A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.

Home Organization Ben Soreff Home Organization Ben Soreff

Renovation Tips To Organize Your Multi-Resident Home

Is your household expanding with more residents? Make your home work for everyone with renovation tips on creating a functional mudroom and maximizing storage.

A sign on the wall that says "home," sitting on the highest shelf in a mudroom above storage hooks and bins.

When your household grows, keeping things organized can feel like an uphill battle. With more people comes more stuff, making it essential to find ways to maximize space while staying tidy.

Below are renovation tips to organize your multi-resident home. Implementing these remodeling ideas can help you achieve an organized, harmonious home—even with more residents under one roof.

Maximize Vertical Storage

One of the simplest ways to make your home more accommodating is by utilizing vertical space. Floor-to-ceiling shelving in common areas, such as living rooms or hallways, creates room for books, decorative items, or even bins for personal belongings.

This approach doesn’t just add functionality; it designates spots for the items that tend to pile up. Choose adjustable shelving for extra flexibility as needs evolve.

Functional Mudroom With Custom Shelving

On the subject of shelving, consider creating a functional mudroom with custom shelving. A well-designed mudroom can make life easier for households dealing with multiple people constantly coming and going.

Custom mudroom shelving can keep shoes, jackets, bags, and gear tidy and accessible. Incorporating hooks, cubbies, and a small bench creates a space where everyone can easily store and retrieve their items.

Create Multipurpose Rooms

Another effective renovation tip for organizing your multi-resident home is to create multipurpose rooms. Such areas allow you to accommodate more people without sacrificing comfort or function.

A guest bedroom, for instance, can double as a home office. Use a Murphy bed or sofa bed for flexibility, and incorporate storage solutions like built-in desks or shelving to make the most of the space.

Similarly, you could turn an underused dining area into a hybrid workspace or study zone by installing sleek, foldable furniture. These adaptable room designs ensure everyone feels they have personal space while maintaining order.

Upgrade Your Kitchen Layout

The kitchen tends to be the heart of any home, so preparing it for more frequent use is key. An island with built-in cabinets or pull-out pantries adds valuable storage.

Installing additional drawers or racks for utensils promotes better organization, especially when multiple people participate in meal prep. A functional layout can reduce stress during busy mornings or family dinners while keeping counters clutter-free.

Think Ahead for Shared Spaces

Renovations in shared spaces should focus on comfort and cohesion. Living rooms, for example, benefit from modular furniture you can reconfigure for different needs. It can also be advantageous to add built-in entertainment centers with storage in these spaces to hide electronics, game consoles, and other shared items.

Welcoming more people into your home doesn’t have to mean sacrificing order. With smart renovations, from vertical storage to functional mudrooms and multipurpose spaces, you can create an environment that supports a busy household. The right updates will help maintain organization and make your home a more comfortable and enjoyable place for everyone.

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Home Organization Ben Soreff Home Organization Ben Soreff

5 Clutter-Combatting Techniques You Need to Know

Clutter drains your energy and makes simple tasks feel overwhelming. The good news? You don't need a complete lifestyle overhaul to fix it. These five practical techniques will help you tackle accumulated stuff, manage transitions, and keep your space organized without stress.

Clutter drains your energy and makes simple tasks feel overwhelming. The good news? You don't need a complete lifestyle overhaul to fix it. These five practical techniques will help you tackle accumulated stuff, manage transitions, and keep your space organized without stress.

The Power Purge: Clear with Intention

Start by setting aside time to go through specific categories of items—like clothes, papers, or kitchen gadgets. Don't try to tackle everything at once. Focus on one type of item so you can build momentum without getting overwhelmed.

Use two simple rules to guide your decisions. The "One-Year Rule" says if you haven't used something in the past year, it's probably time to let it go. The "Joy Check" asks a simple question: Does this item actually serve your life right now? If not, donate it or toss it.

