As the new year begins, many households set intentions to declutter and reorganize, but the sheer volume of accumulated items can make the task seem overwhelming. Professional organizers suggest that the key to success lies in adopting small, manageable habits rather than attempting a complete overhaul. Nicole Sachiko, founder of Tidy Lifestyle, and Karen O’Keeffe, founder of Organize It!, offer five realistic resolutions that can be integrated into daily routines without causing stress.
The first recommendation addresses the common problem of paper clutter. Sachiko advises creating a designated “pending papers box” to collect all incoming mail and documents. This simple system ensures that papers have a specific place, preventing them from spreading across countertops and tables. When the box becomes full, it serves as a visual cue to sort through the contents. Sachiko also suggests sorting mail at the recycling bin to immediately discard junk advertisements, leaving only important bills and letters to be placed in the box.
Another area where clutter tends to accumulate is the shower, where bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash often crowd the floor or ledges. O’Keeffe points out that this not only looks messy but can also create a slipping hazard. Her solution is to decant products into matching pump bottles, preferably plastic to avoid breakage. Labeling the bottles helps maintain order, and buying value-sized refills can be cost-effective in the long run. This practice transforms the shower into a more spa-like environment while keeping it organized and safe.
Building a Decluttering Routine
Consistency is crucial for long-term organization, and Sachiko recommends setting aside a regular block of time each week for tidying. For example, she suggests dedicating 60 minutes every Sunday morning to declutter the entire home. This routine not only keeps the space neat but also reduces the time needed for cleaning during the week. Sachiko encourages involving children by offering an allowance or other incentives, which teaches them responsibility while lightening the load for parents.
Storing items by category in bins or boxes is another fundamental organizing principle that both experts endorse. Sachiko explains that categorizing items helps you know exactly what you have and how much, making it easier to keep track of supplies like toilet paper or linens. She recommends starting with one category, such as clothing, and breaking it down into subcategories like socks, pants, and shirts. O’Keeffe adds that this method saves time because items can be tossed into the appropriate bin without needing to hang them up.
Simple Solutions for Everyday Items
For items that do need to be hung, hooks offer an easy and accessible solution. O’Keeffe suggests using S-hooks, which are affordable and available at hardware stores or online. Larger hooks can be placed over a closet rod, while smaller ones can hang on a towel bar mounted to the wall. Over-the-door hooks are another option, typically featuring multiple hooks on a single bar. To maximize efficiency, O’Keeffe advises dedicating each hook bar to a specific purpose, such as keeping a work uniform together or storing exercise gear. This approach also helps manage everyday messes, like damp towels, by placing a bar over the bathroom door.
These five strategies, recommended by professional organizers, offer a practical path to a more organized home without requiring drastic changes. By focusing on small, consistent actions, households can achieve and maintain order throughout the year.
