Are you secretly sabotaging your own space? 5 decluttering rules organizers live by
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If you’ve ever opened a closet only to be met by an avalanche of clothes, or spent too long hunting for your keys under piles of paper, you’re not alone.
Clutter can sneak up on the best of us—and it’s no wonder, considering the average American household owns roughly 300,000 items.
But according to professional organizers, keeping your home in order isn’t about being perfect—it’s about following a few simple rules.
Here we have five golden rules that pros swear by to keep their own homes—and their clients’ spaces—calm, functional, and clutter-free.
Try them out and see how much smoother your days can run!
1. Store daily items in easy-to-reach spaces
If you use it every day, it shouldn’t be tucked away.
Marissa Hagmeyer, co-founder of NEAT Method, recommends storing everyday items like vitamins, mugs, or jackets in top drawers or eye-level shelves.
This makes your go-tos easier to access while freeing up out-of-the-way spots for things you only use occasionally—like holiday decorations or once-a-year cookware.
2. Use the sticker trick for guilt-free letting go
Struggling to part with items you might "need someday"?
Ryen Toft of Simply Luxe suggests the "garage sale sticker" method: place small stickers on items you’re unsure about, and as you use something, remove the sticker.
After six months, anything still marked can be donated or tossed.
It’s a gentle way to realize what you actually use—and what’s just taking up space.
Also read: Is your phone clutter hiding a deeper issue? Find out what it could really mean
3. Break decluttering into bite-sized chunks
One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to declutter everything in one go.
Instead, block out 25 minutes and focus on just one drawer or shelf at a time.
That’s enough to make progress without burnout.
Bonus tip: treat these sessions like any other appointment—don’t cancel on yourself.
4. File-fold clothes and create visual storage systems
Drawers and closets can quickly become clutter black holes.
One solution? File-folding.
By folding items vertically, you can see everything at a glance—no more forgetting what you own.
This works for linens, towels, and even shopping bags.
Visibility is key: if you can see it, you’ll use it!
Also read: What? You can use poop to clean?! A decluttering trick that you should try
5. Assign a drop zone for each person
Clutter hotspots—like entryways or kitchen counters—are often where stuff gets dumped.
To control it, give each household member a small bin or basket to store their daily essentials like keys or mail.
Keep the containers small so they don’t become junk drawers, and empty them weekly to stay ahead of mess.
Bonus tips that actually work
Research shows clutter can cause stress, interfere with sleep, and make it harder to focus.
On the flip side, an organized home promotes peace of mind, smoother routines, and more joy in your space.
Read next: The secret to regifting without anyone knowing – Etiquette experts reveal!
Have you tried one of these rules—or do you have a method that works better for you? Share your wins and roadblocks in the comments. Whether you’re a seasoned organizer or just starting out, your insight could help someone else on their decluttering journey!
Clutter can sneak up on the best of us—and it’s no wonder, considering the average American household owns roughly 300,000 items.
But according to professional organizers, keeping your home in order isn’t about being perfect—it’s about following a few simple rules.
Here we have five golden rules that pros swear by to keep their own homes—and their clients’ spaces—calm, functional, and clutter-free.
Try them out and see how much smoother your days can run!
A simple moment of decluttering—making space for peace, clarity, and what truly matters. Image Source: Pexels / RDNE Stock project.
1. Store daily items in easy-to-reach spaces
If you use it every day, it shouldn’t be tucked away.
Marissa Hagmeyer, co-founder of NEAT Method, recommends storing everyday items like vitamins, mugs, or jackets in top drawers or eye-level shelves.
This makes your go-tos easier to access while freeing up out-of-the-way spots for things you only use occasionally—like holiday decorations or once-a-year cookware.
2. Use the sticker trick for guilt-free letting go
Struggling to part with items you might "need someday"?
Ryen Toft of Simply Luxe suggests the "garage sale sticker" method: place small stickers on items you’re unsure about, and as you use something, remove the sticker.
After six months, anything still marked can be donated or tossed.
It’s a gentle way to realize what you actually use—and what’s just taking up space.
Also read: Is your phone clutter hiding a deeper issue? Find out what it could really mean
3. Break decluttering into bite-sized chunks
One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to declutter everything in one go.
Instead, block out 25 minutes and focus on just one drawer or shelf at a time.
That’s enough to make progress without burnout.
Bonus tip: treat these sessions like any other appointment—don’t cancel on yourself.
4. File-fold clothes and create visual storage systems
Drawers and closets can quickly become clutter black holes.
One solution? File-folding.
By folding items vertically, you can see everything at a glance—no more forgetting what you own.
This works for linens, towels, and even shopping bags.
Visibility is key: if you can see it, you’ll use it!
Also read: What? You can use poop to clean?! A decluttering trick that you should try
5. Assign a drop zone for each person
Clutter hotspots—like entryways or kitchen counters—are often where stuff gets dumped.
To control it, give each household member a small bin or basket to store their daily essentials like keys or mail.
Keep the containers small so they don’t become junk drawers, and empty them weekly to stay ahead of mess.
Bonus tips that actually work
- One in, one out: For every item you bring home, commit to letting go of another.
- Donate with purpose: It’s easier to part with items when you know they’ll help someone else.
- Photo keepsakes: Take a picture of sentimental items before donating.
- Buddy system: Enlist a friend to help—and return the favor!
Research shows clutter can cause stress, interfere with sleep, and make it harder to focus.
On the flip side, an organized home promotes peace of mind, smoother routines, and more joy in your space.
Read next: The secret to regifting without anyone knowing – Etiquette experts reveal!
Have you tried one of these rules—or do you have a method that works better for you? Share your wins and roadblocks in the comments. Whether you’re a seasoned organizer or just starting out, your insight could help someone else on their decluttering journey!