Begin small to build confidence. Start with just one drawer or a single shelf. These quick wins will motivate you to keep going and help you develop your decision-making skills before you tackle bigger spaces.

The Four-Zone Declutter System

This method makes decluttering visual and straightforward. Sort everything into four clear categories: Keep and Use Daily, Keep and Store, Donate or Sell, and Discard. Having these specific destinations for every item eliminates the guesswork that usually slows people down.

The system works because you can see your progress immediately. Instead of moving things around randomly, every item has a clear purpose and place. This visual approach also shows you patterns in what you own, helping you spot areas that tend to collect clutter.

Make it even easier by using laundry baskets or labeled bins for each category. You can also use colored sticky notes to mark items as you go. These physical markers keep you organized during the sorting process and prevent items from getting mixed up.

Optimize Hidden Storage

Look for unused spaces in your home that could work harder for you. Under-bed storage bins are perfect for seasonal clothes, extra bedding, or things you don't use often. Over-the-door organizers can hold shoes, cleaning supplies, or bathroom items without taking up floor space.

Think vertically, too. Wall shelves, hooks, and hanging organizers free up valuable floor space while keeping things you use regularly within easy reach. This approach works especially well in smaller homes where every inch counts.

Remember, good storage makes your daily routine easier—it's not about hiding clutter in creative places. Design your storage around the items you actually use, not the stuff you're avoiding decisions about.

Use Storage Units Strategically

Storage units, such as the ones through businesses like Handy Storage, work best for specific situations: during moves, home renovations, or when you're downsizing. They're also useful for seasonal items like holiday decorations, sports equipment, or family heirlooms you're not ready to part with but don't need at home.

Choose climate-controlled units for anything sensitive to temperature changes—electronics, wooden furniture, photos, or antiques. Use clear bins and label everything so you can find what you need without digging through boxes.

Set a reminder to review your stored items every six to twelve months. Storage units can easily become expensive parking spots for things you've forgotten about. Regular check-ins help you decide what's worth keeping and what can finally go.

The Daily Tidy Loop

Spending just 10–15 minutes each day resetting your space can stop small messes from spiraling into overwhelming weekend projects—simply put items back where they belong, return things that have wandered into the wrong room, and keep a donation bag by your door so you can easily drop it off next time you're out.

This routine works because most clutter comes from putting off small decisions. When you handle these decisions daily, things don't pile up and become overwhelming. It's much easier to deal with clutter before it multiplies.

Clutter-free living isn't about owning less—it's about being intentional with what you keep and creating systems that work for your lifestyle. Whether you're doing a major purge, getting creative with storage, or building daily habits, each approach puts you back in control of your space and your peace of mind.

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7 Year-Round Habits for a Neat and Calm Space

Create a serene and organized living space through effective routines, smart storage choices, and regular cleaning habits for lasting tranquility.

A woman in navy striped pajamas is sitting on the floor while neatly putting folded linens into a storage cupboard.

A clutter-free and calm home doesn’t just appear overnight. It takes consistent habits and smart practices to create an environment that feels both functional and serene. Whether it’s keeping the kitchen counter clear or cultivating mindful cleaning routines, these year-round habits for a neat and calm space will help you maintain order and tranquility in your home.

1. Create “Homes” for Everything

Designate a spot for every item in your home to enhance organization. Knowing where keys, wallets, reusable bags, and sports equipment belong prevents clutter. Consider labeling bins or baskets for easy item return.

This is especially useful in shared spaces like entryways and kitchens, fostering responsibility and consistency among family members. Regularly review and update these spots to adjust for new items or household changes.

2. Make a Decluttering Routine

Dedicate 10 minutes daily to declutter a specific area in your home or workspace. Instead of waiting for spring cleaning or letting clutter accumulate, this habit helps keep your environment organized year-round.

Start with smaller spaces like a drawer, closet shelf, or desk, and as you adjust, gradually tackle larger areas to ensure every corner is clean and inviting.

