21 Best Japanese Home Organization Ideas
This post may contain affiliate links: full affiliate disclosure.
Japan is well-known for being one of the cleanest, most organized countries in the world. There are plenty of things we can learn from Japanese home organization ideas like these.
Marie Kondo, the goddess of organization herself, hails from Japan’s stunning shores.
There are plenty of things we can learn from Japanese home organization techniques, and it all starts here. Read on as I break down twenty-one of the best Japanese home organization ideas.
1.Vertical File Folding
Source: organizedinteriors.com
Let’s start with your drawers. Drawers can become chaotic quickly, since they’re usually packed to the brim with essentials, and always being open or closed.
Something as simple as using the vertical file folding technique will transform the way your drawers look on a daily basis!
2. Roll Towels
Source: roomclip.jp
Another folding technique I’ve fallen in love with is rolling your towels and storing them upright. This minimizes the amount of space they take up while making them look better in the drawer.
This approach can also work on a shelf if you’re willing to grab one or two storage bins like these.
3. Produce Containers for Fridge Organization
Source: ameblo.jp
Fridges are another part of the home that can easily turn to chaos. Grab a few plastic containers to create distinct areas for each kind of produce, and you’ll never let a vegetable go bad again.
It’s so easy to do, and the results are more than worth the effort!
4. Store in Compartments
Source: itsudemo-home.blog.jp
Have you ever used fabric packing cubes in a suitcase, and loved the feeling of organization that comes from them? Well, why not extend that technique to your drawers at home?
This is a super simple way to create distinct areas for things in your drawers, which helps keep them organized in the long run.
5. Hang Sponges
Source: lifeco.blog.jp
If I have one gripe about sponges, it’s that they don’t seem to dry properly no matter what I do. Well, this hack has changed that. All you need to do is hang your sponges from your metal dish rack!
Using steel clothes pegs like these, you can clamp the sponges and hang them in the air, allowing them to fully dry every time. Genius!
6. Daiso Tension Rods for Craft Supply Storage
Source: Blogspot
If you’re a crafting fiend and need a way to store your various tapes, one of the best ways I’ve found is to use tension rods. You can pick these up from Daiso or Amazon (like these).
The idea is to create a sort of tape station, so you never have to move the roll from where it is!
7. Wooden File Stand
Source: @myq_onlinemall
Make sure your files are visible yet aesthetic with this clever wooden file stand. This is a great way to blend your organization with the aesthetics of your home.
Whether you’re slotting the file stands away in a cupboard or proudly putting them on display, these will work beautifully.
8. Drawer Cases
Source: @kittokatsu1987
If you have a space-hungry hobby with a lot of little things to organize, drawer cases might be for you. These simple plastic grids allow you to transform full drawers into miniature toolboxes.
Now, you can label, sort, and select supplies without having to rifle through an entire drawer every time.
9. Earring Storage
Source: @yalsajang
A major theme of Japanese home organization hacks is taking care of your possessions. Storing your earrings properly helps ensure they’ll go the distance, so it’s really important!
An earring storage case like this one allows you to see all your earrings at the same time, all while protecting them from harsh wear and tear.
10. Acrylic Desk Organizer
Source: @antonia.isabel.schulz
I can’t help but believe that beautiful stationery should be put on display. If you’re also a believer, then an acrylic desk organizer is probably the perfect place to keep your beautiful markers!
Whether you love highlighting or you’re an art fiend, this will make finding the perfect color a breeze every time.
11. Rattan Storage Baskets
Source: dezeen.com
Blend style and substance with some simple rattan storage baskets. These are a great way to hide clutter or small necessities while making them easily accessible.
I love using rattan baskets like these in the bathroom, as they’re resistant to moisture and mold.
12. Mini Storage Bins
Source: @ginkgoarts
If you’re looking for a way to organize your craft supplies, mini storage bins and a couple of hours with a label maker might be the solution! This is a super fun and satisfying method of organization.
If you use clear storage bins and labels, the combination makes it so easy to find any craft supply at a moment’s notice.
13. Store Food with Clips
Source: @kazuko.kataduke
I hate letting food go stale, but sometimes it’s so easy to forget to close a bag properly, and the food pays the price! That’s why I love this food clip storage hack.
Not only does this minimize food waste, but it also makes the inside of your pantry look absolutely beautiful.
14. Store Condiment Tubes with curtain clips
Source: ameblo.jp
Make extra space in your fridge by storing essential condiment tubes with curtain clips! This is so clever, and a great way to maximize space in your fridge’s door.
Curtain clips like these can hook onto the base of any condiment tube, allowing it to hang from the inside of the door. Make sure to only hang small tubes, as the hooks can’t handle too much weight.
15. Plastic Shoe Boxes
Source: dhgate.com
In Japan, it’s very important that outside shoes are taken off quickly, and only inside slippers are worn indoors. That’s where these plastic shoe boxes come in handy!
The sleek, functional design of these boxes means you’ll always have a spot to store outside shoes without making a mess of your entryway.
16. Tatami Bed with Storage
Source: @tc_woodwork
This next hack takes things to a new level. Tatami beds are flat and fairly hard, which can be good for your back while sleeping. They’re also common in traditional Japanese homes.
If you love the idea of reduced back pain and more storage, this clever tatami bed storage hack might be for you.
17. Cable Storage Rack
Source: @krissyorcullo
Disorganized cables are the bane of my existence! But there’s a clever way to make sure all your cables are out of the way: storage racks.
Racks like these go up in two minutes, and they’re perfect for holding power boxes off the floor (and thus away from children and pets).
18. Wall Mounted Shoe Rack
Source: kippiathome.com
Here’s another look at shoe storage, but this time, you can make the whole thing at home from scratch! You’ll need to be semi-comfortable with some basic power tools to get this DIY done.
By the end, you’ll have wall mounted shoe racks that maximize vertical space without impacting the aesthetic of your home.
19. Drawer Dividers
Source: thehomesihavemade.com
Why buy new drawer dividers when you can use the materials you already have? This simple DIY hack uses thick, sturdy carboard and decorative contact paper to sort and decorate your drawers.
These are the perfect solution to a cluttered kitchen or troubled closet.
20. Adding Bathroom Storage Shelves
Source: onebrassfox.com
I’ll say it: I’ve never seen a bathroom come with enough storage. It’s one of those rooms that usually has too many necessities, and not enough places to put them all.
Something as simple as adding some bathroom storage shelves can transform the experience of using your bathroom. Put important products or towels up there for easy access.
21. Wire Storage Baskets
Source: theweavingloom.com
Finally, let’s cap off the list with wire storage baskets! Whether you’re using them to store yarn or you need a drawer divider, these versatile beauties make it easy to organize your home.
Not only that, but they look great, and they’re cost effective. I’m particularly in love with these ones, as they perfectly balance form and function.
You’ve given me the excitement to revamp so many messy drawers. Then I’ll work on my closets! Gotta go and get to work. Thank you so much!!