Dad-approved Organization Tips That Really Work

Why did the dust bunny call for a family meeting?

Because it wanted to address the “sweeping” changes needed for a cleaner home!

Dad jokes make us roll our eyes, but dad-approved organization is actually useful. With a dedicated space for everything, dad can easily get to everything he needs to. From dedicated spaces for working and relaxing to storage that is custom-fit for his family’s lifestyle, dad enjoys a home that functions in all the ways it should for him and the people he holds dear, his family.

In honor of all the dads out there, Closet Factory offers these home organization tips to help anyone maintain a comfortable living space dad is proud to call home:

1. Declutter and purge: Start by decluttering each room and getting rid of items that are no longer used or needed. Encourage everyone in the family to donate or discard items they no longer use. Pro tip: Establish clearly marked “discard,” “donate,” and “re-organize” piles (or zones) and get everyone in the family involved in putting items in one of these three zones.
2. Categorize and sort: Group similar items together and create designated areas for different categories. For example, have a specific place for books, toys, tools or kitchen utensils. This will make it easier to find things and maintain organization.
3. Utilize storage solutions: Invest in storage solutions that fit your needs. Use storage bins, baskets, shelves and drawer organizers to maximize space and keep things tidy. Label containers to make it clear what goes where. Pro tip: Custom organization solutions from Closet Factory are designed around your unique space. Make an appointment for a complimentary consultation and find out how your space can function at its best.
4. Maintain a cleaning routine: Set a regular cleaning routine for each room to prevent clutter from building up. Encourage everyone in the family to tidy up after themselves and put things back in their designated places. Even 15 minutes spent putting things away before everyone goes to bed can make a difference in your day.
5. Leverage vertical space: Make use of vertical space by installing shelves, hooks or pegboards on walls. This can help free up floor space and keep frequently used items easily accessible. Pro tip: This is a particularly useful strategy in the garage, which often has unused vertical space that can store a wide variety of things. Also, keeping items such as extension cords, tools, and sports gear off the floor helps to keep it cleaner and ready to go next time you reach for it.
6. Create a command center: Designate a central area in the home, such as the kitchen or entryway, as a command center. Use a bulletin board, chalkboard or whiteboard to keep track of schedules, to-do lists and other important reminders for the whole family. This way, dad can help keep track of everyone’s activities and appointments.
7. Involve the family: Encourage the whole family to participate in organizing and maintaining a tidy home. Assign age-appropriate tasks to children and make it a team effort. This not only helps with organization, but also teaches responsibility and teamwork. Remember to organize items kids need in ways they can access them, putting their things closer to the ground where they can reach them, and putting items you’d rather they not touch out of reach.
8. Don’t forget Fido! Man’s best friend deserves an area to call their own, too. Consider a basket or mat to hold your four-legged friend’s toys, and a drawer or cabinet to house their food, medication and cleaning/grooming supplies. Pro tip: Custom organization solutions like mudrooms or pantry solutions from Closet Factory can even include pull-out trays and shelves for pet food and other items.
9. Honor special collections and hobbies: Whether it’s movies, music, gaming, toys, or more, everything you cherish deserves a specific place to live in your home. Perhaps you or dad loves spinning vinyl or collecting movie-themed memorabilia, for example. Dedicate a space to pursue that activity and store the items and accessories that go along with it. By deciding what those collections are and giving a home to them, you are able to organize and showcase what’s really special.
10. Relax and enjoy the new space: Dad is just as keen on relaxing as he is on working hard. Consider custom organization systems that create space for relaxing, too! Custom entertainment centers add beauty and functionality to any space, from living rooms to dens to game rooms and beyond, creating an area dedicated to sitting down together and enjoying family movie night or game night. A well-designed bar area is also a nice space, giving dad the perfect venue where he can unwind after a long day.

Remember, every family is different, so adapt these tips to fit your specific needs and preferences. The key is to find a system that works for you and promotes a more organized and stress-free living environment – for you, and for dad!