5 Best Things to Organize While You're Stuck Inside

Tackle these areas first to make your home run more smoothly.

Updated on August 11, 2022

Whether you're feeling under the weather–or you're literally snowed in–you might be looking for ways to pass some time indoors. There's no need to spend it reorganizing your house, but if you're looking for some projects to tackle, here are some areas to consider. Start by organizing the five key spots below, then go ahead and tackle that closet overhaul while wearing pajamas for the fifth day in a row.

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Organize Your Kitchen Counters and Drawers

Clearing off the kitchen counters should top your organizing to-do list. If possible, find the proper spot for any and all items (food, homework papers, electronics, etc.) that might have migrated here. And relocate any mail or papers. They probably don't belong on your cooking surface, either.

Try to keep only the tools, condiments, and spices you use every day out on the counter. To contain it all, try our brilliant tray trick for a tidy kitchen counter. Then, organize your kitchen utensil drawer so it's easy to grab exactly what you need while cooking or serving meals.

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Tackle the Paper Pile (and Tax Forms!)

If you're stuck inside, why not use the opportunity to get your bills, paperwork, and important documents in order? This is a chore many of us (for obvious reasons) procrastinate on, but once you have a system in place to sort tax forms, insurance documents, and bank statements, it will be easier to maintain order in the future. Also, having your identification, insurance paperwork, and medical forms in one easy-to-locate spot can be incredibly helpful during an emergency situation.

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Rearrange Your Entryway

Clear out decorative items you don't necessarily need in this area. Now consider how well your entryway is serving your family. Do you need to set up a landing spot to remove your shoes and stash your keys as you walk in the door? Do you need baskets or pretty storage hooks to get coats and scarves up off the floor? Leave some hand sanitizer on a console or shelf so guests can quickly clean their hands on the way in.

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Declutter Your Pantry

Start by removing everything from the pantry, checking expiration dates, and wiping down the shelves before following these pantry organization tips from the pros. You'll be thankful when you can spot every single can of soup, ramen packet, and box of pasta at a glance.

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Tackle the Closet

This really should be done on a seasonal basis, but how many of us actually do it that often? If you're home anyway–and a season (or three) behind–it's time to organize your closet. While you're sure to discover items you can purge right away, you may also find clothing and jewelry you forgot you owned and are excited to wear again.

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