Buzz
Image: Mallmo/Getty ImagesI feel incredibly fortunate to write about everything related to home life, from decorating and cleaning to organizing. With over ten years of experience in this field, I’ve developed a natural knack for homemaking, though my career has significantly shaped how I manage my living space.
Visitors constantly remark on how orderly and spotless my home is. They’re often surprised when I reveal the sheer volume of items I receive for work-related testing. When they ask how I keep clutter under control, I attribute much of my success to the organizing professionals I’ve interviewed over the years—their advice has helped me cultivate many effective habits!
Since I believe in sharing helpful tips, here are the eight decluttering principles I rely on to maintain an organized apartment.
Establish a Decluttering Routine—and Commit to It
To effectively minimize clutter in my home, I’ve discovered the importance of regularly removing items before they accumulate. I’ve developed a decluttering routine that fits seamlessly into my lifestyle—the key is to keep it practical. I conduct a seasonal wardrobe review and, once a month, relocate work-related test products to my basement storage unit. (These items stay there until I gather enough to arrange a donation pickup, which occurs roughly twice a year.)
Throughout the year, whenever I feel inspired, I tackle small areas of my home for decluttering. (More details on this later!) During the holidays in December, I dedicate a few days to a thorough decluttering session, focusing on spots I typically neglect.
It might seem like I’m always decluttering, and that’s because I am! Spreading it out this way makes the year-end decluttering session far more manageable—you’re only addressing a few areas rather than the entire house. Additionally, my frequent decluttering habits have trained my mind to desire removing clutter almost instantly, making it easier to stick to my routine.
Create a Hidden Donation Spot or Zone
This is arguably the most effective method to maintain the appearance of tidiness in your home, even if it’s not entirely clutter-free. As you declutter, place items in a designated donation box, basket, or closet. I use a discreet area near my dining table to store items before they’re moved to the basement storage unit. This approach is perfect for managing clutter quickly when you’re busy—just toss items into the bin and handle them later. Just remember to follow through and ensure those items are eventually removed!
Focus on the "Nooks and Crannies"
As I mentioned earlier, I enjoy decluttering small, often-overlooked areas of my home where clutter tends to build up. Examples include the medicine cabinet, nightstand, and junk drawer. I refer to this as the "nooks and crannies" method because these spots are small and manageable. Completing these tasks gives me a sense of achievement, as they usually take no more than 15 minutes!
Since these areas rarely contain anything extremely important, deciding what to keep or discard requires minimal effort. I tackle these spots spontaneously, enjoying the flexibility this approach offers. Even small efforts make a difference, and I find satisfaction in knowing I’m making progress, no matter how minor.
Maintain (Mostly) Empty Surfaces
My countertops, coffee table, kitchen island, and console are typically free of clutter, which is likely why my home appears so tidy. On my kitchen countertops, I only keep items I use every day. A dish rack, coffee maker, smart home device, and essential cooking tools are the only things visible. (I leave out my Kitchenaid mixer, even though I don’t use it often, because it’s too heavy to move frequently.) I avoid leaving food items or condiments out, as their packaging can make the kitchen look disorganized.
I also limit decorative objects. My dining table features a simple centerpiece, and my coffee table has a small tray with a few carefully arranged knick-knacks. The surface of my entertainment console is similarly minimal, with decorative accents grouped in twos or threes. I never overcrowd these areas. Even my sofa is kept simple, adorned with just two throw pillows. I use high-quality baskets to store bulky items like blankets, extra pillows, and handheld vacuums.
Simplify…Then Simplify Further
Coco Chanel once advised, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” I apply this principle to decluttering. After I think I’ve finished organizing a space, I often realize there’s still an item or two I don’t truly need. We tend to hold onto more than necessary, so I do a final review and aim to eliminate at least one more thing. This sometimes requires being a bit ruthless, but I’ve rarely regretted letting go of something.
Opt for Furniture with Visible Legs
While not a traditional decluttering tip, this is a key reason my home appears so tidy and spacious. Selecting furniture with exposed legs creates an airy, open feel, making rooms seem larger and less crowded. In contrast, bulky furniture tends to look heavy and occupies more visual space. The more floor you can see, the less cluttered your space will appear.
Adopt the "One In, One Out" Rule
This is a practice I’ve been rigorously following recently—whenever I bring something new into my home, I make sure to remove a similar item. I apply this rule particularly to makeup and clothing, categories where I’m prone to over-accumulating.
For instance, if I purchase a new blush, I discard an old one. If I buy a new sweater, I donate one I no longer wear. This approach encourages mindful purchasing and helps me assess my current belongings—do I truly want to let go of one of my favorite dresses to make space for a new one?
Only items I truly cherish earn a place in my home. This is a habit I’ve recently adopted, and it’s been incredibly effective in preventing my apartment from becoming overwhelmed with possessions.
Let Go of Emotional Attachments to Objects
When I find myself struggling to part with items, I consciously detach emotionally during the decision-making process. I remind myself that most of what I own isn’t essential for my survival. While I keep enough—and the right—items to ensure emotional comfort, I generally don’t form strong attachments to material things.
If I lost everything in an emergency (heaven forbid), I’d likely be fine! There are very few items I find difficult to declutter. Exceptions include things with significant monetary value or deep sentimental meaning. However, for most items, if I regret discarding them, I can usually replace them easily.
While I don’t advocate for this mindset as the goal is to own less, it’s a thought I keep in mind. For example, do I really want to donate all the party games my husband and I have accumulated, even though we rarely host large gatherings? What if I suddenly decide to start throwing parties? What if a group of friends drops by unexpectedly and wants to have fun?!
However, I remind myself that such scenarios are highly improbable because I’m unlikely to transform into an extremely social person overnight, and games are items I can easily buy again. Once you detach emotionally from possessions, it becomes much simpler to release them—and it becomes easier to bring fewer unnecessary items into your home.