3. Limit What Comes Into the House

Adopt intentional shopping habits by considering your purchases before making them. Ask if you genuinely need that extra kitchen gadget, such as a specialized peeler, or a decorative item, like an ornate vase.

Evaluating the necessity of these items saves money and reduces the volume of items that need organizing and maintenance, leading to a more streamlined, clutter-free environment.

4. Optimize Vertical and Hidden Storage

Use wall-mounted shelves and hooks to maximize often-overlooked vertical space. Consider underutilized areas like the back of doors and beneath beds for hidden storage. Incorporate decorative bins or baskets on these shelves and hooks to keep your belongings organized and enhance your room's aesthetics. This change maximizes space and maintains a serene, uncluttered appearance for a more peaceful environment.

5. Tidy as You Go

Develop a habit of returning items to their designated spots immediately after use. For example, place your shoes on the rack when you come in, or fold blankets after lounging on the couch.

By tidying up during daily activities—like putting away kitchen utensils after cooking or organizing books after reading—you can reduce the need for major cleaning sessions later. This strategy keeps your space organized and creates a more inviting environment.

6. Stick to a Cleaning Schedule

Consistency is key to a tidy home. Create a cleaning schedule—weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—that fits your household's routines. To ease the process, divide chores into daily tasks.

For instance, assign specific days for vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing the bathroom. This method boosts productivity and makes chores manageable, allowing everyone to help without feeling overwhelmed.

7. Weatherproof Your Home for Every Season

From insulating doors in the winter to setting up dehumidifiers in the summer, weatherproofing your home ensures comfort and longevity for your living space. This proactive habit prevents potential damage related to extreme weather conditions and helps maintain an organized, welcoming atmosphere year-round.

Equip yourself with smart tips, such as using weather stripping and strategically placing fans, to enhance your weatherproofing efforts and maximize energy efficiency.

A Calmer Space Awaits

By incorporating these year-round habits for a neat and calm space into your daily life, you’ll create an environment that is not only functional but also soothing. Need help achieving your dream space? Start small, stay consistent, and watch your space transform into a haven of peace and organization.

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Top 10 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Decluttering Before a Fast Sale

According to the National Association of Realtors, 83% of buyers say a clean, decluttered home is easier to visualize as their own, and staged homes sell faster and often above asking price. But what happens when you're not staging for top-dollar—but trying to sell quickly either in Arkansas, Little Rock, or any other part of the US, maybe even in as-is condition, to a cash home buyer? 

We partnered with a real estate company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

According to the National Association of Realtors, 83% of buyers say a clean, decluttered home is easier to visualize as their own, and staged homes sell faster and often above asking price. But what happens when you're not staging for top-dollar—but trying to sell quickly either in Arkansas, Little Rock, or any other part of the US, maybe even in as-is condition, to a cash home buyer

The pressure to prepare fast is real—and many homeowners make critical mistakes that turn away even serious investors. If your goal is to sell my house fast Little Rock to a cash home buyer, the way you declutter can directly affect how quickly and confidently that offer comes in. Done poorly, it can create confusion, stress, and leave money on the table.

1. Trying to Declutter the Whole House at Once

Why it's a mistake: Many sellers, under time pressure, attempt to declutter the entire home in one go. But this often leads to decision fatigue, incomplete rooms, or worse—quitting halfway.
Better approach: Break tasks down by room or zone and use the 15-minute method. Focused effort with short bursts prevents overwhelm.
Relevance to a fast cash sale: Cash buyers often schedule visits within 24–48 hours. Sellers need a system that helps them move quickly and effectively to make the space show-ready.

2. Focusing on the Wrong Rooms First

Why it's a mistake: Some sellers spend hours decluttering garages or attics, while ignoring high-impact zones like kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms.
What to do instead: Start with areas buyers see first or spend the most time in. These are the decision-making zones.
Relevance to cash sales: Even when buyers aren’t nitpicking finishes, they still judge cleanliness and layout. A tidy kitchen and bright living room help build trust in an “as-is” offer scenario.

