Photo: Courtesy of Archipelago Hawaii, Refined Island Designs

Getting rid of clutter accounts for 40 percent of housework in an average home, according to the National Soap and Detergent Association. What’s more, they report 80 percent of that clutter is a result of disorganization, not lack of space. Our advice: invest in built-ins, smart furniture or a few key accessories this year. Your investment return? A cleaner home, a clearer head—and more time to enjoy your life.

Kitchen

Photos: Courtesy of Organized Hawaii

The kitchen is one of the top areas in the home where organization services are requested, according to the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). With all those gadgets and tiny tools, it’s a magnet for clutter. But with functionality as a focus, efficiency and peace of mind are within reach. 

Get to it.

Slide-out drawers incorporated into kitchen cabinets, such as those in this kitchen (at top) by Archipelago Hawaii, Refined Island Designs, grant easy access to items that might otherwise rarely be seen in the back of cabinets. Another tip: lay spice jars down so you can see the labels at a glance.

Make it visible.

An organized pantry allows you to see what you have and plan for what you need. This pantry system (above), from Organized Hawaii, designates individual spaces for everything, even odd-shaped items. Another thought: If you can see it, you will be more likely to use it. Store items near where you will use them the most and you will not only reduce clutter, but you’ll also make working in the kitchen that much easier.

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