Buzz
Maintaining a clean home doesn’t have to be difficult. The key is forming habits that stop messes before they start. Whether you're organizing your bedroom, bathroom, or pantry, these habits will help keep clutter under control all year. Even if you can't manage all of them, incorporating just a few will make a noticeable difference in how tidy your home feels.
Kostikova/Getty ImagesTidy Up as You Go
Does the idea of a massive decluttering project every season feel overwhelming? Rather than tackling a huge cleanup every few months, try to declutter consistently. You can plan it around your schedule. For example, clean out your garage on the first rainy day each month. Dedicate fifteen minutes each third Saturday to organizing your pantry. If your bathroom cabinets start to look a bit untidy, spend ten minutes getting rid of expired products. Or simply declutter as drawers and shelves begin to fill up.
Spend 10 Minutes Tidying Each Day
Life gets hectic, but we all have ten minutes each day to address clutter. Set a timer on your phone and focus on the area that needs attention most. No matter what space you choose, you can keep things organized with just a small daily commitment.
Edit Your Wardrobe Each Season
Make a habit of editing your wardrobe every few months. Get rid of clothes that no longer fit, are worn out, or that you know you’ll never wear again (like those trendy jeans you bought years ago). This also helps you save money, as you’ll avoid buying items you already have, such as another white button-down shirt.
Keep Frequently Used Items Together
“Relaxing on the couch? Collect your craft supplies, nail file, charger, and favorite snack. Place them in a stylish basket for easy access and no clutter,” suggests Amy Cha, professional organizer and founder of Everyday Organized. When all the essentials you use daily are in one place, they will never be lost, and you'll save time not having to search for them.
Stay on Top of Your Mail
Are you overwhelmed by piles of mail? Dreading those stacks of paper? Cha advises dedicating specific time to go through your mail only when you’re truly ready. “Open and sort mail a couple of times a week. Say goodbye to cluttered piles and forgotten tasks.”
Keep Your Reusable Bags Organized
Do you have so many reusable bags that it feels like you could open your own store? Start by reducing your collection to just ten. “Keep reusable bags in your car to prevent them from piling up inside your home. Five per car is the perfect number,” advises Cha.
Limit Your Seasonal Decorations
Do you find yourself with boxes of Christmas, Halloween, and Easter decorations taking up space? This can lead to a cluttered closet or garage. Cha recommends limiting your decor to one bin per season (unless it's for your favorite holiday). “Sort by season, not by holiday. Easily transition from Halloween to Thanksgiving by keeping the current season’s bin open and storing the rest in deep storage.”
Decline Items You Don’t Want
We all receive things we don’t need from time to time. Whether it’s from a friend giving you a stack of books, free reusable bags, or gifts with purchase—if you don’t want it in your home, simply don’t accept it in the first place.
