How to do up a house: How to renovate on a budget – 21 affordable ideas to transform your home

How to renovate on a budget – 21 affordable ideas to transform your home

Get the Ideal Home Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.

Thank you for signing up to Ideal Home. You will receive a verification email shortly.

There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

As the saying goes don’t move, improve. We’re all in favour of affordable improvements that can add value to your home and maximise how you use your living space. Whether you want to upgrade the shower in the bathroom, add a skylight to the bedroom or repair original Victorian hall tiles, we have budget renovation ideas that will make the dream a reality.

But where to start with how to renovate on a budget? Here’s just a taster of our top 21 home upgrades for under £1,000 to inspire your home makeover projects.

Ideas for renovating on a budget

1. Do up or ditch the old front door

(Image credit: future PLC/Derek Robinson)

Start with the front door to make a lasting impression, because the right front door ideas add instant kerb appeal. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders for transforming an existing door. Not only does it revive the door, it adds a new look for the whole exterior of your home.

But if your front door has had its day, invest in a new one to make a great first impression, or install a smart new knocker or handle with the help of our how to fit a door handle guide. You can even design your own.

Cost: Exterior paint can be as little as £20, a new front door costs anywhere between £300-£1000.

2. Lay a stylish stair runner

(Image credit: future PLC/Olly Gordon)

Stairs are often the first thing that visitors see when they come into your house, so why not update shabby treads with a stylish stair runner? It’s also a great place to indulge in some colour. Make a big impact by choosing a striped or bold coloured runner. Or go classy with a neutral weave or thick and pale pile.

Cost: For a few hundred pounds, you can turn an over-the-hill hallway into the strong introduction your home deserves. One of our readers carried out an impressive DIY job using IKEA Rugs! See the results here: See how this dated staircase was given a stylish transformation using £1.50 IKEA rugs

3. Paint the floorboards

(Image credit: future PLC/Richard Gadsby)

It’s the DIY and decorating project that can instantly transform any room in an instant (or perhaps overnight, to give the paint a chance to full dry). A fresh coast of paint can give a bedroom, hallway or living room idea a whole new decorating scheme. Whether you choose to add colour or refresh in white, painted floorboards are transformative yet highly affordable.

Cost: Many of the best know paints these days, don’t require an additional primer so you can paint the floorboards for as little as £25-£50 – depending on the floor area.

(Image credit: future PLC/Olly Gordon)

A fireplace is a wonderful focal point to any room. But sadly, they weren’t so hot in the 1970s and ’80s, leading to many homeowners ripping them out. So if you have a chimney breast bare of a fireplace, why not reintroduce one? It certainly beats a TV as a focal point, and could bring back all the character you’re home’s been missing.

While a grand may not stretch to replacing an ornate marble surround, there are lots of cast-iron models at reasonable prices. You can pick up a cute combination grate like this for as little as £400.

Cost: Installation can vary, but if there is a bare wall with a hole it should be around £300, whereas if an unsuitable fireplace needs to be removed first, it could be up to £600.

5. Care for your cornicing

(Image credit: future PLC/David Woolley)

Original features are a real plus point, but sometimes they need a little TLC to restore them to their original splendour. Often, decorative cornicing is lost under decades of paint: by stripping it off, you can really bring out the period detail.

Cost: Although you can buy products to remove the layers yourself, you?ll need a set of goggles and lots of patience. Bring in the professionals, however, and you can get a 10 x 10ft room stripped back in a jiffy for less than £1,000. Call Cornice Cleaning, who can tackle the job for you.

6. Build bespoke shelves

(Image credit: future PLC/Douglas Gibb)

You can never have too much storage space, so make the most of every inch with bespoke shelving. From clever designs for alcoves to tricky corners – making the most of awkward recesses is the perfect way to utilise every nook and cranny for savvy storage.

Cost: It makes sense to have the shelves tailor-made to fit their contents and create your own super-efficient library system. If you’re handy with DIY it can keep costs to a minimum. Alternatively The London Alcove Company can construct alcove shelving like this, installed and painted, for £945.

7. Install a skylight

(Image credit: future PLC/David Giles)

If you have a dark loft room or attic bathroom idea, off-the peg skylights are a relatively inexpensive architectural solution. Adding one or two will brighten any gloomy room, instantly transforming a space.

Cost: Velux skylights start from around £500 for the fixed, non-opening solution, and should cost around £250/£350 for an experienced builder to install.

8. Add a garden room

(Image credit: future PLC/Colin Poole)

Give your property the boost of an extra room, without the need for an expensive extension idea for small houses. Maximise limited living space on a budget by installing a garden room design idea. Whether it be a specialist garden room pod or a revamped shed, having an extra room allows for a home office, gym or summer house in which to escape the house.

