You wake up and groan. Your room is a disaster area again. Clothes, papers, and random items are strewn about with no rhyme or reason. You’re tired of living in chaos and messiness but don’t know where to start. Good news! With a few simple tips and tricks, you can transform your space and your life.
Get ready to say goodbye to messiness and hello to a fresh start. This article will walk you through practical strategies to get organized once and for all. Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to establishing new habits and routines to keep your life uncluttered and stress-free going forward. The time for change is now. No more excuses! Messy no more; here you come.
Table of Contents
Define what being “messy” means to you.
Being “messy” means different things to different people. For you, it could be piles of papers on your desk, an overflowing closet, or a sink full of dirty dishes.
- Identify your messy hotspots. Walk through your home and make a list of the areas that make you feel the most disorganized or stressed out. Are papers and mail piling up? Is your closet bursting at the seams? Focus on tackling one area at a time.
- Set a regular cleaning schedule. The best way to stop being messy is to not get messy in the first place! Set aside time each day or week to do quick cleaning tasks like wiping down counters, doing dishes, and taking out trash. Even giving each area 15–30 minutes of attention a few times a week can make a big difference.
- Get the right storage solutions. Can’t find what you need in a messy space? Add labeled boxes, bins, drawers, and shelves to keep everything in its place. An organized space is a clean space! Look for storage that fits your needs and style.
Don’t feel overwhelmed by the mess. Take it one area and one day at a time, be consistent in your cleaning schedule, and get the storage solutions that work for you. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to being clutter-free and organized. Messy no more!
Why do people become messy or disorganized?
Are you always running late and struggling to keep up with daily tasks? The good news is that becoming organized is within your reach!
Why do people become messy or disorganized? There are a few common reasons:
- Lack of routines. Without consistent routines, it’s easy for tasks and chores to slip through the cracks. But implementing simple routines for things like laundry, bills, and cleaning can make a big difference.
- Feeling overwhelmed. When there are too many tasks demanding your attention, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. The solution? Break big tasks into small, manageable steps. Celebrate completing each step to stay motivated!
- Trouble prioritizing. If everything seems equally important, it’s hard to decide what to focus on first. Learn to identify what matters so you can put things first. Leave the less important things for later.
- Poor time management. Do you usually run out of time to complete what you need to do each day? Improving your time management skills can help. Try using a schedule or to-do list and estimating how long tasks will take. Learn to say no!
The path to an organized, clutter-free life is clearing one small space or tackling one routine at a time. Start today by picking an area of your home you’d like to organize. Get excited; you’ve got this! With regular practice, being organized can become second nature. Now go unleash your inner neat freak!
Benefits of Being Tidy
There are so many benefits to keeping an organized and clutter-free living space. When your environment is tidy, your mind feels clear and focused. You’ll experience less stress and be able to think more creatively.
1. Improved productivity
Without the distraction of clutter and mess, you can accomplish more in less time. An organized space means knowing exactly where everything is when you need it. No more wasting time searching for lost keys or documents. You’ll gain hours each week to pursue your goals and passions.
2. Better sleep
When your bedroom is decluttered and organized, your mind can rest easily at night. Mess and clutter subconsciously stress us out, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Keep your bedroom minimal and make your bed each morning for the best sleep environment.
3. Clearer thinking
Physical clutter leads to mental clutter. An organized, minimal space helps clear your mind and improves your ability to focus. With fewer distractions and a place for everything, you’ll find yourself thinking more clearly and creatively. Solutions to problems will come more easily, and your memory will improve.
4. Improved mood
Living in a messy, cluttered space can negatively impact your mood and mental well-being over time. An organized, serene environment leads to decreased anxiety and stress and increased feelings of calm and peace. Take control of your space and simplify your life for a happier, more balanced state of mind.
Keeping your space neat and organized is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your personal development. Start small by tackling one area or one drawer at a time. Build the habit and reap the many benefits of living clutter-free. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you!
