Have you ever felt motivated to tidy up, only to end up with a home that looks even messier? The truth is, the first step to organizing isn’t immediate action — it’s identifying the root causes of clutter before implementing solutions.
Today, I’ll share a scientifically backed 5-step decluttering method to help you tackle chaos at its source and maintain long-term order in your home!
Step Ⅰ: Analyze the Root Causes of Clutter
1. Observe Your Daily Habits for a Week
The messiest spots in your home often reveal flawed storage systems. For example:
★ Charging cables piled on the coffee table? → Outlets may be inconveniently placed; try adding a cable organizer.
★ Always running to the balcony for hangers? → Store them closer to the wardrobe to minimize steps.
★ Cooking oils and spices scattered on the counter? → Frequently used items should be within arm’s reach.
Solution: Track your household’s routines and adjust storage locations to eliminate unnecessary movement.
2. Identify the Type of Clutter
★ Excess Items (Overstocking): Duplicates like 20 packs of chili powder or 8 hair clips—start by purging.
★ Poor Planning (Items “Wandering”): Medicine scattered across rooms or missing scissors? Redesign storage zones.
Step Ⅱ: The Golden Rule — Declutter Before Organizing
1. A Two-Step Approach to Letting Go
✅ Trash Immediately: Expired food, clumped skincare, or swollen batteries (safety hazards — discard now).
🤔 Undecided Items: Ex’s gifts, old childhood drawings → Place in a “Maybe Box” with a 3-month deadline; donate/toss if unused.
2. Keep Only What Sparks Joy
Inspired by Marie Kondo’s philosophy:
★ “Might need someday” ≠ “Must keep” (e.g., clothes that fit only if you lose weight, unused yogurt makers).
★ Hold each item and ask, “Does this truly bring me joy?” If not, thank it and let it go.
Step Ⅲ: The Science of Smart Storage
1. Store Items Where They’re Used
★ Entryway: Hang package – opening tools by the door for instant access.
★ Kitchen: Keep cooking oils and spices near the stove, not buried in high cabinets.
2. Prioritize Vertical Over Horizontal Storage
★ Under the Sink: Add adjustable shelves to replace floor piles of cleaners.
★ Door Backs: Use magnetic hooks for aprons or hats.
3. The “80/20” Visibility Rule
Display daily essentials (tissues, water cups); hide 80% of items behind closed doors for visual calm.
Step Ⅳ: 3 Long-Term Strategies to Stay Tidy
1. Build the “Put It Back” Habit
★ Assign fixed homes for high-use items (e.g., remote controls in the coffee table drawer).
★ Hang tomorrow’s outfit the night before to avoid morning chaos.
2. Set Item Limits
★ “One In, One Out” Rule: For every new purchase (e.g., clothing), remove an old one.
★ Cap Stockpiles: Keep no more than a 3-month supply of toiletries or paper goods.
3. The Daily 5-Minute Tidy-Up
Smooth wrinkled bedsheets → Take out trash → Return stray items to their places.
Step Ⅴ: Real-Life Case Studies
Case 1: Shoes Overwhelming the Entryway
❌ Mistake: Buying a shoe rack and cramming everything in, only for daily shoes to remain strewn about.
✅ Solution:
★ Donate/Discard worn-out or unused pairs.
★ Frequently Worn Shoes: Hang on a door-mounted rack.
★ Seasonal Shoes: Store vertically in labeled boxes inside cabinets.
Case 2: Kids’ Toy Explosion
❌ Mistake: Dumping all toys into a giant bin, which gets dumped out again during playtime.
✅ Solution:
★ Involve Kids in Purging broken or unused toys (donate if possible).
★ High-Use Toys: Organize in clear drawers by category.
★ Large Toys (e.g., LEGO table): Designate a permanent corner in the play area.
Final Pro Tip
Decluttering isn’t a one-time task but an ongoing process. Reassess your system every 3 months and adjust based on lifestyle changes to sustain a clutter-free home.