In a small home, clutter can quickly take over counters, closets and drawers. Professional organizers say the key is less about a one-time clear-out and more about habits that limit what comes in and make it easier to return things to their proper places.
One practical starting point is to set up drop zones: a tray, bowl or small basket near an entryway or another transition area for items such as keys, bags or remote controls. A separate collection basket can hold misplaced belongings gathered during the day. Cathy Orr, cofounder of The Uncluttered Life, recommends spending about 10 minutes each evening sorting the basket and returning items to where they belong.
A one-in, one-out rule can also help prevent purchases from adding to the clutter. Before bringing home a new item, remove something from the same category. Organizer Macie Kreutzer advises clearing at least one item before shopping for new home goods or clothing, and checking existing supplies in closets, refrigerators and pantries. To make donations easier to complete, organizers suggest moving filled bags or boxes out of the living space and keeping them on their way out of the home.
Another habit is to decline freebies that have no immediate purpose. Hotel and airplane items, event giveaways and spare takeout utensils or condiments can quickly fill drawers and cupboards. If a drawer is already crowded, reviewing each item and deciding whether to keep it can help identify things that are no longer useful.
Finally, put things away as soon as you finish using them where possible. That can mean putting makeup away after getting ready, loading dishes into the dishwasher and clearing surfaces after meals, or storing work materials at the end of the day. For tasks that have built up, professional organizer Carroll Cartwright recommends spending 10 to 15 minutes daily putting items back in place.
Sources: House Beautiful.