Cost: Professional garden room costs can be very expensive, therefore if on a budget go for the summer house or shed idea instead. There’s a cost to laying a good-quality foundation, but with reasonable skills you can keep the price of this low by doing it yourself.

In order to run power to you garden room you will need to pay a qualified electrician, with costs starting round £300-£500. But digging the power cable trench to their specification in advance will keep the price down.

9. Reupholster an old sofa

(Image credit: future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)

Update a vintage sofa or sofa bed with a funky new fabric covering. Or give a sentimental furniture piece a new lease of life with neat new upholstery.

Cost: A typical two-seater sofa will require about 8m of fabric, so choose a design at around £40 per m for a spend of £320. If you aren’t confident about upholstering yourself, a reputable reupholstery service provides services from £500.

10. Create an instant lawn

(Image credit: future PLC/Claire Lloyd Davies)

Add greenery to your outdoor space with ultra-realistic artificial lawn. Artificial grass, everything you need to know – rather than cut it, you just need to vacuum it clean every so often. Unlike the real thing, it won’t yellow and dry out in the the hot sun, so it’s a practical and good-looking choice if you’re looking for grassless garden ideas.

Cost: Carpetright has six great styles to choose from, which cost from £9.99 per sq m.

11. Change your worktops

(Image credit: future PLC/Future PLC)

Go for a simple worktop, like laminate, which is generally the cheapest, in a finish illusion of a high-cost design. Faux marble is very on trend right now, and faux wood is a classic that won’t date – just avoid any orangey tones.

Cost: A custom-built kitchen worktop idea from Ikea comes in at around £1,000, factoring in installation. 

12. Switch the splashback

(Image credit: future PLC/Lizzie Orme)

You can transform your kitchen in an instant with a clever choice of tiles, or an all-in-one glass kitchen splashback idea. Look at designer tiles on the market, choose your favourite, then find a low-cost lookalike.

If you’re looking to cut down on the work needed, adhesive glass splashback panels are really easy to fit. Laura Ashley has a great range. Or you can learn how to grout tiles yourself to save on installation costs. Oh, and both of these apply to bathrooms, too!

Cost: You can pick up a glass splashback for just a few hundred pounds, or tile a decorative design for the same costs.

13. Refresh or replace internal doors

(Image credit: Future)

Give any room an instant update with the addition of a new door. From on-trend paint colours to revamp old internal doors to a new set of French doors with glass window panes, a new set of doors can transform the layout of a home. As this family home shows with the glass doors creating an open-plan living room idea without removing walls or making structural changes.

Cost: If painting, the cost can be as low as £16 for Dulux Satinwood paint for 750ml. Replacement doors would cost more but may be what’s need for a complete overhaul of a layout. Putting in internal fRENCH doors costs on average anywhere between £300-£500.

14. Power the shower

(Image credit: future PLC/David Giles)

If your water pressure is low and you don’t have a combi boiler, your shower is probably less than invigorating. Installing a pump to increase the pressure and a thermostatic shower valve to maintain the temperature will improve it no end.

Cost: The supply and fit of a new pump should cost around £250, then £150–£250 to fit the shower.

15. Hang striking new curtains or blinds

(Image credit: future PLC/David Giles)

Spruce up any room with a new window treatment idea – whether curtains, blinds or an on-trend combination of both. Unlined curtain panels are easier to make than traditional curtains and, with no pleats to increase the amount of fabric you’ll need, you can go for more luxurious options.

Cost: If you can make your own, you’re looking at the cost of two-to-three metres of fabric, per curtain or blind. Or you can go for a made-to-measure service. Curtains2Go constantly reviews the price or competitors to ensure it’s offering a good deal. A 240cm x 180cm blackout roller blind will set you back less than £100.

16. Overhaul sash windows

(Image credit: future PLC/David Giles)

Gaps around a typical single sash window can add up to the equivalent of a 6 sq in hole. So enlisting the help of an expert to repair your originals will dramatically improve their performance, and cut your heating bills.

Cost: A window like this could be overhauled for £630, including sealing to put an end to rattling, draughts, dirt and noise seeping in and heat rushing out, new cords and weights, and new locks for added security – all at a fraction of the cost of replacement windows.

17. Hang chic shutters

(Image credit: future PLC/Olly Gordon)

Smart window shutter ideas can make a statement in any room, and are particularly useful if you are wondering how to dress a bay window. They provide privacy and are a cool way to filter light. Either team them with light voile drapes or do away with other window treatments altogether.

