It happens to the best of us. Life gets busy, and clutter creeps into our homes before we even notice it.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise, really, because between work, school runs, social events, and just trying to relax, keeping your home organised can feel like a never-ending task.
But thankfully, there are ways that you can stay on top of household mess without having to undertake hours of cleaning or a complete lifestyle overhaul.
Indeed, with a few smart habits, a bit of discipline and some simple tricks, you can maintain a clutter-free home without breaking a sweat.
Regardless of whether you’re living in a cosy apartment or a busy family home, these eight tips will help keep your place tidy with minimal effort.
1. Get some quick wins
Before you really get your teeth into the nitty gritty of decluttering, it’s worth getting rid of some of the bigger stuff that’s been hanging around for too long.
This could be broken furniture, old mattresses, appliances that are no longer working or boxes of things you no longer need.
Doing this will create more space than you had before within your home and also make the remaining task seem less overwhelming.
If you have a lot of bulky items to get rid of, consider using a professional rubbish removal service. Get in touch with 1300 Rubbish to take them away for you.
2. Put some stuff in storage
If you have too many possessions for your current space, but you don’t want to get rid of them, it is a good idea to put some of them into storage. That way, you can keep them until such time as you move and are able to put them on display in your new property.
Depending on how much stuff you have, you can rent out a small storage unit. Alternatively, if you have space in your garden, consider erecting a shed to put them in. Just make sure you know what is in there to keep track of what you have.
3. Get more storage in your home
If you don’t want to pay for external storage, it is a good idea to introduce it into your home.
One clever thing you can do is to store seasonal clothes in plastic containers in your wardrobe. Another is to replace existing furniture with others that have extra storage, like ottomans with hidden compartments, coffee tables with shelves underneath, or beds with drawers built in.
If you use furniture and storage solutions like this strategically, even small spaces can feel a bit more organised.
4. Use baskets and bins as ‘clutter catchers’
If your place tends to accumulate smaller, random items, such as kids’ toys, shoes, and mail, try introducing decorative baskets or fabric bins to corral the chaos.
You can pop one in the lounge, bathroom, or bedroom and then make a point of putting all your miscellaneous bits and pieces in it. Doing this will centralise these smaller, cluttered items and make them easier to find or put away.
5. Adopt the ‘one in, one out’ rule
One of the simplest ways to avoid accumulating excess clutter is to make this simple rule: whenever something new comes into your home, something else has to go.
For instance, if you bought a new pair of shoes, then donate, sell or toss out an old pair. If you have picked up a new kitchen gadget, then pass on one that you never use.
Adopting this method makes you more mindful about what you’re bringing into your home. It also keeps your storage from overflowing.
6. Digitise where you can
Paper clutter is one of the sneakiest space-eaters because bills, receipts, old documents, and kids’ artwork can quickly add up and turn your home into a mess.
Wherever possible, it is a good idea to go paperless. So, instruct your bank and utility companies to send you statements and bills online. You should also scan and save all your important documents to the cloud, unsubscribe from junk mail, and store warranties or manuals online.
Having less paper around your home means less mess. And of course, it is better for the environment too.
7. Do a 5-minute nightly reset
Every night, before you settle into watching TV on the couch or head to bed, spend five minutes doing a quick tidy-up. Even if you do nothing more than fluff the cushions, put the remote back in its proper place, or clear the kitchen bench, this quick once-over will help to keep things tidy.
This little routine shouldn’t take up too much of your energy. But it will set the tone for the next day, as you’ll wake up to a home that already feels calm and under control.
8. Schedule a monthly declutter blitz
Instead of waiting until the clutter piles up, it is a good idea to be proactive and schedule a monthly deep clean and declutter blitz.
This doesn’t have to be the whole house; rather, one room or even a small area, such as the junk drawer, bathroom cabinet, or top of the fridge.
All it will probably take to complete is about 30 minutes. However, these mini clean-ups will prevent mess from spiralling out of control and help to keep your home feeling organised all year-round.