Keeping your home clean and organized can feel like a big job, especially after putting in the effort to declutter. It’s easy to let things slide and find yourself back where you started. But with a few simple habits, you can learn to organize and maintain that clutter-free space you worked so hard to create. In this post, we’ll learn to build easy habits to stay organized every day and make sure your home stays neat and stress-free.
Building Good Habits That Last
Over the years, I’ve helped many people organize their homes and lives. It’s always rewarding to see the transformation after all the hard work of decluttering and arranging everything. But one common challenge stands out: it doesn’t take long before the mess starts creeping back in.
The initial step of learning to organize is crucial because it provides a fresh start. However, the true challenge lies in staying organized. Without the right habits, it’s easy to slip back into old routines, and the clutter gradually returns. Before you know it, the chaos and disorganization are back. To prevent this, it’s essential to learn and focus on building habits that help you maintain that organization for the long term.
Why Learning to Organize Can Be Hard
Many people struggle to stay organized because they don’t learn daily habits to keep things tidy. Without routines like putting items back in their place or tidying up regularly, clutter starts to pile up again. Life gets busy, and without these small habits, it’s hard to maintain the organization.
Another reason is holding onto too much stuff. When new things come in but nothing gets cleared out, the clutter builds up. On top of that, not having a clear place for everything makes it harder to stay organized. If you don’t know where something belongs, it often ends up in random spots, creating a mess.
Overcomplicated systems or not making organization a priority also play a big role. If the method is too difficult to follow, people give up. And when life gets hectic, staying organized can feel less important. The key is to learn simple systems and routines that make it easier to keep things organize every day.
How to Make Staying Organized Easier
Staying organized doesn’t have to be hard if you create simple habits and systems that fit your lifestyle. The key is to focus on small, easy steps you can stick to every day. Here are some tips to help you maintain an organized space:
1. Put Things Back Right Away
As soon as you’re done using something, learn to put it back where it belongs to stay organized. Learning this small habit prevents items from piling up and keeps your space tidy without extra effort. For example, hang your jacket as soon as you take it off or put dishes straight into the sink or dishwasher after eating.
It only takes a few seconds, but it saves you from having to clean up a bigger mess later. When everything has a home, it’s easier to find what you need and keep things in order.
2. Declutter Regularly
Set aside time to go through your things often. Get rid of anything you don’t need or use anymore. This keeps your space from getting overcrowded and makes it easier to stay organized. For example, check your closet every few months and donate clothes you don’t wear. Go through drawers, shelves, and even your kitchen items to see what’s just taking up space.
The less clutter you have, the easier it is to keep your home tidy and find what you actually use. Plus, it feels great to have more room and a cleaner space!
3. Keep It Simple
Don’t overcomplicate your systems. Learn to use easy methods like baskets, bins, or labels to keep everything organized and in its place. Simple systems are easier to stick to over time. For example, use a basket for mail or a labeled bin for toys so you know exactly where they belong.
You don’t need fancy or expensive organizers—just something that works for you. The simpler it is, the easier it is to maintain. When everything has a clear spot, it’s quicker to tidy up, less stressful, and helps you stay organized in the long run.
4. Do a Quick Daily Tidy-Up
Spend 5-10 minutes each day tidying up to learn how to stay organized and keep high-traffic areas like the kitchen, living room, or desk clean. A little effort every day goes a long way in keeping your space clean. For example, clear off your counters, fluff the couch pillows, or wipe down your desk.
Pick up items that are out of place and put them back where they belong. Doing this daily prevents messes from piling up, so you don’t feel overwhelmed later. It’s a quick way to keep your home looking neat and feeling comfortable.
5. Avoid Bringing in Unnecessary Items
Be mindful of what you bring into your home. Before buying or accepting something new, ask yourself if you really need it. Fewer items make staying organized much easier. Think about where the item will go and whether you have space for it.
Avoid buying things just because they’re on sale or because someone else thinks you should have them. It’s okay to say no to freebies or gifts you don’t need. The less you bring in, the less you have to clean, store, or organize, which makes life simpler and your home more peaceful.
Learning Simple Habits to Stay Organized
Learning to stay organized is all about making small choices every day that add up to a big difference. If you don’t make a mess, you won’t have to clean often—that’s a simple way to keep your space tidy and stress-free. When your home or workspace is clean and organized, it’s easier to focus, relax, and enjoy your surroundings.
Remember, staying organized doesn’t have to be hard or overwhelming. By keeping things simple and staying consistent, you can create a peaceful place to live or work and spend less time worrying about clutter.
Be sure to check out my post on how to organize your drawers, a place where things often get tossed when they don’t have a proper place.