Cost: Shutterly Fabulous can create shutters in any colour you like. Four full-height panels, including a home consultation, a 10 per cent custom-colour fee and installation would ring in at around £1,000.

18. Lay on-trend carpet

(Image credit: future PLC/Jo Bridges)

Carpet in high-traffic areas of the home needn’t be confined to neutral shades – think ice-cream colours for an on-trend look. Simply choose a wool blend for flooring that’s durable, soft underfoot and striking.

Cost: The average UK room size is 16 sq m, so the total would be £480 for a carpet that’s £30 per sq m, with an additional £200-£250 for fitting and underlay.

19. Restore original floor tiles

(Image credit: future PLC/Polly Eltes)

Make a great first impression with a new hallway colour scheme by way of new floor tiles. Encaustic tiles often have a layer of old polish, wax or ground-in grime on them that seriously detracts from their original charm. You might also have some that have broken or worked loose.

Panic not though, as professional cleaning can restore your floor to its former glory. These beautifully restored quarry tiles work perfectly in this traditional grey hallway idea.

Cost: For £1,000, you can have an average hallway of around 6-8 sq m cleaned, any loose or damaged tiles repaired or replaced and the floor re-sealed with an appropriate product. London Mosaic provides a full range of restoration services.

20. Introduce wall panelling

(Image credit: future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)

Wall panelling ideas of all styles are hugely popular for transforming homes right now. Equally at home in a modern space as a period property, wall panelling hides a multitude of sins as well as adding interest to a featureless room. Choose the correct dimensions, and it can also be used to rebalance the proportions of an unusually shaped space.

Cost: The Wall Panelling Company can advise on all aspects of panelling and construct a feature wall for around £1,000. However to keep costs low take inspiration from our reader who had a go and saved fortunes: Homeowners incredible £50 bedroom wall panelling makeover

21. Lay bespoke rugs to transform floors

(Image credit: future PLC/David Giles)

If you’re searching for the perfect rug, but can’t find your dream design, don’t despair. Theres a whole host of companies who will help you create a rug or carpet to your exact specifications for less than you might expect.

Cost: Rug Couture offers rugs in 360 standard colours, and special dyes on request. Expect to pay around £194 per sq m.

What changes will you be making to your home?

How to Organize a House Renovation

Home renovation is complex and difficult, especially when renovating an entire home. Whole-home renovations can upset your life, strain relationships, and tax your budget. But this is balanced out by the prospect of significantly increased resale value, more and better living space, and a gorgeous home that you’ll enjoy living in.

It’s important to understand what you’re getting into when you choose a whole home renovation. A look at the elements and the basic flow of a major home renovation will give you a sense of what’s involved and help you effectively plan the project.

Click Play to Learn How to Organize Your House Renovation

Design and Plan

Whether it’s a sketch on a piece of paper or a complete set of architectural plans, start with an overall sense of your goals and how you’ll meet them. It’s always best to correct mistakes in the planning stage, long before the remodel takes physical form.

You may want to take on some of the jobs by yourself. Draw up a basic list of do-it-yourself projects and projects you want professionals to do vs. those that you think you may want to handle. Search for contractors and subcontractors. Usually, these are electricians, plumbers, structural carpenters, and foundation companies—the majority of the work.

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska 

Important

While the process described here is linear, home renovation is not linear. Whole home renovations do follow this overall narrative. But many of the processes slightly or completely overlap or happen in reverse order—all because of necessity. This is to be expected.

Preliminary Projects

You may not be able to start the home renovation until other projects have first been completed. All are large projects that must be done first because subsequent projects are impacted by them.

• Foundation and structure: Address the foundation and any structural problems. Secure the foundation and make major foundation repairs to areas such as weakened walls, joists, and carrying beams.
• Roofing: Repair or replace the roof to protect the work below.
• Siding: Fix or replace the siding. If the siding is so damaged that it will allow water infiltration, repair or replace the siding. If not seriously damaged, leave it for later.
• Windows: Fix or replace any windows that are so damaged that they might leak water to the inside. If not seriously damaged, leave the window repair or replacement for later in the process.

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Funding

Make sure that you have funding for your renovation. Single-room or smaller projects like remodeling a small bathroom or kitchen, painting, flooring, or even building a small room addition can conceivably be funded with cash. Whole-home renovations are so large, expensive, and lengthy that outside funding is usually necessary.

Unsecured home improvement loans typically have a $50,000 to $100,000 lending limit. These loans tend to close quickly for qualified borrowers but have higher interest rates than secured loans.HELOCs, or home equity lines of credit, are secured loans that use your home’s equity as security, and they usually have lower interest rates than personal, unsecured loans.

