8 Organization Projects You Can Do in 30 Minutes or Less

Ah, the infamous junk drawer. It’s the one spot in the house where rubber bands, takeout menus, mystery keys and random odds and ends all gather like long-lost cousins at a family reunion. But don’t let its nickname fool you! This space doesn’t have to stay “junk.” With just 30 minutes, you can turn your junk drawer into a useful (dare we say satisfying) spot that you’ll actually want to open.

Steps to Tidy It Up:

• Empty it out: Dump everything onto a nearby surface. Yes, everything.
• Sort and purge: Divide the contents into categories — keep, toss or relocate. Toss out expired coupons, dried-up pens and anything else you know you’ll never use.
• Group similar items: Create mini categories like office supplies, batteries and tools. This will make finding what you need easier.
• Contain the chaos: Use small containers, dividers or even repurposed items like lids from jars to keep things neat.

Storage Tip:

No need to splurge on fancy organizers. Look around your house for shoebox lids, small bowls and empty food containers to create instant compartments.

The tangle of cords lurking behind your desk or stuffed in a drawer is one of those annoyances that’s easy to ignore — until you need to find the right charger in a hurry. After this quick project, you’ll not only save time searching for the right cord but also enjoy a sense of order every time you open that drawer or look behind your TV. Small effort, big payoff!

Steps to Get Cords Under Control:

• Gather all your cords: Pull them out from drawers, shelves and behind furniture. Lay them out on a flat surface so you can see what you’re working with.
• Identify and label: Take a moment to figure out what each cord is for. Use masking tape or purchased cord labels to mark them (e.g., “Phone Charger,” “TV HDMI,” etc.).
• Declutter: Toss any cords that are broken, obsolete or unidentifiable. If you’re unsure about one, keep it in a “maybe” pile for now.
• Tidy and store: Wrap each cord neatly using twist ties, Velcro wraps or even rubber bands. Group similar cords together (e.g, all phone chargers or HDMI cables) and place them in zip-top bags or small bins.

Storage Tip:

Dedicate a drawer, box or container specifically for cords and tech accessories. Use dividers or smaller boxes inside to keep things sorted. Clear bins work well if you want to see everything at a glance.

Kitchen cabinets or pantries can easily turn into chaotic catchalls for mismatched Tupperware, expired spices, forgotten gadgets and more. With a little bit of time, you can transform one cabinet into a functional, organized space that makes cooking and meal prep a breeze.

Steps to Streamline Your Cabinet:

• Empty the cabinet: Take everything out so you can see what you’re dealing with. This also gives you a chance to wipe down the shelves.
• Sort and purge: Toss expired food items and donate duplicates or gadgets you never use. Keep only what’s functional and frequently used.
• Group similar items: Organize items by category, such as baking supplies, canned goods, and everyday dishes. This makes everything easier to find.
• Reorganize: Use bins, baskets and lazy Susans to corral smaller items. Stackable shelf risers can help you maximize vertical space, especially for plates or canned goods.

Storage Tip:

If your cabinet is deep, consider using clear pull-out bins to keep items accessible. Label the bins to make finding and replacing items even easier.

Your car is like an extension of your home, especially if you’re always on the go. But it’s easy for it to become a dumping ground for fast-food wrappers, gym bags and forgotten items. A cleanup sprint can make your car feel fresh, organized and ready for anything.

Steps to Clean Out Your Car:

• Clear it out: Grab a bag for trash and a box for items that need to go back into the house. Remove everything that doesn’t belong, including in the trunk.
• Toss the trash: Empty cups, receipts, wrappers and other junk — get rid of it all. Sort the rest into “keep in car” and “take indoors” piles.
• Wipe down surfaces: Use a microfiber cloth or disposable wipes to clean the dashboard, console and door handles.
• Vacuum quickly: If you have time, give the seats and floor mats a quick vacuum to remove dirt and crumbs.
• Reorganize the trunk: Group essential items like a first-aid kit, jumper cables and reusable shopping bags in a designated trunk organizer.

Storage Tips:

Use a collapsible or multi-compartment trunk organizer to keep everything tidy. It’s perfect for groceries, tools and emergency supplies, so they don’t slide around while you drive. 

If you don’t plan on driving your car often, consider storing it at a self-storage facility to free up driveway space and keep it out of the elements. Look for a facility with covered or climate-controlled options to keep your vehicle safe from any weather-related damage.

If the cabinet under your sink is a messy jumble of cleaning supplies and grocery bags, you’re not alone.  By taking a few minutes to tackle this often-overlooked spot, you’ll create a more efficient setup that saves time and frustration during your daily cleaning routine.

