Clean up the clutter with some daily habits.
It creeps in and our stress goes up. Clutter feels like an ever-present enemy that we’re trying to constantly beat down. It’s more than just a feeling. A UCLA study found that women with a lot of household items, a lot of stuff, actually had higher cortisol levels. It does stress us out!
Professional organizer Jenny Layton shared how we can form new habits and routines to help prevent clutter from piling up in the first place. She shared six everyday actions you can take to keep the mess away and clean up clutter.
1. Never Leave a Room Empty-Handed
One of the simplest but most effective habits is to never leave a room empty-handed. Jenny explained, “You have a really great opportunity to train your brain to just look for things that belong in the direction you’re going in.” This means that as you move from one room to another, you should always take something with you that needs to be put away. This small action can significantly reduce the amount of clutter that accumulates throughout the day.
2. Touch It Once
Another strategy is the “touch it once” rule. Jenny advised, “As long as you have something in your hands, do it then so you don’t have to come back to it later.” This means putting items away immediately rather than setting them down to deal with later. By handling items only once, you prevent the creating future tasks for yourself, and you reduce clutter.
3. The One-Minute Rule
For tasks that can’t be completed immediately, the one-minute rule is a great alternative. Jenny suggested, “When we can take care of something in just a minute, that’s the time to take care of it.” This rule helps you manage small tasks quickly, preventing them from piling up and becoming overwhelming.
4. Keep Flat Surfaces Flat
Flat surfaces tend to attract clutter. Jenny’s advice is simple: “Keep flat surfaces flat.” By maintaining clear countertops, tables, and other flat areas, you can prevent clutter from accumulating. This habit can be reinforced by regularly tidying these surfaces and reminding yourself of the goal to keep them clear.
5. FIFO: First In, First Out
To prevent clutter from building up, adopt the FIFO (First In, First Out) method. Jenny explained, “When you bring something new into your house, have another item that’s older that you’re not using as much ready to go out.” This practice helps maintain balance and prevents the accumulation of unnecessary items.
6. Don’t Say Yes to Other People’s Clutter
Finally, be mindful of accepting items from others. Jenny advised, “If you would not go out to the store and spend money on the very thing they’re trying to give you, say no.” This rule helps you avoid taking on clutter that you don’t need or want, keeping your home more organized.
By incorporating these six habits into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the amount of clutter in your home and lower your stress levels. As Jenny puts it, “It’s almost like your house will keep itself clean when you have a few really well-timed habits.”
Find more organizing advice from Jenny on Instagram, @jlthehappygal.
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