3 Basic Steps to Organize Your Home: Declutter, Zone, Maintain (2025 Guide)
Three simple steps to organize your home in 2025: declutter, set smart zones, and keep it tidy with easy routines-Aussie-friendly tips and real examples.
Feeling overwhelmed by piles and stuff everywhere? You don’t need a professional organizer to get control. A few straightforward habits can turn chaos into calm in just a few hours.
First, try the 90/90 rule. Pick an item, decide if you’ve used it in the last 90 days. If not, set it aside for 90 days. If it stays untouched, it’s safe to donate or toss. This cuts down on sentimental hang‑ups and gives you a clear cutoff point.
Another fast method is the 20/20/20 rule. Spend 20 minutes on a visible surface (like a coffee table), 20 minutes on a drawer, and 20 minutes on a closet shelf. You break the job into bite‑size pieces, so it never feels endless.
When you pick up an item, ask yourself three quick questions: Do I need it? Do I love it? Does it have a place? If the answer is no to any, it’s a go‑to for the donation bin.
Start with the room you use most – usually the kitchen or living room. Clear the top of counters, put dishes in the dishwasher, and wipe surfaces. A clean base makes the rest of the room look instantly better.
Next, tackle one closet at a time. Pull everything out, sort into three piles – keep, donate, trash. Hang clothes by category (shirts, pants, dresses) and keep only what fits your current style. If something hasn’t been worn in a season, it probably belongs in the donate pile.
Bathrooms are perfect for a quick 10‑minute sweep. Throw away empty bottles, put toiletries into a drawer organizer, and wipe the mirror. A tidy bathroom feels like a mini‑spa.
Bedrooms become restful spaces once you clear nightstands and dressers. Use small containers for accessories, and store seasonal items in boxes under the bed. Keeping surfaces clear helps you unwind faster.
Finally, do a quick walk‑through of hallways and entryways. Put shoes on a rack, hang coats on hooks, and add a small basket for keys and mail. A tidy entryway stops clutter from spreading throughout the house.
Stick to a 10‑minute nightly tidy‑up. Pick a spot, set a timer, and put things back where they belong. That tiny habit stops mess from building up again.
Remember, organization isn’t a one‑time project. It’s a series of small actions you repeat. Use the 90/90 and 20/20/20 rules as your quick checks, and follow the room‑by‑room plan to keep each space fresh. You’ll notice a calmer home, less stress, and more time for the things you actually enjoy.
Three simple steps to organize your home in 2025: declutter, set smart zones, and keep it tidy with easy routines-Aussie-friendly tips and real examples.