Remember that feeling after a massive spring cleaning session? Everything sparkles, every item has its place, and you’re convinced this time it’s going to last. Yet, a week later, you find yourself back to square one—surrounded by the same familiar chaos. I’ve been there. I once celebrated my “organized chaos,” knowing exactly where everything was, even if it looked messy to outsiders. Over the years, I learned that lasting organization isn’t about a one-time cleaning spree; it’s built on simple, daily habits that effortlessly integrate into your routine.
This isn’t about turning into a minimalist overnight or spending hours reorganizing your space. It’s more like brushing your teeth. You do it every day, and that’s enough to keep your smile bright. The same logic applies to organization—consistent, small habits prevent clutter from taking over.
Daily Decluttering: The “Clear to Neutral” Advantage
One of the most effective habits I’ve embraced is daily decluttering. My co-host, Brooks Duncan, and I aren’t naturally tidy. We had to craft systems that help us keep on top of our spaces. Enter the concept of “clear to neutral.” At the end of each day, I spend five minutes resetting my desk: tidying up papers, returning misplaced headphones to their case, closing unnecessary tabs. Think of it as putting your toothbrush back in its holder—ready for the next use.
A cluttered workspace is like a morning scramble, wasting precious minutes you could spend on what truly matters. This quick reset isn’t a deep clean; it’s a surface-level tune-up that ensures your environment is always set up for success.
The Two Golden Rules of Lasting Organization
To make daily decluttering stick, it helps to follow two simple rules:
– A place for everything, and everything in its place.
It may sound basic, but when every item—be it your keys, wallet, or even a single digital file—has a designated spot, you eliminate wasted time and frustration. Brooks once pointed out that his family’s misadventures in finding their essentials are a stark contrast to his own, thanks to this simple practice. If you can’t decide where something belongs in 30 seconds, that’s a red flag. Establish a home for each item and save yourself from future chaos.
– Clutter is delayed decisions.
This insight, borrowed from organizational expert Barbara Hemphill, nails it. Clutter piles up when we put off making decisions about what to do with items—documents, devices, even emails can linger until they become overwhelming. The trick is to make quick decisions. Even if you don’t take full action immediately, deciding where an item belongs stops it from becoming part of the clutter.
The Weekly Review: Your Organizational Superpower
Beyond daily habits, a weekly review can transform your approach to both mental and physical clutter. It’s about more than just managing tasks—it’s a chance to reset your mind, externalize lingering thoughts, and plan ahead. When your head is full of unfinished to-dos, even physical spaces can feel disorganized. A structured weekly review clears that mental fog.
During my weekly review, I often pinpoint areas that need attention—whether it’s reorganizing a tangled mess of cords or scheduling time to donate items that have outlived their purpose. This ritual not only keeps my projects on track but also brings clarity to my day, letting me focus on what truly matters.
Mindful Purchasing: The Easiest Way to Declutter
How we shop matters enormously. Over time, I’ve learned that one of the simplest ways to maintain order is to be mindful about what you bring into your life. My assistant and I make it a habit to declutter my closet every quarter, donating anything that no longer serves a purpose. The lesson? The best way to fight clutter is to avoid it altogether.
Mindful purchasing means pausing before buying—instead of succumbing to impulse, I ask myself if I really need an item. For example, I’ve wanted a Stream Deck for years, but I haven’t bought it because it wasn’t a necessity. Brooks has a similar strategy: he waits at least a day before making a purchase and often discusses larger expenses with his wife for a second opinion. This practice not only saves money but also prevents unwanted items from crowding your space.
It also applies to subscriptions. Instead of piling on one service after another, consider a “one in, one out” approach. If you sign up for something new, see where you can cut an existing subscription. Being intentional about your purchases—whether physical or digital—can be your ultimate defense against clutter.