Public Domain: Petr Kratochvil

Permits

Apply for permits for the jobs you want to do on your own (if necessary). If you’re hiring a contractor, they will likely handle the permits for you, plus they will meet with inspectors during the process. If you apply for your own permits, you’ll need to handle all arrangement by yourself: application, inspections, and finalling out the permits (taking them to completion).

CC-Licensed; Flickr User 1000 x 1500

Best Foundation Repair Companies

Demolition

You will demolish and dispose of sections of the house that will be replaced by later projects. This is a huge undertaking that many homeowners overlook until the project begins. Rent a large container for waste. Carefully demolish all or some of the areas of the house that will be renovated. Demolish as much as possible if you will not be living in the house.

Warning

Exercise caution when demolishing surfaces coated with lead-based paint. Asbestos, which is often common in older homes, can be a serious health hazard as well. It’s a very good idea to call in a professional to help with anything that involves asbestos or lead-based paint.

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Structural Carpentry

Carpentry that is in support of other work is known as structural carpentry. This can include moving walls, constructing new walls, adding beams to support a greater weight upstairs, adding new doors (or removing existing doors), adding framing for new construction windows, or significantly enlarging the window openings.

Many of these projects can be undertaken by an enterprising DIYer, but some projects, such as enlarging window openings, might call for a contractor’s expertise.

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing

HVAC, electrical, and plumbing are vital services that need to be installed when the walls and ceiling are open. Open walls and ceilings make it easier for the HVAC company to install ductwork for central heating and air conditioning and for electricians and plumbers to run new electrical and plumbing systems.

Tip

In most places, building code requires that only those professionally licensed to do the work can handle this part of the renovation. Carefully check the requirements in your area.

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Window Installation

Window installation, whether whole-house or partial, almost always plays into a home remodel project. Installing new-construction or replacement windows is usually best done by professionals.

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Insulation and Drywall

Before the drywall goes up, the insulation must go in. Look at the options for insulation, and plan to use different types for different areas of the house. You’ll need it in the walls and attic, and you might be able to do all of it yourself.

Tip

Before you close up the walls, you’ll need a second inspection from the electrical inspector (and perhaps the plumbing inspector). They will give you the go-ahead to close up the walls.

The walls will be covered with drywall, a multi-step process that involves hanging, mudding, and sanding the drywall. Repeat the mudding/sanding process until the surface is smooth and seamless. Usually, you’ll only need to come back once. Applying too much drywall mud, too little, or laying it down sloppily means multiple muddings and sandings.

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Fine Carpentry

Next comes the carpentry that is not supportive: baseboards, molding, trim around windows and doors, and built-in elements, such as bookcases or breakfast nooks. Fine carpentry gives your house that finished touch.

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Paint

Nearing the end of the project, it’s time to paint the walls or add wallpaper. Many homeowners can handle the work of painting interior walls, hanging wallpaper, painting molding and trim, or staining and sealing trim. All of these detail-oriented surface finishes should be some of the last items you do indoors.

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Best Home Renovation Apps

Floor Installation

Install floor covering in the house. Choose laminate, solid hardwood, engineered wood, or carpet for various living and bedroom areas and vinyl, tile, or marble for bathrooms and kitchens. No matter what you choose, plan to install the flooring as late as possible in the renovation process. This will save your flooring surface from significant damage.

Tip

Floor covering is one whole-house renovation project that homeowners sometimes take on themselves to save money. Just make sure that you’re up to the job and have help.

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Exterior Work

Work on the exterior of the house. Install gutters and siding. Consider external renovations that might be connected to the house, such as adding a front porch or sunroom, or adding a detached garage or swimming pool.

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Best Home Renovation Contractors

Innovative cleaning method – INMYROOM

Do you view your home only through the prism of functionality? Divide it into a series of rooms where you eat, sleep, wash, work, communicate with household members? Think broader: the house is the center of your unique life, which requires order in all areas. We read a new book about cleaning to learn how to start living more consciously and stop cluttering the environment. We share our impressions with you.

The book “Breathe Freely” was published in Russian by the publishing house “Mann, Ivanov and Ferber” in 2015. Its authors – Lauren Rosenfield and Melva Green – wrote it for those who want to get rid of the clutter in their home and soul. Dr. Melva Green is a registered psychiatrist who combines scientific knowledge with the power of intuition. Lauren Rosenfield is the mother of four restless teenagers and a master of spiritual cleansing.

1. Start cleaning in the entryway

The entryway is the first place you enter when you come home. Therefore, restoring order should begin with it. Enter your home as if you were a first-time visitor. What immediately catches your eye? What things seem redundant? Remove them without hesitation – give them to someone or throw them away.

