Don’t you wish getting—and staying—organized was easier?
Although ridding your home of unwanted clutter will always take some time and effort, your phone or tablet can actually help. Download the apps below and start selling your clothing or other unwanted items, keep your kids on track with their own chores, or simply hire someone else to do the job.
You’ll organize your home without even stepping out the front door.
1. Lootsy (free): Have an old iPod no one in your family is using anymore, or books your kids have outgrown? Use this app to free up space in your home and make a little money. Simply take a picture of the item you want to sell and wait for the offers to roll in. Reject offers you think are too low, or make a counter offer.
2. Poshmark (free): This app is similar to Lootsy, but used solely by those looking to buy and sell clothing and shoes. Find items in your closet that you haven’t worn in the past year and list them for sale in less than 60 seconds. Once you’ve cleaned out your wardrobe, take part in virtual shopping parties and connect with other fashionistas from around the country.
3. iRewardChart (free): Motivate your kids to clean their own rooms and do their other chores with this app, which allows you to keep track of their progress and shows them how close they are to earning rewards of their choosing.
4. Sortly (free): Sometimes the best way to stay organized is by putting rarely used belongings into storage or the attic. Keep track of what you pack away—and exactly where you pack it—with this app by taking pictures of individual items and then recording in which box it can be found.
5. My Minutes ($2.99): Your phone can be a big help when it comes to staying organized, but it can also be a big distraction. This app will keep you focused on daily tasks by setting goals like “Organize the garage for at least 15 minutes” or “Spend no more than 20 minutes on Facebook.” The app will alert you when you have completed a goal or are close to going over your time limit.
6. TaskRabbit (free): If all else fails, ask for help. TaskRabbit allows you to outsource work you need done—whether that’s washing your dishes or organizing clothes to donate—to willing helpers who have been background checked, screened and interviewed. You can also make more time for home organization by sending someone else to stand in line for you at the DMV or pick up your prescriptions.
7. Shoeboxed (free): If you frequently keep track of your expenses, this app will be your new best friend. You no longer have to keep paper receipts; instead, take a picture and quickly create expense reports. Not sure what to do with all the business cards you acquire? Take a picture of those, too, and the app will create a contact list.
8. Manilla (free): Keep your financial and healthcare documents, bills, travel rewards, and even magazine subscriptions in one place (and out of your home). You can create custom accounts for babysitters or cleaning services, set up text reminders and work with other family members through the app. Best of all, the app is verified by multiple security agencies.
9. Key Ring Reward Cards (free): Download this app and you’ll never find plastic rewards cards or paper coupons hanging around your house again. Simply scan the barcode on your cards and keep them all in one place on your phone. You’ll also have access to grocery store and retailer coupons, which you can share through social media. The app will even alert you when a coupon is about to expire.
