Get Organized in the New Year! | Ernest Homes
If you’re like many homeowners (or soon-to-be homeowners!), you’re always looking for new ways to store and organize your belongings. There’s nothing better than knowing where everything is—and being able to access it easily. If you could use a little help getting your home organized, the team at Ernest Homes has gathered practical ideas to help take your tidy to the next level.
First, don’t confuse “clean” with “organized.” Your house can be spotless but still look messy if items don’t have a dedicated place to live. Visible piles of clothes, books stacked everywhere, or scattered accessories can make even a beautifully decorated home feel cluttered. The key is creating systems that help your home look intentional, polished, and welcoming.
Repeat After Me… Use Vacuum-Seal Bags Vacuum-seal storage bags are a great way to reduce bulk and save space. Use them for seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or soft items you don’t need year-round. Remove the air, flatten the contents, and store the bags under beds or on closet shelves to instantly free up space.
A New Way to Fold Have more shirts and shorts than your dresser can handle? Try vertical folding. By folding items so they stand upright, you can see everything at a glance—and fit far more into each drawer.

Gain Closet Space Maximize closet storage by using tiered hangers, hanging shelves, and shoe organizers. These simple additions help utilize vertical space and make small closets far more functional.
Repurpose Over-the-Door Shoe Organizers Clear pocket organizers work for much more than shoes. Use them for pantry items, toiletries, toys, cleaning supplies, beauty products, or school essentials. They keep items easy to see—and off your countertops and tables.
Freezer Storage Clear plastic bins in the freezer help you group items and avoid losing food in the back. You’ll know instantly what you have on hand, making meal prep easier and reducing waste.

Keep Manuals and Warranties Together Store appliance manuals, receipts, and warranties in a single binder with labeled pockets. The next time you need troubleshooting information, everything is in one convenient spot.
Tame Wrapping Paper Rolls Store rolls of wrapping paper upright in a zippered garment bag or tall bin to keep them tidy, contained, and protected from damage.
Become a Kitchen Whiz! Use wall space and under-cabinet areas creatively. Install hooks for mugs, towel bars for utensils, magnetic strips for knives, or shelves for cookbooks—many ideas you’ll also find in our Design Studio. Lid racks help organize pots and containers, while sliding organizers keep items tucked neatly out of sight.

Use baskets and bins to group smaller items on open shelves, making your kitchen look cleaner and more intentional. With a few simple strategies, you can transform cluttered spaces into efficient, beautiful ones. Looking for even more inspiration? Explore our Design Studio or browse our new home floor plans designed with smart storage solutions in mind.