Fill your entryway with just the right things and nice accessories. Put a vase with fresh flowers on a chest of drawers, hang a cheerful picture and a poster. Keep everything in its place, and throw out flyers, checks and other garbage before you get home.

“Before you start getting rid of stuff, it’s important to remember that the process of getting rid of stuff requires patience, pliability, and sensitive introspection.”

2. Create an atmosphere of relaxation in the living room

The living room is a place for the whole family to gather: here we share the day’s events, impressions, spend time with children and receive guests. Someone has a whole room allocated for these purposes, for someone it also serves as a bedroom. One thing unites them – the mess prevents you from completely relaxing and relaxing.

Take a picture of the interior of your living room, look at the photo and think about what is bothering you. Perhaps a pile of unnecessary magazines has accumulated in the corner, flyers lie between the books, and clothes hang on the back of the chair – remove unnecessary things. Do the manipulations several times and the only thing left for you is to invite guests here.

“Physical rubbish is just an expression of the emotional disorder we carry within us.”

3. Set up a place for home dinners

The dining room is more than a room where people just eat: here people communicate and exchange news. It doesn’t matter if you can allocate a full-fledged room for it or have dinner at a small table in the kitchen – there should be order in this area. Often in the dining room they work at a computer, do their homework – they use it as a full-fledged workplace. Therefore, meals become more like a quick snack in the company of a laptop or TV.

As you clean this area, write down a list of things you do here: school lessons, office work, needlework. Allocate a box for each activity: put extra things in them and put them out of sight – let nothing distract you while eating.

“You will have to look at rooms not just as a place for furniture, but as an outward manifestation of emotional and spiritual life.

For each room, choose at least three symbol words that describe the atmosphere you want to create there.

4. Free the kitchen from unnecessary things

The kitchen is often called the heart of the house – it is here that the hostess prepares food for the family, guests first come here for a cup of tea. In addition to groceries, it stores dishes, cooking utensils, cookbooks and more. But are they all in their places, do you use at least half of the things?

Get rid of pieces of furniture that prevent you from moving freely around the kitchen and making the most of the space. Grab your favorite cookbook and plan your dream dinner. Get out all the tools you need to prepare such a dinner: pots, pans, bowls. Repeat the manipulations with different menu options: everything that is left aside – feel free to throw it away. And, of course, do not wait for a special moment – cook your dream dinner now!

“Getting rid of rubbish – giving up unnecessary things in order to get in return the space, time and positive emotions that you lack.

”

5. Teach your child to clean by example

While the child is still small, you are responsible for the order in the nursery. But the kids grow and change, the nursery transforms with them – it is filled with toys, personal items and hobby attributes. Remember that children do not see the disorder – for them it is a natural result of development and self-knowledge.

The best way to teach a child to put things in order is not to ask him, but to show how this is done by your own example. Give him one small task at a time: sort out one drawer, throw out old clothes, put away toys. And of course, do not forget about promotions.

“The goal is to enjoy the process and feel the joy of the work done.”

6. Get rid of distractions in the office

Some people like to work in open common areas: at the dining table, at the coffee table by the sofa, in the bedroom; others choose a secluded spot next to a window. Both of them are similar in one thing – the workspace easily turns into a real pile of rubbish.

Psychologists say that this is connected with a feeling of anxiety and fear of responsible work. To clean up your office, first sort the things that you are indifferent to, then those that cause fear or stupor. As a result, you will not only clean up the space, but also understand what type of activity to pay special attention to.

“Always start by identifying a purpose for the room or area you have chosen to clean up. You have to look for things that are inappropriate for the purpose: they will go into the box.

7. Make room for relaxation in the bedroom

The bedroom is a personal space in which we are especially vulnerable. The bedroom is a place of love, rest and recovery, and any clutter will get in the way of complete relaxation. Take a close look at the room, pay attention to which of the things cause pleasant emotions, and what you would like to replace. If you need to, feel free to toss out extra accessories and highlight what you like.

“We are big fans of before and after shots.

It’s nice to see where you’ve been before to realize how far you’ve come.”

8. Take time to keep your bathroom clean

The bathroom is where every morning begins and every evening ends. It is here that we can be alone with ourselves, smile at the reflection and tune in to a new day. It is difficult to do this among unwashed linen, chaotic shampoo bottles and a dirty sink.

Get rid of all the things that spoil your start to the day and cause discomfort. Sort the bottles and jars – are you sure you need them all? Feel free to throw away those that are already covered with dust – love yourself.

“The idea of ​​three gates is good to use when cleaning the house. We suggest the following control questions: Does this item meet my goals? do I use this item? Is this thing good for my soul?

