add bookshelves that go high up on your wall to take advantage of the space.
• Move an unused coat rack from the entryway to hang scarves, jackets, purses and hats on.
• Use shoeboxes to divide clothing into rows and sections.
• Arrange clothes vertically.
• Use an egg carton to arrange your jewelry in a dresser drawer.
• Make a “catch all” with repurposed bowls.
• Take advantage of bed risers for added storage beneath the bed
• Use large Ziploc bags to store out of season clothes
• Store your jewelry in an old pill container

For the kids’ rooms:

• Instead of buying lots of drawer organizers, use old shoe boxes. Cut them in half, lengthwise or widthwise, and lay them in an empty drawer. They create great dividers that can be used to organize socks and underwear.
• Hang a pegboard on the inside of your child’s closet and attach “S” hooks. Use this space to hang up hats, belts, jewelry, hair ties, and any other small items that are just lying around.
• Drape a fish net from the ceiling and use it to store stuffed animals, action figures, dolls, and larger toys so you can get them off the floor.
• Use a cupcake tin or muffin pan to organize tiny toys and hair accessories that don’t seem to have a home.
• Hang a laundry basket from the door at their height to get it off the floor.

Organization Tips for Kitchens

When your kitchen is clean and organized, the creative juices for meals flow better. It’s much easier to create healthy meals when you have space to do it and can actually FIND the items you need.

To see how to create an inventory for your kitchen with a FREE printable list, read the post here. 

• Use old baby food jars for fresh or dried herbs and spices. Use fabrics, paint, and other craft supplies to decorate the lids. Add a magnet and store on the fridge.
• Keep a magnetic notepad on the refrigerator to keep a running list of what you need from the grocery store. When it’s time to go shopping, just grab your list and go.
• Use 3-ring binders to store your recipes and take-out menus. Add sheet protectors to keep all of your pages clean.
• Place a basket on the kitchen counter for mail, your kids’ permission slips, and anything else that may need your attention. You can go through everything in the basket once a week to keep your counter tops from getting cluttered.
• Organize your junk drawer by placing an egg carton or paper cupcake liners in them to catch and sort all the little items.
• Hang a tension rod under your kitchen sink to hang your cleaning products and spray bottles so you can free up extra space.
• Add a towel bar or curtain rod to hang pot lids on.
• Organize your freezer by adding magazine racks for shelves. Lay them on their side and use them to store flat items or smaller items like popsicles, ice cream bars and precooked freezer meals.
• Use cheap plastic organizers in your utensil drawer to maximize space.
• Add a basket in the fridge for “fast food” meals. Put lunch meat, sliced cheese, mayo, lettuce, mustard, and other sandwich fixings for a quick meal even younger kids can manage.
• Make a knife rack to hang knives out of reach of children, but easy to grab while doing meal prep.

Organization Tips for the Pantry

Keep your pantry clear and make that hidden box of spaghetti easier to find. Organizing your pantry can help you save money, too, as you will be less likely to buy things you don’t need.

To see how to create a pantry par level system, read the post here. 

• Organize similar items together using plastic bins. Package mixes of sauces and gravy can go in one, chips and cookies in another, boxes of rice and pasta in another.
• Keep a small basket on a lower shelf, and fill it with snacks so your kids can help themselves.
• Use white address labels or a label maker to label your pantry shelves so you know where something belongs.
• Use a tea or cookie tin to store condiment packets such as hot sauces, soy sauce, ketchup, etc.
• Keep a lazy Susan in your pantry, and fill it with smaller items that you frequently use so they are easy to find.
• Store cupcake pan liners in a mason jar to keep them tidy.
• Use a magazine rack, attached to the inside wall of the pantry to store aluminum foil, wax paper and more.
• Use a command hook on the side of flour, cereal, or rice bins to hang a measuring cup for easy measuring!

Living Room Clutter Busting TIps

And in the living room, you can follow these tips:

• Use a hanging clothes organizer to keep board games stacked, accessible, adn within reach.
• Put b25ins on the bookcases to keep toys corralled.
• Make an old picture frame into a tray to organize your coffee table.
• Instead of a TV stand, use an old repurposed dresser for added storage.

Tips for Decluttering Office Supplies

If you’re lucky enough to have a home office, you may want to follow these home organization tips:

• Use glass jars or soup cans to hold items like pens, pencils, and markers.
• Make a desk caddy out of cereal boxes or toilet paper tubes
• Use those toilet paper tubes to organize extra cords
• Create a DIY charging station for your devices by spray painting a shoebox and cutting rectangular holes along it
• Use cereal boxes to organize office supplies like staples, rubber bands, paper clips, pencils, pens, and more

Bathroom Organization Tips

The bathroom tends to be an area of the home that is a magnet for clutter. Here are some tips for clearing it all out:

• Make a DIY makeup caddy with old paper towel tools.
• Use small plastic drawers to store small items.
• Upcycle old glass jars to store things like Q-tips, cotton balls, and makeup brushes.
• Use command hooks and dollar store bins to store items inside cupboards.
• Keep bath toys in a mesh bag with suction cup wall hooks to stick it to the inside of the tub.

Where to Donate All Those Items You Don’t Have Storage Space For

Fortunately, there are a number of great options for donating unwanted items.

Craigslist is a great option if you have larger items that you need to get rid of quickly. Thrift stores are always in need of donations, and you can often get a tax deduction for your donation.

If you have gently used children’s clothes or toys, schools and churches are often happy to accept them.

And finally, Freecycle is a great option if you want to make sure your item goes to someone who really needs it.

Whatever option you choose, donating your unwanted items is a great way to declutter your home and help others in the process.

Final Thoughts

Getting organized doesn’t have to break the bank; in fact, you can already find most of what you need in your house or at a discount store.

Organizing cluttered areas will not only help you feel less overwhelmed, it will also make things a lot easier to find. What are some ways you organize your home?