3. Leaving Personal Items on Display

Why it's a mistake: Family photos, personal collections, and custom religious or political decor make it harder for buyers to visualize the house as theirs.
What to do instead: Neutralize the space—think model home. Remove identifiers and create a clean slate.
Relevance to cash buyers: Even fast offers are influenced by emotional comfort. A buyer should walk in and say, “I can live here,” not, “Someone else clearly lives here.”

4. Overcrowding the Space with Furniture or Decor

Why it's a mistake: Too much furniture or busy decor makes rooms feel smaller and cluttered, even if technically clean.
Solution: Remove excess furniture, simplify shelves and surfaces, and use minimal staging touches.
Relevance to fast sales: Visual spaciousness can impact perceived value—even with cash buyers. It gives the impression that the home has been cared for and respected.

5. Neglecting Natural Light and Brightness

Why it's a mistake: Dim lighting and closed curtains make rooms look smaller and gloomy.
Fix: Open blinds, replace burnt-out bulbs with brighter ones, and clean windows for natural light.
How it helps you sell my house fast Arkansas: Bright, welcoming spaces not only photograph better—they also reduce hesitation in buyers making a quick decision.

6. Ignoring Smells (Good and Bad)

Why it's a mistake: Lingering pet odors, stale air, or heavy air fresheners can ruin a walkthrough.
What to do instead: Air out rooms, clean soft furnishings, and use mild neutral scents like lemon or lavender.
Cash-sale relevance: Smell is processed instantly by the brain—it can’t be unseen like visual clutter can be. Even cash buyers may walk away due to bad odors.

7. Stuffing Clutter into Closets or Boxes

Why it's a mistake: Many homeowners rush to clean by shoving miscellaneous items into closets or storage boxes, assuming buyers won’t look inside.
Reality: Most buyers—including cash buyers—do open closets, cabinets, and drawers during walk-throughs. Finding overstuffed, chaotic spaces signals poor storage and a lack of home organization.
Cash-sale insight: A well-organized home builds trust. Even “as-is” buyers like Paranova Property Buyers—who often work with motivated sellers searching we buy houses Hot Springs AR notice when a home feels tidy and intentional. Clean, accessible storage suggests the property has been well-maintained and increases the chances of a fast, confident offer.

8. Skipping Deep Cleaning After Decluttering

Why it's a mistake: Decluttering is great, but dust, grime, or smudges on walls, floors, or switches can ruin the impression.
What to do: After removing clutter, spend time wiping down all visible surfaces, scrubbing corners, and sanitizing kitchens and bathrooms.
Fast-sale value: A clean home suggests it’s been cared for. This helps buyers feel confident—even if you haven’t done full renovations.

9. Getting Stuck on Sentimental Items

Why it's a mistake: Sentimental clutter slows momentum. You pause on every baby outfit, souvenir, or family photo—and progress stops.
Solution: Use a “maybe” box. Store items temporarily in a labeled bin and revisit them after the move.
Selling connection: Speed is essential in a fast sale. Delaying decluttering for emotional reasons can cause missed opportunities.

10. Forgetting About Exterior and Curb Appeal

Why it's a mistake: Many homeowners focus only inside and forget about the yard, porch, and garage.
Simple fixes: Mow the lawn, sweep the porch, hide trash bins, and declutter outdoor furniture or tools.
Why it helps you sell quickly: First impressions are formed outside. Cash buyers still drive by—and a neat exterior reassures them they’re dealing with a responsible seller.

Final Thought

Even in fast cash sales, buyers want homes that feel clean, cared for, and move-in ready. By avoiding these 10 common decluttering mistakes, you create that impression—giving trusted buyers like Paranova Property Buyers the confidence to move forward with a fair, fast offer.

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