Opinion InMyRoom

If you have never traced the connection between your emotional state and order in the house, then this book can be a real discovery for you. It does not contain practical advice on how to wash a stain or hang up blouses, but you will get acquainted with popular exercises for introspection and self-acceptance. In fact, doing them is often more effective than daily dusting.

37 tips and ideas on how to clean up anywhere

You can listen to the article. If it’s more convenient for you, turn on the podcast.

Competent organization of space is priceless. It makes the house more spacious, allows you to do less cleaning and even helps to maintain order in life. There is only one problem – learning such an organization is not as easy as it seems. Here are some tips and ideas on how to do it.

1. Correctly define what garbage is

We spend a lot of time at home and quickly get used to the things we see all the time. We no longer notice the pile of papers that grows on the table day after day, or the clothes that lie in the armchair for a week. This is becoming the norm. We understand that something is wrong only when we can’t find what we need or we buy a new thing, and then we find a similar sweater under the bed.

Space experts advise taking pictures. Take pictures of your desk drawers, closet shelves, and other cluttered areas, then zoom in on the photos. Do you use all the things you see? How often? Do you want to tidy up and put things away? The answers to these questions will help you understand that out of a pile of things – real garbage, which is high time to throw away.

2. Come to terms with the fact that garbage has always been, is and will be

Perhaps you now think that there is nothing unnecessary in your house. And no trash either. But such things certainly exist, and this is absolutely normal.

Life throws us more and more new objects every day. We can buy an unusual figurine, and after a week ask ourselves why we did it. You will always have to get rid of garbage, which means you need to figure out how to make this process interesting and exciting. For example, turn on peppy music while cleaning or divide unnecessary into categories.

3. Do not get attached to things

In today’s world, the value of owning anything is too exaggerated. We often think that we can only enjoy a thing if we buy it.

In fact, it is enough to rent some items for a while to understand that we do not need them so much. For example, if you have been dreaming about a coffee machine for a long time, borrow it from a friend for a week. You may not use the device as often as you thought.

In addition, for everything that we already have, it is necessary to allocate space and keep it clean and tidy. It takes energy and strength. Therefore, it is worth surrounding yourself with only the most necessary and favorite items.

4. Include children in cleaning

It is better to allocate time for cleaning the nursery every day. At the same time, experts advise not to say phrases like “Get out.” Children perceive them as “putting beauty in the room”, so they simply diligently shove things into the nearest lockers.

Instead, explain that each toy or book has its place, and cleaning means putting them in those places. Also try to teach your children to clean up the room at certain times, such as before dinner.

5. Sort papers and stationery wisely

Experts say it’s best to sort and file paper vertically rather than horizontally. Even if you rarely work with documents and write down something, select a drawer or shelf for papers. Sort them into files every week using categories and subcategories. And don’t put important documents too far away.

If you have space to work at home, try to separate the work area from the storage area. Most often, we buy stationery sets, such as 20 pens or several packs of stickers. Don’t keep it all on the table. Put the supplies in the closet, leaving one or two handles. When they run out, you just get new ones.

6. Put away things immediately

When we hold a cup in our hands, it is easy for us to convince ourselves to leave it on the bedroom table. Well, what, because you still have to go to the kitchen, and you can remove the cup later. As a result, she stays by the bed until the evening, and even until the next morning. Try to avoid this and immediately put things in their places.

7. Be mindful of functionality

We often choose the visual component of the order, not the functional one. For example, when we sort out a closet full of clothes, we are more likely to want to arrange things in a way that looks beautiful, like on Instagram* blogs, and not so that it is easy to find what we need. Of course, this is the wrong approach.

The point of organizing a space is to satisfy our needs, not to put things in nice looking piles. If the “picture” is important to you, add nice tags, labels, or other identifying marks that will help you navigate the storage system without any problems.

8. Take your time

If you start transforming the entire apartment at once, interest and patience will quickly disappear. It is better to allocate half an hour every day, but do not skip cleaning. Organization of space is not an end point, but a continuous process of acquiring and applying new skills.

9. Organize mindfully

If you’ve just returned from the store with full shopping bags, take the time to unpack them right away. This will help reduce the amount of debris that would otherwise be left in the hallway, kitchen and other rooms.

10. Disassemble the wardrobe in three steps

The first is to remove all unused hangers. They can be given to friends or put aside in reserve. Then you need to choose the things that require washing. Finally, set a timer for 10 minutes, or whatever time you need, and quickly sort out your clothes, setting aside what you definitely won’t be wearing. These things can be donated for recycling or for charity.

Take note 👕

• How often should you update your wardrobe and how to do it wisely

11. Determine a place for each item

Before you buy something, experts advise you to clearly imagine where you will put it. Each item should have its own little “home” and its own place. If you do not understand where you will “live” a thing, you should not bring it from the store.

