Are your ‘usual suspects’ taking up prime real estate in your home? Try this new approach to home organisation.

The years spent in lockdown prompted us to transform our homes into self-sufficient sanctuaries of work, rest, and play. Even as lockdowns lifted, many of us continued to maintain this multi-functional domestic lifestyle and have slowly accumulated a small universe of hobbies and recreational activities. On top of this, we are living in the wake of Marie Kondo's public announcement that decluttering in general no longer brings her joy. So, we have basically come to accept that we all simply have a lot of stuff!

Scandi style dining room with large bookshelf with books and magazine holders — Image Source: Nina Jahn (Pinterest)

But how do we stop it all from piling up around us and swallowing us whole? Why are we still struggling to find things when we have color-coded, alphabetised, and custom-labelled everything down to the last blue paperclip? When it comes to organisation, the conventional approach often revolves around grouping items by categories as a first step, and then creating some sort of chronology within that group. While this method can be effective to a certain extent, it fails to address a fundamental aspect of organisation—how frequently we use our belongings.

Close up of luxe wardrobe with glass doors and stilettos — Image Credit: Rugiano

To truly optimise our living spaces, a paradigm shift is needed, one that requires a two-fold approach of prioritising accessibility and convenience based on frequency of use. Firstly, we need to identify what we’ll call 'prime real estate' within the space, starting with rooms as a whole, down to specific shelves or drawers.

Understanding the Notion of "Real Estate"

When we hear the term "real estate," we typically associate it with physical property or land. However, within the context of home organisation, we can apply a similar concept. Just as prime locations in the real estate market are valued for their accessibility and desirability, certain areas in our homes hold a similar importance. We are talking about more than reachable shelves and waist-height drawers. These spaces can vary depending on the room, and also how and when you use the space.

Contemporary kitchen with black cabinetry and gold backsplash — Image Source: Architect Dreamer Lab, Photographer A Rory Gardiner via Bloom Design Magazine

Identifying the "Usual Suspects"

The second thing we need to do is audit how often we use any given item. We need to ask ourselves; do we use this daily, weekly, once a month, once a year? For this to work, we need to do the one thing that is like nails on a chalkboard to any avid organizer; we may need to separate items from within the same category. Not all cutlery needs to live in the cutlery drawer. I know it hurts but hear me out! Let me give you a scenario. Let’s say we asked ourselves how often we read, and we proudly answered, 'Daily!'. Now we've justified storing our enormous book collection in the main room of the house (that’s primo real estate!). But let's say in a given month, you make your way through two or three books at a time. This huge collection is taking up 'prime real-estate' all because we are programmed to keep like with like. Now ask yourself, 'how many of these books do I access daily, weekly, monthly?' and you'll realise your ‘usual suspects’ fit nicely on your side table. Move your bookshelf to that spare bedroom that gets used once a year and just keep your 'usual suspects' close at hand.

White minimalist bedroom with wood side table and branch — Image Source: From Luxe With Love

Here are some more examples of how you can apply these principles around the house:

Kitchen: The Heart of Efficiency

Instead of grouping items solely by category, consider designating the prime accessible areas, such as lower cabinets and drawers, for frequently used utensils, cookware, and ingredients. Reserve the higher and less accessible areas for items used less frequently, ensuring that commonly used items are always within arm's reach. Do you keep all your spices together (probably somewhere close to the front because they're small), when you really only use the same 3 or 4 regularly? Consider a 'usual suspects' caddy for daily cooking and keep the rest on a higher shelf for those all-out cook ups.

Close up vignette of glass jars with ingredients

Wardrobe: Streamlining Daily Dressing

You are probably already doing this to a degree when it comes to clothes. Items worn less frequently, such as formalwear or seasonal attire are usually in the far-reaches of the closet. But what about the sock drawer? What about the t-shirts and jeans? Keep a dedicated 'usual suspects' section and you might be surprised to see how small our regular rotation can be. This is also an excellent preparation exercise for decluttering. Those shirts don't need to know that this is also a trial-run for a charity donation!

Monochromatic Wardrobe interior with suits and storage boxes — Image Source: Mobile Home Office

Home Office: Boosting Productivity

A well-organised home office enhances productivity and efficiency. Designate prime real estate within arm's reach for frequently used office supplies, reference materials, and electronics. Keep less frequently used items, such as archived files or extra stationery, in designated storage areas that are still accessible but don't interfere with your immediate workspace. If you use it multiple times a day, you should be able to reach it from your chair.

Monochromatic office with ergonomic chairs and wall shelves with folders — Image Credit: Elisabeth Heier

Living Areas: Balancing Style and Function

In living areas, the balance between aesthetics and functionality is crucial. Categorically, we know DVDs go with the TV and they probably live in a drawer in the entertainment unit even though they haven't seen the light of day since Netflix graced our lives. Break the categorisation conventions and move those dusty discs out of that prime real-estate spot. This is a great time to audit your habits. Do you regularly use the living room for something like board games or exercise? Save yourself ducking to the hallway cupboard and keep them where you use them.

Rustic wooden bench under wall mounted TV with glass vase — Image Source: Amazon

Bathroom: Streamlined Self-Care

In the bathroom, organising by usage frequency can significantly improve efficiency. Keep your daily skincare essentials, toothbrush, and other grooming products within arm's reach. Reserve under-sink cabinets or shelves for backup supplies or less frequently used items, maintaining a clutter-free and functional space.

Organised Sahving Cabinet with cosmetics and toiletries — Image Source: Pinterest

Garage or Storage Areas: Practical Solutions

For garages or storage areas, it's crucial to prioritise accessibility and safety. Store frequently used tools, sporting equipment, or seasonal items in prime accessible areas, while relegating lesser-used items to higher shelves or designated storage bins. This way, you can easily locate what you need without wasting time or risking injury. The garage is also the perfect place for your home’s “grocery store”.

Organised storage wall in garage with sporting equipment and storage boxes — Image Source: Uncluttered Simplicity

‘The "Grocery Store"

Also known as ‘Backstock’ - those who shop at Costco are already experts at this one! When you buy in bulk or have spares of things like cleaning supplies, stationery, and general household items, just keep one of each item in your prime real estate spot and keep a dedicated ‘grocery store’ when it comes time to replace these items. We probably already do this for a few things around the house but have a look around and see where else you could apply the principle. That box at the very top of my shelf? That's every future pen I will ever need in my life.

Organised stationery cupboard with cardboard boxes and stationery drawers — Image Credit: Neat Method

Your grocery store should be a low real-estate location, because you only really need to go to it when you’re replenishing your ‘usual suspects’. It doesn’t need to be a dedicated room or cupboard. It could be the top or bottom shelves of your pantry, or an awkward spot in your garage that might be awkward to access (your daily self will thank your monthly self).

Garage storage shelves with organised cleaning products and plastic boxes — Image Source: Pinterest

Learn to get protective of the 'real estate' around your house. Do these things deserve to be there? If you're constantly running into the other room for something, or if you have set up a dedicated station for something you rarely do, maybe now is the time to reassess. By re-evaluating our organisational strategies, we can transform our homes into harmonious spaces that cater to our everyday needs in ways we may not even realise.