Out With the Old, In with the Tidy: Habits for Effortless Home Organisation

Maintaining an organised home can be a challenge, especially with the demands of our busy lives. On the other hand, the benefits of an orderly and clutter-free living environment are immense, from reducing stress to enhancing productivity. If you're tired of feeling overwhelmed by the mess, it's time to adopt some new habits that will make home organisation much easier.

Keeping a home organised doesn't have to be a daunting task. The goal should not only be focused on tidying up, but also on developing habits that prevent clutter from accumulating in the first place. With a few simple habits, you can maintain a tidy and serene space that brings comfort and ease to your daily life. By implementing some easy strategies and routines, you can transform your home into a more functional space. In this article, we will explore some of the ways you can cultivate the kinds of habits that can transform your home into an effortlessly organised haven.

Tidy Habit 1: Daily Decluttering

To keep your home relatively clutter free, it’s important to make it a habit to declutter regularly. Set aside dedicated time every day to tackle different areas or tasks. Even if you spend just 10 minutes each day tidying up a specific area - be it your kitchen counter, the coffee table, or your desk – you can prevent clutter from building up and make the job less overwhelming.

You may want to start out by creating a checklist of areas or rooms that need decluttering and prioritize them based on urgency or importance. Allocate specific time slots for each task. During these allocated times, focus on one area at a time, going through items and deciding whether to keep, donate, or discard them. It’s also helpful to have designated bins or boxes for each category to easily sort items as you go. By consistently following a daily schedule, you can gradually declutter your home and prevent the buildup of unnecessary items.

Tidy Habit 2: Follow the 'One In, One Out' Rule

To avoid accumulating too much stuff, adopt the 'one in, one out' rule. For every new item you bring into your home, find an old one to donate, recycle, or throw away. This is particularly effective for clothes, books, and toys, helping you keep your possessions to a manageable amount. Alternatively, you may find that the 20/20 rule works best for you. This rule states that when trying to decide what to keep and what to get rid of, you should ask yourself, can you replace it for less than £20 (or $20), and will it take less than 20 minutes to replace it? If that answer to both questions is yes, then you should get rid of it.

Tidy Habit 3: Designate a Place for Everything

Assign a specific spot for every item in your home. When everything has its place, tidying up becomes much easier, and you spend less time searching for things. This could mean investing in storage solutions like shelves, baskets, or drawer organisers. Using storage containers also makes it easier to find and access what you have and helps create a sense of order and structure. Finally, designating spaces for all of the items in your home can also contribute to better mental and emotional well-being. A clutter-free and organized home ultimately creates a calming and peaceful atmosphere and promotes a more organized, functional, and stress-free living environment.

Tidy Habit 4: Keep Surfaces Clear

A clear surface instantly makes a room look tidier and more visually appealing. Make an effort to keep counters, tables, and desks as clear as possible. This doesn’t mean they have to be empty but limit what you keep on them to essentials or a few chosen decorative items. Keeping surfaces clear also makes them easier to clean. When surfaces are covered in items, it can be difficult to fully clean and wipe them down, leading to a buildup of dust and dirt.  This is especially important if you are allergic to dust.

Tidy Habit 5: Manage Paper Clutter

Paper can quickly overrun a space. Sort through your mail, flyers, and paperwork as soon as they come in. This can include creating designated areas for incoming mail, bills, important documents, and other categories. File important documents, recycle junk mail immediately, and consider switching to digital statements and bills to reduce paper clutter. Using digital storage can also be helpful in reducing paper clutter. For example, by scanning important documents and saving them electronically, you can save space and easily access paperwork when needed.

Tidy Habit 6: Utilise Self-Storage Solutions

For items that you don't need regular access to but aren't ready to part with, consider using self-storage options like those offered by Safestore. Their secure, flexible storage solutions can be invaluable for keeping seasonal items, sentimental belongings, or occasional use equipment without cluttering your home.

Tidy Habit 7: Make Tidying a Family Activity

If you live with others, involve them in keeping the home tidy. Assign tasks or areas for each family member to look after, considering their age and abilities, and encourage teamwork and collaboration. This not only distributes the workload but also helps cultivate a shared responsibility for the home. You can also make the activity fun and interactive by playing some upbeat music or turning it into a game.

Tidy Habit 8: Implement a 5-Minute Nightly Clean-Up

Before going to bed, spend five minutes doing a quick tidy-up. This might include straightening cushions, putting away toys, or washing up a few dishes. Waking up to a tidy house sets a positive tone for the day.

Tidy Habit 9: Embrace Minimalism

You don’t have to live with bare walls and empty rooms, but embracing a minimalist approach can significantly contribute to keeping your home organised. The less you have, the less you have to tidy up. Minimalism also promotes a sense of mindfulness when it comes to acquiring new items. Before buying something new, ask yourself if it's truly necessary or if it will add value to your home. This mindset can help prevent clutter from accumulating in the first place and make it easier to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose.

Last But not Least - Be Patient and Persistent

Remember, developing new habits takes time. Be patient with yourself and persistent in your efforts. Over time, these practices will become second nature, and home organisation will feel like a breeze.

In a nutshell, keeping your home organised is all about the small, consistent steps you take each day. By integrating these habits into your routine, you can maintain a tidy and peaceful home that is a joy to live in. Remember, a little effort each day goes a long way in creating a serene and well-organised space.

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About the Author:

Jacob Robinson is a freelance business writer with over 5 years of experience. Born in Nottingham, United Kingdom, Jacob specialises in writing about the lifestyle and fashion industry, and takes his interest from his time at Manchester University studying journalism.

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