12. Starting a difficult cleaning wisely

When we have a huge amount of things to sort out before our eyes, it is easy to panic. In order not to panic, first divide the cleaning into blocks, for example, by room: entrance hall, living room, kitchen, and so on. And then you can divide each room into zones.

The most important thing is to force yourself to get down to business. As soon as you start taking things apart and finding something that you have long forgotten about, you will immediately feel inspired. You can also ask friends or family members for help.

13. Reduce the amount of things on the bedside table

Usually you can find glasses, hand cream, a charger, a book or a magazine on it. If you need something else, make your own list, but don’t get too carried away. Often in the drawers of the bedside table, unnecessary trash and garbage collects.

To avoid this situation, keep certain things in each compartment. For example, store wet wipes and other personal care items in the top, and put the book you are reading or planning to read in the bottom.

14. Tidy up your desk

Keeping a notebook and a pen handy always helps to organize your thoughts or leave small reminders to yourself. Headphones – conventional or noise-canceling – allow you to turn off external sounds and focus. And according to the calendar on the table, it is convenient to compare and supplement the schedule.

But do you really need colored pencils, old postcards or a few decorative figurines? If not, it’s time to get them off your desktop. Use the same principle as with the bedside table – leave only the essentials. And do not forget to disassemble the drawers.

15. Pack smartly

First, make a list of things you need. It is better to save it on your computer or phone. A ready-made list will help you remember important things when packing for future trips.

Plan your wardrobe for every day of travel. Try to choose things that combine in different ways, and avoid clothes from the “what if” category. Usually it just takes up space, and you never take it out of the suitcase. You can also set a certain limit, for example, four sweaters, two pairs of jeans, and so on. This will allow you not to overdo it with extra outfits.

It is better to pack things in layers, the first of which is heavy, such as shoes, jeans or sweatshirts. And so that the clothes do not wrinkle, you can shift them with paper napkins or towels. Small items, such as underwear or small electronics, are best packed in separate bags.

Experts recommend packing your suitcase the weekend before your trip. So you will feel calmer, besides, you will have enough time to buy something.

When the trip includes air travel, use the “fractional rule”: if your family has four people, put a quarter of each person’s clothes in all suitcases. In case one of them gets lost, everyone will have something to wear until the luggage is found.

16. Read useful books

To learn how to maintain order in the house and life, experts advise reading literature not only on cleaning, but also, for example, on time management. You can start with David Allen’s How to Get Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity and The Power of Habit. Why do we live and work this way and not otherwise?” Charles Duhigg.

17. Reduce the amount of paper

In today’s world, almost all information is available online, which means there is no reason to keep useless papers. Get in the habit of immediately throwing away unnecessary leaflets, such as advertisements that are often put in the mailbox. Important and necessary documentation can be kept in files, but try to keep it to a minimum.

18. Keep track of memorabilia

Do not keep sentimental souvenirs around the house. Experts advise having a separate drawer or container for meaningful items – postcards, letters, and any other memorabilia. But it should also be kept in order. If you notice that the lid is already barely closing, think about what is really important to you and leave only the most valuable.

19. Avoid unnecessary surfaces

The more surfaces in the house, the more likely it is to fill them with unnecessary things and garbage. Experts urge to act radically and remove unnecessary pieces of furniture from the apartment as much as possible. Such minimalism will allow you to easily maintain order.

20. Optimize your wardrobe

If you see the back wall when you open your wardrobe, you are not using it to its full potential. To get an idea of ​​how much space you need, try separating your clothes first by style and then by color, and hang things in the direction from light to dark or vice versa. And if you have a large collection of hats or caps, don’t put them on the shelves, but add stylish hooks to your wardrobe and hang your hats on them.

According to experts, 80% of the time we wear only 20% of our wardrobe. Find your 20% and give away the excess. You can even put a special bag for charity in each closet – this will reduce the time for sorting.

21. Pay attention to the bedroom

This is one of the most “tasty” places for garbage. Here we are drawn to leave a travel bag, which we will sort out a little later, throw things that are long overdue to be washed in a corner, or spread papers all over the room.

Review and remove everything from the bedroom that is not related to clothes, sleep, relaxation and romance. Beautiful flowers and candles do not count. The rest is better to remove to other rooms.

22. Use labels and stickers

Stickers, dividers and other “markers” are indispensable in the household. They make it much easier to find the right papers, products, things. Stickers can be attached to files with documents, drawers in the wardrobe and garage or back walls of lockers, so you can immediately understand whether you will find what you are looking for there or not.

