Living in a sea of clutter negatively impacts our well-being, especially when we want to become more organized but feel like we can’t gain control over the disorder and chaos. When a messy habit takes over your home, what begins as remnants of an abandoned project or last week’s dinner soon becomes a jumble of stress and anxiety that’s too much to process (or clean). Although it might take hours of vacuuming and sorting to see the floor again, it’s possible to transform your space from a catastrophe to a masterpiece. By following these five organization steps, you’ll elevate your home and reshape your life.

Five Steps To Becoming More Organized

1. Start small.

Start with a manageable area to avoid feeling paralyzed by the number of tasks on your organization checklist. This could be a single drawer in your kitchen, a specific shelf on your bookcase, or a corner of your desk. Focus all your efforts on decluttering gradually, working through smaller spaces in increments until cleaning becomes more habitual. Over time, you’ll find it easier to tackle large areas. Small wins can create a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going; remember, the key is consistency, patience, and balance.

2. Create a decluttering routine.

Organization is not a one-size-fits-all method but a continuous learning process. So, it’s essential to develop a personalized routine. Designate a specific time each day or week dedicated to tidying up. For example, you might spend 15 minutes every night straightening up your living room or an hour every Sunday afternoon going through the mail. Even if you can’t always honor the set time limit, it’s vital to maintain your routine on the particular day. By staying on top of things regularly, you can prevent messes from building up. Furthermore, having a routine makes decluttering less of a chore and more of a natural part of your life.

3. Build daily cleaning habits.

A clean, organized space reduces stress and increases productivity by creating a more pleasant and fresh living environment. Simple habits such as putting things back in place right after use, loading the dishwasher after each meal, and emptying the trash before bed can keep your home neat at all times. Establishing these habits can be a positive step towards a healthier lifestyle, improving overall mental health.

4. Embrace the one-in, one-out strategy.

The one-in, one-out rule is an effective strategy to stop clutter from accumulating. How does it work? For every new item you bring into your space, you get rid of something. If you buy a new shirt, you donate or throw out an old one. New sheets? Toss those faded ones in the garbage. (While repurposing is great for the environment, that’s lowkey considered cheating here.) The goal is to reduce excess and only keep what you actually need.

5. Rely on organizational tools.

Investing in the right organizational tools can make all the difference. Storage bins, shelves, file cabinets, labels, and planners are just a few items perfect for keeping things in order. Plus, you can source options that match your interior design scheme. With these items, you can create a system that supports organization, saves time, reduces stress, and improves the visual appeal of your home.