Opposites attract. Yin Yang. We meet in the middle.
I think most of us can agree that our match, partner, spouse, whoever it is who is sharing our space with us...is most likely not the same as us. And thank goodness, right? I get enough of me every day. However, why does it feel like so many couples are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to organization? One of the more interesting aspects of being in homes and organizing has been to see how different couples interact with each other and what their approach as well as hopes and desires are for organization. I have learned a few tricks along the way and want to share them with you.
So... whichever spouse happens to be the more organized, this blog post is for you. In my marriage, it is safe to say that, while my husband appreciates my organization, he is not naturally inclined. Here are some of the things I have done in our bedroom to help both of us so I don't feel like I am the only one maintaining systems.
Master Bedroom Organization
Laundry Organization Tip #1: Get a Great Laundry Hamper
This laundry hamper signifying darks and lights could not be any clearer about what needs to go where! Plus I love that it's cute, even if it is usually hidden behind closet doors. Set your significant other up for success with a laundry hamper in the most convenient location with easy to read color labels.
Laundry Organization Tip #2: Provide an IN-BETWEEN Bin
Create a bin for "in between" clothes. Does your spouse have in between clothes that maybe aren't dirty but are also not fresh out of the washing machine? I don't know if anyone wants to hang up or fold clothes that have been worn, even if it was just for an hour. My husband appreciates having a bin where he can throw those in-between clothes. This felt bin from Target is the perfect size to fit atop his dresser and blends in well with the aesthetic of our room.
Organization Tip #3: Control the Vantage Point
Have the messier spouse sleep on the side of the bed furthest from the entrance. This view down my hallway and into my bedrooms is one of my favorites in my house...but it wouldn't be if that were my husbands night stand and side of the bed. In every home we've lived in, I've always positioned his side of the bed opposite from what most people see...that way if his clothes end up on the floor (which they do), it won't be glaringly obvious.
Organization Tip #4: Give Him Control of His Nightstand
Style his nightstand with items he actually uses. My husband likes plants and books. So we compromised. He got to choose the books and plant that are on his nightstand... and I added a decorative house to add a small touch. He's nice like that. But even without the decorative house, this nightstand would look nice enough using only the items chosen by my husband.
Organization Tip #5: Simplify Your Bedding
Style your bed simply enough that he is not afraid to help make the bed. Do you have over 10 pillows on your bed? I love pillows, but having a bed with fewer pillows makes it so much less intimidating for your spouse. If you want help making the bed each morning, consider coming up with a bedding that is simple enough that anyone (even someone without your invested and designer eye) could remember the configuration. In our room, I layered our bed with a simple white bedspread, added this throw blanket, three Euro sized white pillows, and added these striped pillows to finish off the look.
I hope these tips help you add some peace and harmony to your shared spaces AND your relationships! I'd love to hear what you do help your significant other maintain organization and systems! It can be tricky, but it's doable! If you want to learn more about my bedroom makeover, check out my other blog posts: "How to Transform Your Bedroom on a Budget" and "PSA: Your nightstand is NOT a junk drawer."
Jen is the founder of Reset Your Nest, a Professional Home Organizing business in Utah (Salt Lake City, Park City, Ogden, Logan, Utah County, and St. George), California (Bay Area, Los Gatos, Hillsborough, Atherton, San Jose), Denver, CO, and Phoenix, AZ. She loves creating order and systems out of chaos. Her specialty is finding a way to continue the aesthetic of any home to every cupboard and drawer. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram @reset_your_nest.