23. Be ruthless

Most of us have too many things. And all because we do not know how to “let go” and give them away. As a result, there are more and more objects, and there is almost no place left for us in our own home. Experts advise to be tough and carefully select things. Make a list of what you absolutely need and give or throw away the rest.

The same applies to the goods you plan to buy. Ask yourself if you really need them, if there is room for new things in the house and what you are willing to sacrifice to make room for them. If the answers are inconclusive, you should think again before making a purchase.

24. Not scolding ourselves

As soon as we start cleaning, we often start scolding ourselves. “How did I bring (s) the apartment to such a state”, “What did I think (s)”, “I am a real slob” – these are more harmless remarks from those that we release in our address.

Do not forget that restoring and maintaining order is hard work. Focus on how you want your home to look like in the future, not on the mistakes you made in the past.

25. Change attitude to workspace

Any items that are needed for work should be at arm’s length. Try to organize your workspace so that you can find everything you need for daily tasks. This will not only clean your desktop, but also increase your productivity.

26. Clean out the bathroom regularly

Every six months, check the expiration date of cosmetics and care products and throw away expired products. Organizers also help keep order. You can put medicines, hygiene and other accessories in them.

27. Clean up immediately during cooking

Wash and put away dishes while lunch or dinner is still cooking, and return ingredients to their places immediately after use. The amount of cleaning after cooking will be significantly reduced.

Check 🍤

• 8 mistakes in organizing space in the kitchen that take up your time

28.

Use glass containers for food

Ordinary plastic containers are not always convenient. They are often cloudy, making it difficult to see what is inside. Experts recommend taking glass containers and even putting them upside down in the refrigerator so you can see at a glance what they are filled with.

29. Keep wastebaskets in the right places

It is best to place them where rubbish tends to accumulate. For example, where you parse correspondence from the mailbox. Half of the papers usually have to be thrown away right away – a trash can nearby will not let you forget about it.

30. Attach more hooks

Hanging clothes on them is much more convenient and faster than putting them away on a hanger in the wardrobe every time. Hang more hooks for yourself and for the kids so they can easily leave outerwear or backpacks in the right place, and not scattered all over the apartment.

31. Divide kitchen cupboards into zones

Experts propose to proceed according to the following scheme. First, take everything out of the cabinets and lay it on the table. Throw away or give away things that you definitely won’t eat or use.

Then divide the cupboards into zones: ingredients for baking, spices for second courses, food supplies, kitchen utensils, dishcloths, dishes themselves, and so on. Thoroughly wipe the shelves and arrange everything in zones.

At the end, add stickers so that you don’t forget what is where – at first it will be unusual for you, but gradually you will get used to it and understand how convenient it is.

32. Do one thing at a time

The modern world is crazy about multitasking. We try to do everything at once, and any delays and interruptions annoy us wildly. Try a different strategy – perform tasks one at a time and in order.

For example, if you open a program on a laptop and it’s been loading for five minutes, you don’t have to reach for your phone to take that time. Take a deep breath, exhale and just wait. This will bring peace of mind and help you do things better.

33. Trust in space

In order to keep things from filling up the house, it is important to decide in advance how much space you are willing to allocate for each item. For example, you will have only one drawer in your closet, in which you will put only sweaters. This means that you should not buy more sweaters than this box can hold. If you still bought a new thing, and the drawer is no longer closed, you will have to get rid of one of the old sweaters. You cannot move clothes to a new place. Such a strict selection principle will help keep the wardrobe in order.

34. Increase vertical space

Experts suggest adding more shelves for books and decor, placing small baskets throughout the rooms for a variety of items, and even hanging things in the wardrobe on top of each other. This will help increase the vertical space in the apartment and make it a little more spacious.

35. Sort bags

Admit it, how often do you painfully long dig in your bag in the hope of finding the keys to the apartment, chewing gum or antiseptic? To prevent this from happening, try to “demarcate” things. Buy several small multi-colored zipper organizers and use for different items: one for cosmetics and hygiene items, the second for electronics, the third for other small items, such as a notebook and a pen. So you will always easily and quickly find any thing.

36. Move wisely

Keep a “moving diary” and enter everything you need into it: a list of things, tasks, contacts of companies involved in transportation, and any other information. As soon as you finally move in, first of all equip the most necessary rooms: kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

Prepare the box to be opened first. It should contain the most basic things: hygiene items, food, medicine, clothes for a few days while you get used to a new place, documents, electronics, bedding, towels, kitchen utensils, and so on.

37. Take care of the decor

Minimalism is great, but the surrounding space should also be filled with things that you like and create comfort. Add more plants, posters, or your own photos, books, and magazines.