It’s easy to get inspired by a clean space. The hard part is keeping it that way. Most of us have tried decluttering before—only to find the mess creeping back within weeks. So what makes the difference between a quick tidy-up and lasting change?
The key is to rethink your habits, not just your stuff. These seven simple, low-stress hacks help you cut clutter without burning out. Best of all, they’re easy to stick with over time.
1. Start With One “Drop Zone”
Every home has a clutter magnet. Maybe it’s the kitchen counter, the dining table, or the entryway bench. Choose just one of these “drop zones” and commit to clearing it off every single night.
Don’t try to tackle your whole house at once. This small win builds momentum and gives you a clutter-free surface to be proud of. It also helps you notice what types of things pile up most—and plan for where they should really go.
2. Use the “One In, One Out” Rule
This simple rule keeps clutter from building back up. Anytime you bring something new into the house—a sweater, a coffee mug, a book—you let go of one item in the same category.
It doesn’t require a full purge or major emotional decisions. Just a quick moment of balance. Over time, this habit keeps your drawers and shelves from overflowing again.
3. Give Everything a Home
Clutter happens when items don’t have a designated place. So give every category of item a home—even the small, random ones. Batteries go in a container. Pens live in a drawer. Headphones get their own spot.
Label bins if it helps. The goal is to make cleanup automatic, not stressful. If you can find it quickly and put it away easily, it’s in the right place.
4. Create a “Maybe” Box
It’s hard to let go of things when you’re unsure. That’s where a “maybe” box comes in. Fill it with items you think you should part with but aren’t ready to toss just yet. Label it with a date six months in the future.
If you haven’t needed anything in that box by then, it’s probably safe to let it go. This trick removes the pressure of instant decisions while still helping you move forward.
5. Set a Timer, Not a Goal
Decluttering can feel overwhelming if you aim to “finish” a whole room. Instead, set a timer for 15 or 20 minutes and see how much you can get done. No pressure to complete everything—just a short burst of focused effort.
This approach turns decluttering into a regular habit, not a once-a-year project. It’s especially helpful if your schedule is tight or you’re easily distracted.
6. Use the “12-12-12” Challenge
Here’s a quick and fun method to stay on track: Find 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to return to their proper place. It’s like a game, and it gives you a structure that’s easy to follow.
This challenge can be done weekly, monthly, or whenever your space starts feeling crowded. It keeps the process fresh and prevents decision fatigue.
7. Make Clutter Prevention Part of Your Routine
The best decluttering tip is actually about maintenance. Build small “reset” habits into your day—like doing a five-minute tidy before bed, or clearing surfaces after dinner.
Make it part of your routine, like brushing your teeth. When tidying becomes automatic, clutter has less chance to take over. And you’ll spend far less time and energy fixing messes down the road.
Decluttering doesn’t need to be dramatic to be effective. These hacks are about building habits, not chasing perfection. Start small, stay consistent, and give yourself credit for every little step forward.
Your space didn’t get cluttered in a day—and it won’t stay tidy without a plan. But with a few practical changes, you can keep things clear, calm, and under control.