How to Stop Being Messy
To stop being messy and to stay on track with your cleaning and organizing, it’s important to set goals and a timeline for yourself. Establishing a daily or weekly routine like doing laundry, vacuuming, and tidying up can help keep your living space neat and free of clutter. To prevent the mess from accumulating, you can create a specified place for your items where they will stay neat and organized. Also, make sure to get rid of items that no longer serve you by donating, selling, or disposing of them.
1. Identify the causes of the mess in your life.
One of the biggest causes of mess in your life is sentimental attachment to your belongings. It’s easy to hold onto things long after their usefulness or meaning have faded. Ask yourself if each item sparks joy or enriches your life in some way. If not, thank it for its service and donate or recycle it.
Another obstacle is a lack of time to organize and declutter. Start small by tackling one area or one drawer at a time. Even 15–30 minutes a day can make a big difference. Begin with quick wins like decluttering your entryway or cleaning out your purse or wallet. The sense of accomplishment will motivate you to keep going!
Staying on top of the influx of stuff into your home is key. Have a plan in place for dealing with mail, laundry, and other daily clutter as soon as it enters your space. Don’t let it pile up and overwhelm you. Establish routines and habits to prevent messes from building up in the first place.
Tell yourself you deserve to live in a clean and organized space. Your surroundings have a huge impact on your mood and productivity. Take pride in your home and work area by keeping them tidy and free of excess clutter. You will feel so much happier and lighter as a result!
Stay motivated by thinking about how organized and efficient your life will be when you finally get control of the mess. Picture how calming and rejuvenating it will feel to be in a clean space. You can do this; just start small and build momentum. Take it one day and one drawer at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be messy no more!
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2. Set reasonable goals for the organization.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with a messy space, but tackling organization in bite-sized pieces will help you achieve a clutter-free life. Start with these simple goals:
Focus on one area or one task at a time.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, so don’t expect to overhaul your entire home in an afternoon. Pick one drawer, one closet, one cabinet, or one chore to organize each day or week. Celebrate each small win to stay motivated for the next project.
Do a little each day.
Even organizing for just 15 or 20 minutes a day can make a big impact over time. Use those few minutes before work or in the evening to file some papers, sort the mail, or tidy up one area of the kitchen. Developing the habit of regular organization and maintenance is key.
Start with visible clutter.
Tackle the mess you see first, like piles of mail on the counter or a cluttered entryway. Being able to quickly clear visible clutter will give you a sense of instant progress and relief. Then you can move on to hidden messes in closets, drawers, and storage areas.
Ask a friend for accountability.
Tell a friend or family member about your goals to get organized and check in with them regularly. Let them know which areas or tasks you plan to focus on each week. Knowing someone else expects an update on your progress can help motivate you to achieve your targets. Celebrate milestones together!
Following these helpful tips will get you well on your way to an organized, clutter-free home. Remember, take it slow by setting small, manageable goals and rewarding yourself for each accomplishment. You’ve got this! Now get organized!
3. Start small with daily cleaning routines.
Daily cleaning routines are key to conquering the chaos and organizing your life. Start small by tackling one area or task at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Even dedicating just 15–30 minutes a day to tidying up and decluttering can make a huge difference in the long run.
Make your bed.
As soon as you roll out of bed, straighten your sheets and blankets. A well-made bed gives you an instant feeling of accomplishment to start your day and makes your room appear neat.
Do a quick kitchen clean.
After breakfast, wipe down the counters, load the dishwasher, and take out the trash. A clean kitchen is the heart of a clean home. Performing mini-cleans like this daily means you’ll never face a huge, daunting mess.
Put things in their place.
Make it a habit to put belongings in their assigned spots right away. Toss shoes in the closet, hang up coats and jackets, file mail and papers, and unload your bags and pockets. Developing this simple practice prevents clutter buildup and saves you time hunting for items later.
Pick up as you go.
Don’t just drop items wherever it’s convenient. Put things where they belong as soon as you’re done with them. A quick wipe of a counter or mirror, returning tools to a drawer after use, placing dirty clothes in the hamper—all of these little actions add up to a tidy home.
Starting and sticking to simple daily cleaning and organizing practices will transform your space from messy to functional in no time. Maintaining a neat and orderly home may never seem effortless, but with regular maintenance, it will certainly become second nature! Keep at it, and you’ll be well on your way to a clutter-free life.
