In a survey conducted by the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), 54% of Americans reported feeling overwhelmed by the amount of clutter they have in their homes. Furthermore, 78% said they have no idea what to do with all the clutter or find it too complicated to deal with, so they let it accumulate and take over their living spaces.1
It can get overwhelming, that’s for sure. But incorporating these 12 simple habits into your daily routine, you can keep your home organized and clutter-free, reducing stress and boosting your overall well-being.
1. Make Your Bed Every Morning
Starting your day by making your bed takes less than two minutes, but it instantly improves the appearance of your bedroom. This small habit sets a productive tone for the day and prevents your room from looking messy.
2. Embrace the “One In, One Out” Rule
Maintain balance and prevent the accumulation of unnecessary items by following the “one in, one out” rule. Whenever you bring a new item into your home, make sure to let go of a similar item to keep your possessions in check.
3. Practice Regular Mini-Declutters
Set aside a small amount of time each week to declutter a specific area in your home, such as a drawer or a cupboard. Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining a clutter-free space.
4. Keep Flat Surfaces Clear
Make it a habit to keep countertops, tables, and other flat surfaces clear by immediately putting items away where they belong. This simple practice can make a significant difference in the overall tidiness of your home.
5. Handle Mail & Paperwork Immediately
Don’t let mail and paperwork pile up. Open, read, and sort mail as soon as it arrives to prevent unnecessary paper clutter from accumulating.
6. Create a Designated “Donation Station”
Designate a spot in your home for items that you plan to donate. Whenever you come across something you no longer need or want, add it to the station and make regular trips to your local charity.
7. Implement a Nightly Tidy-Up Routine
Take 10 minutes each evening to return items to their proper place. This small habit can make a big difference in maintaining a clutter-free space and ensures you wake up to a tidy home.
8. Question Your Purchases
Before buying anything new, ask yourself if it’s truly necessary. If possible, wait a few days before making the purchase to see if you still want or need the item.
9. Utilize Vertical Space
Keep your floor clear by using walls for storage. Shelves and wall hooks are great solutions for maximizing vertical space and keeping items organized.
10. Involve the Whole Family
Maintaining an organized home is a team effort. Encourage family members to participate in daily and weekly routines, assigning age-appropriate tasks to each person. Working together, you can create a clutter-free haven that everyone can enjoy.
11. Declutter before Shopping
Before making any new purchases, especially for items like clothes, decor, or gadgets, take a moment to declutter what you already own in that category first. This will help you avoid buying duplicates and prevent more clutter from entering your home.
12. Implement the “One-Minute Rule”
If a tidying task takes less than one minute to complete, like hanging up a coat or putting a dish in the dishwasher, do it immediately instead of putting it off for later. These small actions can prevent clutter from piling up.
Source:
1. PR Newswire – Decluttr
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.