Is it just me, or does life feel lighter when your space feels just right? I’m Ashley Wells, and as someone who has wrestled with the chaos of clutter far too many times, I know how overwhelming it can be to even start tidying up. Whether it’s a closet so crammed it practically groans when you open it or a kitchen with mysterious food containers hiding in the back of the fridge, tackling your home can feel like climbing a mountain.
But here’s the thing—I’ve learned that decluttering and organizing don’t have to feel like punishment. It can be an act of self-care, a way to create more physical and mental space for what really matters. Today, we’re going room by room, taking a mindful and sustainable approach to turning chaos into calm.
Start with a Mindful Declutter
Have you ever stared at a messy room and felt your brain just… shut down? Same here. I used to think clutter was just a “me problem” until I learned it’s pretty universal—and it’s not just about aesthetics. As shown by research from the National Association of Professional Organizers, disorganization can lead to a 20% loss in productivity. That means the mess isn’t just stealing your square footage—it’s also draining your time and energy.
But here’s the good news: decluttering doesn’t have to be a stressful overhaul. For me, it’s been an emotional reset as much as a physical one, letting go of things that no longer serve me while keeping what truly sparks joy. We’ll start small, take it step by step, and by the end, you might find your space and your mind feeling a little lighter.
Burst Bit! When unsure about parting with an item, try the “storage test.” Box it up and label it with today’s date. If you don’t touch it in six months, you’re probably ready to say goodbye.
Room-by-Room Refresh Strategy
Decluttering works best when done in manageable chunks. Don’t tackle your whole home at once—it’s a recipe for burnout. Here’s how I’ve refreshed each space, room by room:
1. Kitchen
Start with a pantry audit. Pull out every item and check expiration dates (yes, spices do expire!). Group similar items together—grains, snacks, canned goods—and keep commonly used things within easy reach. Invest in clear containers to simplify storage and help you see what you have at a glance.
Create “zones” for specific activities, like a baking corner or a coffee station. To optimize meal preparation, designate space for meal planning essentials like cookbooks or a dry-erase board for planning weekly dinners.
2. Bedroom
Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary. Begin with the closet—use a seasonal rotation system to keep it from overflowing. Color-coordinating clothes might sound unnecessary, but it can make finding items in your wardrobe surprisingly refreshing.
Don’t forget under-bed storage! Bins with wheels or vacuum-sealed bags can work wonders for freeing up closet space. Keep your nightstand limited to essentials—think a good book, a water glass, and maybe a calming candle. Trust me, clear surfaces by your bed can do wonders for your sleep hygiene!
Set up a peaceful morning routine space near the window or in a corner, where light and tranquility can help you start your day right.
3. Living Areas
Living rooms tend to be drop zones for, well, everything. Start by organizing your entertainment center. Cable management solutions like Velcro ties or cord covers can instantly make things look cleaner.
Sort books and media by category or color, and consider donating items you no longer enjoy. Create functional activity zones—a reading nook with a cozy chair, perhaps, or a space for board games. And the secret to maintaining visual calm? Clear surfaces—less is more for a peaceful vibe.
Burst Bit! Use trays or decorative baskets to corral small items on coffee tables or shelves. It keeps things looking organized without discouraging daily use.
4. Home Office/Workspace
A cluttered workspace is a cluttered mind. Start by implementing a paper management system. I use a three-tier tray for “Incoming,” “To Do,” and “File” papers. Shred anything you no longer need.
Go digital whenever possible—organize your files into clearly labeled folders for ease of access. Aesthetic desk setups can actually boost productivity, so introduce a few inspiring items, like a plant or a motivational quote. Don’t forget practical storage solutions for your supplies, too—drawer organizers are your friend!
Sustainable Organization Habits
Big changes stick best with small, repeatable habits. My personal favorite is a 10-minute daily reset. Each evening, I tidy up “hot spots” where clutter collects, like kitchen counters and entryways.
Set up a weekly maintenance schedule—for example, tackling the fridge on Fridays or sorting mail on Mondays. Add a monthly check-in to go over spaces that often fall into chaos, like your closet or junk drawer.
For the seasons, try a rotation strategy. At the start of spring, summer, fall, and winter, take an hour to evaluate items you’ll need and store off-season things out of sight.
Mindful Shopping Moving Forward
The organization doesn’t end with decluttering—it’s about preventing new clutter from taking over. Before buying anything new, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I need this, or do I just want it?
- Where will this go in my home?
- Will this item add value to my life?
Adopt a “one-in, one-out” rule—when you buy something new, choose an old item to donate or discard. Focus on quality over quantity, opting for investment pieces that last. Consider storage solutions for your purchases so they don’t contribute to unnecessary mess.
Burst Bit! Keep a small sticky note in your wallet with your decluttering goals. It’ll remind you to pause before you splurge on impulse buys!
Digital Declutter Components
Our digital spaces matter just as much as our physical ones. Start by taming your email inbox. Unsubscribe from newsletters you don’t read and create folders for organizing emails you do need.
Organize your phone apps by category and delete ones you haven’t used in months. Invest in photo storage solutions—cloud storage is a lifesaver for clearing space without losing cherished memories. Finally, when it comes to files, adopt a taxonomy system (folders within folders) for easy access.
Making It Last
The key to maintaining an organized home is building habits, not chasing perfection. Celebrate small wins, like tidying up a single drawer—it’s progress! Get your family involved by assigning age-appropriate tasks.
Most importantly, remember that clutter happens, and that’s okay. Keep tackling it with kindness and consistency. When things feel overwhelming, look back at how far you’ve come—and don’t forget to reward yourself along the way!
Burst Bit! Snap a “before” photo of the space you decluttered. Comparing it with the “after” shot can be a huge motivation boost.
Keep the Calm Going—One Habit at a Time
Organizing isn’t about achieving Pinterest-perfect pictures or spotless rooms. For me, it’s about creating a space where I can truly breathe, think, and enjoy living. Taking time to declutter and organize mindfully has been a game-changer, turning chore days into opportunities for self-care and creativity.
Start small, take it one room at a time, and remember—this is your space. Make it work for you. You’ve got this!