4. Categorize and contain your clutter.
Regarding clutter, the best approach is to dive in and get organized! Take a few minutes each day to tackle one area or one drawer. Start with anything that’s currently stressing you out, like that messy entryway table or overflowing coat closet. Celebrate even small wins to stay motivated.
Categorize your belongings.
Group similar items together. Designate separate areas for keys, mail, charging cords, and other odds and ends. Use matching trays, baskets, or bins to keep categories contained. Having a spot for everything makes it easy to tidy up each day.
Purge what you don’t need.
Get ruthless and remove anything that’s broken or that you haven’t used in years. Donate or throw away excess papers, old magazines, and unused knickknacks. A messy space always feels more cluttered, so do a quick sweep to trash or recycle any garbage. Your newly organized space will feel so spacious and streamlined!
Maintain your system.
Make it a habit to put things in their place right away to prevent new piles from forming. Do quick spot checks to make sure any stray items are rounded up and returned to their proper spots. Staying on top of the little things is the key to sustaining an organized home.
With some determination, you’ll be well on your way to a tidier and less stressful living space. Don’t get overwhelmed; start small by picking one area or one drawer at a time. Get excited about how peaceful and functional your home is becoming. You’ve got this; now get to organizing! Staying organized is a learnable skill, so keep practicing and make it a habit to simplify your space.
5. Establish daily cleaning routines.
Establishing a daily cleaning routine is key to keeping your space tidy and organized. Start your day on the right foot by making your bed as soon as you get up. A clean bed makes your room appear clean and instantly boosts your mood!
Tackle one area or one chore at a time.
Don’t feel overwhelmed by the mess and clutter around you. Pick a spot to start, like wiping down counters in the kitchen or putting away clutter in the living room, and get to work. Celebrate the small wins; you’ll gain momentum to keep going!
Do a quick sweep of your space each day.
Take 10–15 minutes to do a quick tidy, like putting away items that are out of place, wiping up any spills, and taking out the trash. A daily sweep prevents messes from piling up and becoming unmanageable.
Clean as you go.
Wash dishes after each meal, sweep up crumbs when they fall, and put things in their place once you’re done using them. Developing the habit of cleaning up after yourself in the moment will make daily cleaning a breeze.
Tackle deeper cleans on the weekends.
Use your weekends to do things like mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms, dusting, and vacuuming. Break the work into smaller tasks so you’re not spending the entire weekend cleaning. Put on some upbeat music to keep your energy and motivation high!
Keeping your space clean and organized is easy once you get into a good routine. Start with quick daily tasks to keep on top of the little messes, then do deeper cleans on the weekends. You’ll be well on your way to a tidy and clutter-free home in no time! Celebrate your wins and keep up the good work. Before you know it, messy will be a thing of the past!
6. Schedule regular decluttering sessions.
It’s time to grab that clutter by the horns and show it who’s boss! Scheduling regular decluttering sessions is one of the most effective ways to banish messiness from your life for good.
Plan it and stick to it!
Decide on a decluttering schedule that works for your lifestyle. Maybe tackle one area or one drawer each week. Start with something small and manageable, so you don’t get overwhelmed. Once you’ve established a routine, decluttering will become second nature.
Get pumped up and put on some upbeat music. Decluttering is more fun with the right soundtrack! Roll up your sleeves, put on your favorite playlist, and get ready to purge.
Be ruthless and get rid of everything you don’t need.
Go drawer by drawer and shelf by shelf. Ask yourself if each item sparks joy or serves a purpose. Toss or donate anything that doesn’t. The less clutter you have, the less there is to organize. Free up space by clearing out knickknacks, papers, and broken or unused items.
Reorganize what’s left for maximum efficiency.
Now that you’ve decluttered, reorganize what remains. Group similar items together in labeled boxes or bins. Arrange things so the items you use most often are the easiest to access. There is a place for everything, and everything in its place will make your space feel open and clutter-free.
