Feeling crushed by piles of stuff? You’re not alone. Most of us end up with a mess because we never stop to think about what really belongs. The good news? You can turn chaos into calm in just a few minutes a day. Grab a trash bag, set a timer, and follow the steps below. You’ll see visible results without a massive overhaul.
The 90/90 rule is a simple shortcut: spend 90 seconds picking up anything that’s out of place, then spend another 90 seconds putting it where it belongs. It sounds tiny, but doing this twice a day removes at least a couple of dozen items from the floor, the couch, and the kitchen counter. The trick is to keep the timer visible – on your phone or a kitchen timer – so you stay focused and don’t drift into old habits.
When the clutter feels like a mountain, break it into three steps: 20 items to toss, 20 items to donate, and 20 items to find a home. Pick a single area – a drawer, a shelf, or a closet corner – and repeat the cycle until it’s empty. You’ll be shocked at how many things you never use. The “donate” pile keeps the good stuff from ending up in the trash, and the “find a home” pile forces you to create a spot for each item, preventing future chaos.
Room‑by‑room organization works best when you follow a set order. Start with the easiest space, like the bathroom countertop, then move to the kitchen island, the living‑room coffee table, and finally the bedroom closet. Each finished room gives you a dopamine boost that powers the next effort. Keep a small basket in each room for “just‑in‑case” items – once it’s full, empty it right away.
Minimalist living isn’t about owning nothing; it’s about owning only what adds value. Ask yourself: “Do I need this?” If the answer is no, toss it, give it away, or recycle it. For sentimental items, try the “one‑year” rule – if you haven’t used or looked at it in a year, it probably isn’t worth the space.
Finally, automate maintenance. Set a weekly 10‑minute “reset” where you walk through the house and put everything back in its place. Use clear storage containers, label them, and keep like items together. When everything has a home, you’ll spend less time searching and more time enjoying a tidy environment.
Got a bedroom that's bursting at the seams with stuff? It'll drive anyone crazy! Luckily, even in a small space, you can transform chaos into calm with a few simple tweaks. Learn practical strategies for decluttering and organizing your bedroom, no matter how much you have to work with.
