After so many readers asked how we keep everything—from bills to receipts—organized, we realized our recent post about seven simple life hacks only scratched the surface. So here’s a deeper look at the systems and habits we use to store, stash, and stockpile nearly everything in our home. These routines help us find things quickly and keep the house tidy with minimal effort.
We tucked a DIY mudroom into the corner of our den—a padded storage bench and a coat rack create a dedicated spot for jackets, bags, and leashes so clutter doesn’t spread. Inside that bench we keep paperwork: medical records, tax documents, and childhood mementos like drawings and report cards. Everything is filed in labeled folders and placed in tiered upright folder stands so nothing slips out and everything is easy to scan at a glance. We also keep originals of crucial documents in a safety deposit box at the bank for extra protection.
We added a storage bench to the dining area, too. It holds paid paper statements and bills—each company has its own labeled folder, again organized in upright holders—so we can easily pull records for taxes or to verify payments. We pay bills online but write confirmation numbers and payment dates on paper invoices for quick reference.
Receipts used to overwhelm me, so I simplified. Instead of sorting receipts into many categories, I dropped them into a single white box from Ikea. Each night I empty my purse and toss receipts in, so there’s no daily sorting chore. Chronological stacking makes it fast to locate older receipts when needed. The second box is used to hide office cords and store other small items.
We keep Burger’s food and treats in white metal tins from Ikea on the desk. They’re airtight, tidy, and include a mini measuring cup in the larger tin to scoop food easily. His bowls are in the den, where he was trained to eat, so storing his supplies nearby makes sense and keeps everything contained.
Mail is handled immediately—we sort, pay, and file right away so there’s no dedicated “mail pile” that grows into a giant task. Doing it now keeps clutter manageable.
After our kitchen renovation we organized garbage, recycling, and compost under the sink. Recyclables go in a bin on the left, compost in an airtight container that we empty into our outdoor compost bins, and garbage in a small pail on the right. The system is simple and efficient—so much so that visiting kids know exactly where to put banana peels.
We keep most cleaning supplies in a rolling caddy in our laundry nook. The caddy holds dish towels and a few multi-purpose green cleaners so we don’t need dozens of single-use bottles. It’s portable, affordable, and frees up space under the sink.
We balance open and concealed storage across the house. For example, toilet paper is stored openly for guests—no TP anxiety here. In the half bath we keep a few rolls in a tall glass cylinder vase so they’re visible and easy to grab. In the main bathroom we created a small visible stack of rolls by removing the linen closet door, which turns storage into decor and makes essentials easy to find.
We repurposed a shower caddy and a couple of hooks to hang a caddy over an old bathtub towel bar. It provides a tidy spot for shower essentials and keeps razors from rusting under the shower nozzle.
Loose change migrates everywhere unless it has a home. We use a single metallic bird piggy bank in the living room for coins. It’s easy to drop change in as we come and go, and when it fills up we roll the coins and treat ourselves to a date night—an inexpensive reward for staying organized.
I keep jewelry in a ceramic egg crate that keeps everything visible and tangle-free—perfect for a quick grab-and-go routine. It fits neatly behind curtain closet doors for neat, accessible storage.
The kitchen hides a lot of clever storage. A thrifted metal filing cabinet became a handy place for spoons and spices, and inexpensive glass jars store cereal to free up cabinet space and make it obvious when staples need restocking. We also built a “Decor Store” cabinet to hold props and accessories, which makes styling a room as simple as shopping your own house.
We store tools in a kitchen cabinet left of the stove—screwdrivers, paint rollers, nails, anchors, and sandpaper occupy four organized drawers. It surprised our installer, but having tools near the heart of the home is convenient for quick fixes and projects.
We left some empty space in the kitchen on purpose. The corner lazy Susan has an empty bottom shelf and a top shelf storing an oversized bowl and a basket of light bulbs—removing bulky packaging and grouping bulbs in a basket saves room and makes items easy to find.
On the dining table we keep a tray with items we actually use to set the table—utensils, cups, bowls, and fabric napkins—so meals feel intentional even on casual nights.
Remotes live in an $8 white shell box in front of the TV so they aren’t lost in couch cushions. Two woven baskets on the lower shelves of the media stand hold DVDs, lotion, pens, and other small items—instant order and easy cleanup.
Two leather ottomans in the den double as storage for board games and paint decks. One cube is devoted to color swatches—handy for quick color matching and surprisingly decorative when organized by fan deck.
An ottoman in the third bedroom stores extra linens for the daybed, keeping bedding for that room right where it’s needed and freeing up the linen closet.
We created a wrapping-paper and card station in the third bedroom. Cards are organized by occasion in a single box so we never scramble at the last minute. Wrapping paper, tissue, gift bags, and ribbons are stored nearby—keeping supplies visible makes gift-giving easier and more sustainable since we use what we already have.
Not everything needs to be hidden. A neat stack of magazines on the hearth with a metal bull on top looks intentional and keeps like items grouped, which visually organizes things you want to display rather than conceal.
So that’s our house in a nutshell—or a bin, box, and basket. How do you organize receipts, jewelry, spices, bills, or toilet paper? We’d love to hear what systems work for you.
Note: We do have a home alarm system and a safety deposit box at the bank for important documents, so we feel confident sharing our organization methods while keeping our most sensitive originals secure.