Stick to your decluttering routine, and soon you’ll be wondering how you ever lived with the mess and chaos. Staying on top of clutter is the key to an organized, stress-free life. You’ve got this; now go unleash your inner neat freak!
7. Create homes for everything.
When your space is messy and disorganized, it’s hard to find anything, and your mind feels cluttered too. The solution? Give everything a dedicated spot. This simple step will transform your home into a peaceful, productive place.
Find or create a “home” for each item.
Go room by room and determine where things should live when not in use. For example, keys by the front door, chargers on your nightstand, and pots and pans hanging by the stove If needed, buy organizational tools like bins, baskets, dividers, and labels.
Group similar items together.
Keep all hobby supplies, linens, tools, or paperwork in one area. This makes things easier to find and maintain order. For example, have a drawer for pens, tape, and scissors.
Purge what you do not need.
Get rid of excess stuff that is clogging up your space. Donate or throw away items you do not use. A messy room often means you have too many things without a proper place. Pare it down to the essentials.
Make it a habit.
Developing new habits takes time and conscious effort. Remind yourself to put things in their new homes each day. Have family members pitch in too. Stay on track, and soon organizing will become second nature.
A neat, uncluttered space equals a neat, uncluttered mind. Give everything in your home a designated spot and enjoy the bliss of a messy-no-more life! Your future organized self will thank you.
8. Maintain Progress with Accountability Partners
Having an accountability partner or two can help motivate you to achieve and maintain progress in getting organized. Find a friend or family member who also wants to declutter and streamline their life. Check in regularly to share your goals, progress, setbacks, and encouragement.
Set specific goals.
Together, set concrete goals and deadlines to keep each other on track. For example, aim to purge one area, like your kitchen pantry or file cabinet, each week. Celebrate milestones together!
Share Updates
Connect in person, over the phone, or via text at least once a week. Share what’s working, what’s not, and any roadblocks you’ve run into. Brainstorm solutions and compromise. Simply knowing someone else expects an update on your progress can inspire you to act.
Offer Support
Cheer each other on! Express enthusiasm for their victories, no matter how small. Ask open-ended questions to make sure they stay motivated. Provide empathy and a listening ear if they get off track. Knowing you have their support can help you recommit to your goals.
Gentle Accountability
If deadlines are missed, check in to understand why and see what you can do to help. Gently remind your partner of the benefits of following through and getting back on schedule. Accountability should motivate, not make you feel guilty or judged for slip-ups. With patience and teamwork, you’ll build better habits and an organized lifestyle together!
An accountability partnership is a proven way to build better habits and stay on track. Who will you partner with to achieve a decluttered and organized life? Together, you can conquer the clutter and finally learn to let go of the excess stuff weighing you down. The motivation and support of a friend may be just what you need to turn good intentions into real results. Let the organizing begin!
9. Embrace minimalism when possible.
Embracing minimalism is one of the best ways to overcome messiness and gain more control of your space. When you have less stuff, it’s easier to organize what remains!
Pare down your belongings.
Go room by room and get rid of anything you do not use or love. Donate or throw away knickknacks, old clothes, books you’ll never read again, and so on. Ask yourself if each item sparks joy or is truly useful. If not, thank it for its service and get rid of it! – Minimizing clutter and simplifying your surroundings lightens your mental load and encourages tidiness.
Choose multipurpose furniture.
Rather than having separate furniture for each activity, opt for multifunctional pieces that serve more than one purpose. A desk could double as a table, a dresser could act as a TV stand, and a sofa table could be used as a desk. Multipurpose furniture reduces the amount of stuff you need to organize and maintain.
Indicate a place for everything.
Once you pare down to the essentials, make sure every single item has its spot. Give each category of belongings, like mail, keys, and charging cords, its own assigned area. Establish routines for putting things in their place right away to avoid the buildup of clutter.
Keeping things minimal and highly organized is a habit that takes practice, but embracing minimalism and choosing proper places for your essential belongings are effective strategies for overcoming messiness once and for all. You’ll gain freedom from excess stuff and enjoy the peace of a tidy, clutter-free home! Stay cheerful with less to organize. You’ll have more time to do the things you love.
