“Outer order contributes to inner calm,” says bestselling author Gretchen Rubin. When the house is cluttered and stuff is all over the place, we feel agitated and unsettled. When things are put away, the space seems infinitely more relaxing. Easier said than done, right? Between picking up toys, washing clothes and dishes, putting away groceries, sorting whose things belong to whom, and simply trying to keep up with the demands of work and parenting, we hardly have time to think, let alone sit and ponder how to transform the chaos into an orderly oasis.

With a few simple changes and some helpful storage pieces, you’ll be amazed at how swiftly you can clear the clutter and get organized. Here are five organizing strategies to help you begin the year with less underfoot and more peace of mind:

 

1. Declutter & donate

Every few months, sort through toys, books, clothes and furnishings. Separate those that are in good condition from those that need to be recycled or thrown away. Donate the items that are still in usable condition to family, friends, a local charity shop or shelter. If these items might be of use for a younger child at a later date, pack them up, label them, and box them for safe storage.

 

2. Set up multipurpose shelves

Bookshelves are not just great for housing books, they’re also ideal for keeping kids’ favorite toys, plushies, games and puzzles in easy reach. Studio Duc’s Tall Bookcase includes an array of shelves, both at toddler level and higher up for stowing decorative accessories, bedding and toys that require parental supervision.

 

3. The more baskets and boxes, the merrier

Baskets and toyboxes are ideal for quick and easy cleanup. Plus they effortlessly add to the room’s decor. Lorena Canals Zoco Basket offers plenty of space for dolls and toys, while Nico & Yeye’s Toy Box Chest on Casters offers convenient portability. Kids especially love Hollow Woodworks’ Personalized Classic Maple Toybox, featuring their very own name and plenty of space to stow their treasures. Keep an extra basket like Lorena Canals’ Basket Twin next to the changing table or dresser for laundry, too.

 

4. Don’t be afraid to give your child chores

Assigning chores to children as young as age three gives them a sense of responsibility that helps boost self-esteem and independence. Teach your child where things go, and allot a few extra minutes for clean-up time. Channel your inner Mary Poppins and turn on music while straightening up, or turn it into a game. Even when time and patience are running out, remember you are doing your child a service by having them help, even if you could do it better and faster. 

 

5. Be consistent

Making sure books and toys are neatly arranged is a losing battle, but storing them in the same place is key. You’ll avoid rummaging for lost items and save valuable time knowing where everything is kept. Establish where the books and puzzles go, how you would like to organize clothes and shoes, where dolls and stuffed animals live versus toys and crafts. Soon you’ll see your child putting away their shoes in the closet, their books on the shelf, their pull-toy in their toy box and their favorite stuffed toy on the bed. 

Remember that everything’s going to be taken out all over again, so the room doesn’t need to be picture-perfect — just casually organized. With the help of baskets and shelves, drawers and toyboxes, it’s easy to keep spaces free of clutter, helping you unwind and relax at the end of the day.