Steps to Refresh Under-the-Sink Areas:

• Empty it out: Clear everything from the cabinet and give the surface a quick wipe-down to remove dust or spills.
• Declutter: Toss empty bottles, expired products and anything you haven’t used in months. Combine half-empty bottles of the same product to save space.
• Sort and group: Arrange items by category, such as cleaners, dishwashing supplies and trash bags. Keep frequently used items toward the front.
• Add organizers: Use bins or baskets to contain loose items. Stackable or pull-out organizers work well for maximizing vertical space in tight areas.
• Utilize cabinet doors: Add adhesive hooks or a small caddy to the inside of the door to store gloves, sponges or scrub brushes.

Storage Tip:

Consider using clear plastic bins to make it easy to see what’s inside and prevent leaks from damaging the cabinet surface. In addition to an over-the-door organizer, you can use a lazy Susan to keep your cleaning supplies accessible in those hard-to-reach back corners of your under-sink area.

A messy fridge isn’t just frustrating — it can also lead to wasted food and money. If you haven’t done a fridge deep-clean in a while, set aside half an hour to go through every shelf and transform it into a clean, organized space. 

Steps to Declutter and Rearrange Your Fridge:

• Empty and assess: Take everything out shelf by shelf, checking expiration dates as you go. Toss anything expired, moldy/rotten or unrecognizable.
• Wipe down surfaces: Quickly clean shelves and drawers with a damp cloth and cleaning spray (or a mix of warm water and baking soda).
• Sort and group: Arrange similar items together — dairy with dairy, condiments with condiments. This makes it easier to find what you need.
• Reorganize: Place frequently used items at eye level and use clear bins to keep smaller items like cheese sticks, yogurts and condiment packets together. Store leftovers in see-through containers so you can keep track of them.
• Add helpful tools: Consider using a lazy Susan for jars or small bottles and drawer liners to make future cleaning a breeze.

Storage Tip:

Use adjustable fridge bins or stackable containers to make the most of your fridge’s vertical space. Label bins with blue masking tape to ensure everyone in the household puts things back in the right place. If you’re wondering how professional chefs organize a fridge, the key is this: condiments on the fridge door; upper shelves for leftovers, drinks and ready-to-eat foods; lower shelves for raw foods you plan on cooking; and drawers for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Closets and dresser drawers are often the unsung heroes of home organization, but they can quickly become overrun with mismatched socks and items you no longer wear. Spend 30 minutes focused on one drawer or a section of your closet to restore order and clear out space for new clothing items you might want to buy.

Steps to Organize Your Closet or Drawer:

• Pick one area: Don’t overwhelm yourself! Choose a single dresser drawer or a specific section of your closet, such as a shelf or rod.
• Empty it out: Remove everything from the space and lay it out where you can see it.
• Declutter: Sort items into “keep,” “donate,” and “toss” piles. Be honest about what you no longer wear or need.
• Fold or hang neatly: Fold items like shirts and socks using a space-saving method (such as file-folding for drawers) and hang clothes by category or color for quick visibility.
• Reorganize: Return items to the drawer or closet in a logical order. Use dividers in drawers or cascading hangers to maximize space.

Storage Tip: 

Invest in slim, non-slip hangers for your closet to create a uniform look and save space. For drawers, use dividers or small bins to keep items like socks or accessories neatly separated. If your closet or drawer space is being hogged by bulky seasonal items like winter puffers, summer linens or spare guest bedding, consider storing them in clear plastic bings at a self-storage unit or elsewhere in your home until it’s time to rotate them into your wardrobe again.

Your storage unit is supposed to simplify your life, but if it’s unorganized, visiting it can feel overwhelming. Spending some time reorganizing and inspecting your unit the next time you’re there can save time, protect your belongings and make future visits more efficient.

Steps to Reorganize and Inspect Your Storage Unit:

• Bring supplies: Grab labels, a marker and a notebook to take inventory of what’s inside. (Or, better yet, keep these inside your storage unit so you can do a quick reorganization every time.)
• Assess the space: Identify cluttered areas or loose items that need attention.
• Consolidate loose items: Gather small or scattered belongings into labeled bins or boxes.
• Reorganize for access: Move frequently used items to the front and less-needed ones toward the back. Group similar items together, like seasonal decor or tools.
• Inspect for damage: Look for signs of pests, moisture, or wear and tear on boxes, mattresses and furniture. Address issues immediately to prevent further damage.
• Consider upgrading or downsizing: If you need a bigger storage unit, consider upgrading to a larger size; conversely, if you’re struggling to fill the space, you can always downsize to a smaller unit or even a storage locker.

Storage Tip:

Use clear, stackable bins instead of cardboard boxes for better visibility and protection. Add labels on the sides for quick identification and keep an updated inventory list. For more tips, you can check out our 8 Tips to Organize or Reorganize Your Storage Unit or guide on How to Clean Your Storage Unit Quickly and Easily.

For more home projects, storage tips and more, explore the SmartStop blog. Happy organizing!