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10. Schedule regular decluttering sessions.
Want to stop feeling messy and disorganized? Make decluttering a regular habit. Set aside time each week to tackle one area or one chore. Start small and build up from there. You’ll be organizing like a pro in no time!
Schedule it in
Block out 30–60 minutes a week in your calendar specifically for decluttering and organizing. Put on some upbeat music to keep you motivated, grab some trash bags and boxes, and get started! Pick a room, a drawer, a shelf, or a closet to focus on each week.
As the old saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day. Don’t feel overwhelmed by the mess. Break big tasks into smaller milestones and celebrate achieving each one. Your home didn’t get messy overnight, so be patient and keep chipping away at it. Consistency is key.
Make it fun.
Try turning decluttering into a game. Set a timer to keep yourself moving quickly. Challenge yourself to fill a bag or box in each room before the timer goes off. Donate or throw out as much as possible for maximum impact. Ask a friend to join in; you can keep each other accountable and make it more enjoyable.
With regular decluttering, you’ll get better and faster at organizing your space. Your home will become a place of peace and calm instead of chaos. Stay motivated by how good you feel in a tidy, uncluttered environment. Keep up the consistency, and you’ll be organizing like a pro in no time!
11. Streamlined Storage Solutions for Each Room
Streamlining your storage solutions will make each room in your home feel instantly tidier. Start with your
Closet
Do a purge of anything you haven’t worn in a year and donate it. For what’s left, use matching hangers to keep clothes wrinkle-free and group by type—shirts, pants, dresses. Add drawer dividers or bins for smaller items like socks, belts, and accessories. An over-the-door shoe rack clears floor space.
Kitchen
Group plates, glasses, and mugs by type on open shelves or in cabinets, and add labels for easy finding. Store snacks, spices, and canned goods in matching containers on the counter or in the pantry. Under-sink pull-out drawers keep cleaning supplies organized but out of sight.
Bathroom
Add towel racks, bars, and hooks for linens. Use drawer dividers or trays for makeup, hair ties, combs, and brushes. Clear counter space with vertical storage like a wall-mounted dispenser for toothbrushes, cotton balls, and Q-tips.
Garage
Pegboards, slat boards, and shelving keep everything from sports gear to gardening tools to automotive supplies tidy. Large plastic bins on shelves contain smaller items. Add hooks for bikes, hoses, and extension cords. A floor-to-ceiling cabinet hides clutter.
Decluttering and streamlining your storage in each room will make your whole house feel clean and cozy. You’ll gain extra space and peace of mind knowing everything has its place. No more messy rooms; you’ve got this organized! Make your home a happy haven by optimizing each area. Before you know it, clutter and chaos will be a thing of the past. Enjoy your new, orderly oasis!
Overcoming Common Challenges
Overcoming obstacles is all about maintaining a positive mindset. When challenges arise, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’ve got this! Stay focused on your goals and think of setbacks as temporary. With determination and creativity, you can overcome anything.
1. Lack of Motivation
We all have days when we lack motivation. Do something to boost your mood, like exercising, calling a friend, or pursuing a hobby. Starting is often the hardest part, so just dive in, and you’ll usually gain momentum. Celebrate small wins along the way to stay encouraged. You’ll be back to full steam in no time!
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2. Distractions and Interruptions
Minimize notifications on your devices and try to limit interruptions from family or coworkers. Find times when you can focus without diversion, like early mornings or late evenings. If you do get interrupted, politely let the other person know you have a deadline to meet and will get back to them as soon as you’re able. Staying on task will help you overcome this challenge.
3. Feeling Overwhelmed
When you have too much to do and don’t know where to start, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Break down big tasks into smaller steps and focus on one thing at a time. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help if you need it. Take short breaks when you start to feel stressed. Over time, staying organized and prioritizing important work will help prevent that overwhelming sensation from creeping up in the first place.
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You’ve got the power to overcome any obstacles in your way. Maintain an optimistic mindset, minimize distractions, break down big challenges into small steps, and celebrate progress along the way. Stay determined and patient with yourself. You’ve got this; now go out there and organize your space! