Organizing
5 Decluttering Rules Professional Organizers Always Follow
5 Decluttering Rules Organizers Use to Keep Homes Tidy
Living with less brings more peace, but getting there isn’t always simple. Professional organizers rely on proven strategies to clear clutter. The decluttering rules organizers use focus on simplicity, consistency, and mental ease.
With just a few mindset shifts and practical routines, you can start clearing out the mess—and keep it from coming back.
1. Keep Frequently Used Items Within Reach
When your stuff is hard to access, you’ll either avoid using it or create messes trying to find it.
Marissa Hagmeyer, co-founder of NEAT Method, recommends placing essentials in “prime real estate.” Think top drawers or shelves at eye level.
Seasonal items and backups belong in harder-to-reach spots like high shelves or lower cabinets. This approach keeps daily life smooth and clutter-free.
2. Use the Sticker Test to Sort What You Use
Not ready to part with things? Ryen Toft of Simply Luxe suggests a low-pressure method that still drives progress.
Place garage sale stickers on items you hesitate to toss. Remove the sticker only when you use the item.
After six months, review what still has a sticker. These rarely used objects become easy candidates for donation or disposal.
This visual check-in makes decluttering feel less emotional and more logical.
3. Break Big Tasks into Small Sessions
Trying to tackle an entire room can overwhelm even the most motivated person. Instead, schedule short sessions regularly.
Toft recommends setting a 25-minute timer using the Pomodoro method. Focus on one drawer, bin, or shelf at a time.
Treat it like a calendar appointment. Don’t skip it. Consistency keeps clutter from piling up again.
One session each week is enough to build serious momentum over time.
4. Build Smart Systems in Closets and Drawers
Closets are magnets for hidden clutter. If you can’t see it, you’ll likely forget it exists—or buy more of it.
That’s why Hagmeyer uses file folding for clothes and linens. This technique stores items upright in rows instead of stacks.
It creates a clear visual overview and saves space. Less rummaging means more calm and fewer messes.
A consistent folding system also helps everyone in your home know exactly where things belong.
5. Set Up Drop Zones for Every Family Member
Your home’s entry points can get messy fast. Shoes, bags, papers, and keys often pile up within sight.
Toft recommends giving each person a bin or basket. Lidded containers work best—they limit what you can store.
When a lid doesn’t close, it’s time to sort it. This rule keeps clutter from building quietly.
Empty the bins weekly or biweekly. You’ll maintain order without constant effort.
These Decluttering Rules Organizers Use Really Work
When followed regularly, the decluttering rules organizers use bring lasting calm to any home. They focus on visibility, intention, and routine—not perfection.
You don’t need to sort everything today. Just pick a rule and apply it. Then, keep going.