The phrase "to keep things in order" means to maintain organization, tidiness and a sense of structure. It involves taking steps to ensure that everything is arranged and placed properly, so as to create an environment that is neat, clean and well-organized. This can involve tasks such as sorting, arranging, decluttering or putting things back in their proper place. The phrase is often used to describe the actions of someone who is responsible for maintaining order, whether it be at home, workplace, or any other space where organization is important.