When I was younger, I never understood the true value of a tidy room – it was always easier to keep a messy one than a tidy one. But as I got older, I started to really understand the importance of organizing my space. I noticed the benefits of being able to find what I was looking for in seconds instead of rummaging through piles of clutter – who knew?

Although this transformation didn’t happen overnight, I really have one person to thank: my mom. My mom has never had a messy room in her life because she can’t stand clutter, which is why I turned to her when I needed easy but effective organizational hacks.

And I thought I’d pass on these words of wisdom. Here are five organizational tricks that have allowed me to maintain a tidy space and give me a sense of peace on a daily basis.

Categorize all your items

When it comes to starting work in a messy room, it can become overwhelming when you look at how much clutter you have. However, it is important to take a deep breath and not panic. My mom stresses the importance of targeting your clutter piles, but also categorizing them.

For example, start categorizing your clothes by tops, bottoms, and accessories. Then separate them into their individual colors. Keep dividing them into long sleeve types, t-shirts, tank tops and more. This will help you really reset your closet and allow you to organize it properly, making finding everything much easier.

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Create a donation box

As you sort through your belongings, try to identify items you haven’t worn or used in the last two to three years, my mom says.

“Don’t try to find a reason or an excuse to keep these pieces,” my mom says. “If you haven’t bothered to wear or use them in a few years, just pass it on to someone who will.”

Create a designated donation pile or find a box to store these items until you have time to dispose of them. You can also check local donation centers in your area to see if pickups are available if you have a few bags or boxes.

Group all small items and accessories

Use an organizer—or mom’s favorites: some strong hair ties, rubber bands, or even zip ties—to keep all your smaller items organized. If you have piles of electrical cords or accessories, tie them up so they’re easily accessible when you actually need them.

If you’re dealing with long cords that stick out like an eyesore, my mom recommends using a zip tie to shorten it if you can and tie it in place. In this way, it will not take up more space than necessary.

Hang and store everything now

When you’re out and about and finally get home, it can be easy to throw all your clothes on a chair or the floor, but that can cause a domino effect and quickly result in a messy space, my mom explains.

She recommends that you always make an extra effort to hang everything up and put it back where it was when you get home and make it a consistent habit. My mom explains how this will help reduce clutter because you don’t let piles build up over time.

“If you do it the first time, it won’t stop you from doing it again,” she says.

Make room for new items

As new trends emerge and new items come out all the time, it’s only natural to buy new clothes or decor and bring them home with you, my mom explains. However, if you’re constantly putting new items back in without making real space for them, you’ll end up with a messy home.

“Saving more and more clutter will overwhelm your space,” she says. “Hold on to past objects that no longer serve you.”