Joey Vogel is the Principal Designer at Joey Vogel | Interior Design a full service firm located in Toronto. You can view more information at www.joeyvogel.com.
The truth is…there is no such thing as a “neat freak.”
The secret to looking the part lies in one’s ability to disguise their messy lifestyle.
Here are 11 fool-proof secrets on how to do just that.
1. Utilize floor space by filling antique trunks or décor boxes
You can keep the clutter – just tuck it away. Store items like important documents, college textbooks, or even seasonal clothing in trunks that complement your existing decor. Use rolling boxes to store items under beds or sofas.
2. Use vases, trays and storage boxes to stage your surfaces
Place loose change and odds and ends in jars or vases. Store old magazines and books on trays. Use decorative boxes to keep pens, loyalty cards, and extra keys.
3. Use the walls for storage
Many homeowners forget the option of wall storage, but it’s a great way to create additional storage in any room. Floating shelves are an inexpensive way to get things off the ground. Here, you can store items like textbooks or photographs.
4. Spend time to organize the interiors of your furniture pieces
Items like vanity tables, dining room buffets, and media stands are the perfect place to hide clutter. Make use of bookshelves and étagères for decorative items.
5. Make the most out of space under your vanity sink
Organize all that bathroom clutter in a neat fashion by adding a shelving system under your sink and storing items in Tupperware bins. Label the exterior of the bins to ensure nothing gets lost. Great things to store here are cleaning supplies, laundry items and – of course – bathroom essentials.
6. Install robe hooks, towel rings and bars in your bathroom and powder rooms
If you want to at least look like a neat freak, you need to keep counters clean and floors towel-free. Consider using a travel valet on a hook to keep things like jewelry, contact lenses, and Q-Tips behind hung towels.
7. Maximize the efficiency of your garage or locker
Keeping garage and locker spaces organized allows for easy seasonal storage for items like bikes, clothing, suitcases, and more. Don’t let these areas become your dumping ground, though. Use your vertical space wisely by adding tiers or shelving. If you happen to be storing a bookcase utilize it. 
8. The more drawers, the better
Swap your traditional nightstands for smaller dressers to increase their storage potential in the bedroom. Use your night side tables wisely for items like jewelry, socks, underwear, or even clothing.
9. Use your office space properly
Don’t let your home office become a disaster zone. Organize items based on how often you use them. Don’t be afraid to use banker boxes for items that are rarely used, or to keep old files. Keep them handy, but stack them neatly.
10. Create “landing spots”
Trays or boxes can serve as landing spots for mail and papers that will then require sorting. Just place items neatly inside for future clean up.
11. Make the most of small closet spaces
Maximize your closet real estate by additional shelving, bins, and baskets for keeping winter wear and seasonal shoes.
Remember to think outside of the box when it comes to storage; never leave a drawer or box empty, and use ordinary household items for extraordinary things.
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