This post is sponsored by Ross Dress for Less
After a long season of moving and remodeling, I’m ready for a fresh start this year. That means tackling home organization. Living in a house for a while makes you notice how each room is actually used, and that often reveals the need for smart, specific storage solutions.
I focused on the bedrooms and the bathroom first. Our bedrooms are small and the house has a 1950s bathroom, so there’s no large vanity or walk-in closets to rely on. That forces creativity with storage. The very first step is always decluttering — if you don’t clear out what you don’t need, you’ll end up trying to organize items you should have already let go of.
Last week I finally got motivated and made progress on several small but meaningful projects that made the spaces feel calmer and more functional.
During the holidays and while contractors were in the house, I stashed a lot of loose items rather than sorting them. My nightstand became a catch-all, and I knew I didn’t want to start the new year with that clutter. So I emptied the drawers completely and only put back what I truly needed.
To keep the drawers from reverting to clutter, I used small containers to corral similar items. I found perfect drawer organizers at my local Ross store. Ross offers the same brands you see in department stores at 20%–60% off, which makes it a great place to find attractive, budget-friendly organizing pieces.
One drawer became dedicated to essentials I need in the morning and at night, so everything is easy to find when I’m in a rush.
The other drawer I reserved for jewelry. I discovered a velvety divider and a small tray that keep necklaces, earrings, and rings separated and tangle-free. I try to wear simple jewelry each day even while working from home, and having it organized and accessible makes that much easier.
I also bought a tray for the top of the nightstand. Trays and baskets instantly make surfaces look intentional and tidy. Just that small change made the whole bedroom feel more put together.
We had family stay with us for a couple of weeks, which brought up another issue: where to keep extra pillows in the guest room. Everyone sleeps differently, so offering pillow options is considerate, but our guest room is small and I didn’t want pillows piled on the floor.
While checking out at Ross with my drawer organizers, I spotted a small upholstered storage bench that was too good to pass up. It has a lovely nailhead trim and fits perfectly at the foot of the bed. It serves as a seat and a discreet place for guests to select or store extra pillows — a practical and stylish find.
I also picked up an over-the-door hook system that’s ideal for guests to hang robes or towels. Hooks are a simple, inexpensive way to keep floors clear and items accessible, while also keeping things out of reach of our curious dogs.
Speaking of the pups, I found a dog-bone–shaped basket that was irresistible. It’s now in our entry and holds dog leashes, sweaters, and other pet essentials. It keeps those items off the floor and makes grabbing them for a walk convenient.
Jack approves, of course.
Finally, I tackled the classic bathroom-sock problem. Even though we have a laundry chute right outside the bathroom, not everyone remembers to use it. I found a cute laundry hamper that sits neatly in the bathroom and gives a clear place to toss clothes. Only time will tell if it ends the habit of socks ending up on the floor, but at least it looks good.
What organizing solutions have you implemented so far this year?
The drawer organizers, tray, upholstered storage bench, dog-bone basket, hooks, and hamper shown here were all found at my local Ross store.