How to Organize Your Room and Keep It Clean

Learn how to sort your belongings, create a tidy space, and build simple habits to keep your room organized. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. The Three-Basket Sort. Place three baskets in the center of your room. Label them: 'Keep,' 'Give Away,' and 'Trash.' Go through your room item by item and decide where each object belongs. If you haven't used it in a long time, consider if it's time to give it to someone else.
2. Give Everything a Home. Now that you only have the 'Keep' items, assign a specific spot for each category. Put books on a shelf, toys in a bin, and clothes in your drawers. If an item doesn't have a home, ask a grown-up for a bin or box to store it in.
3. Clean the Surfaces. Use your damp cloth to wipe dust off your shelves and desk. Then, ask a grown-up to help you use the vacuum or broom to clear the floor. Starting with a clean surface makes it much easier to keep things tidy.
4. Create a Daily Habit. Set a timer for five minutes every night before bed. Use this time to put everything back in its 'home.' If you do this every day, your room will stay clean without a big effort.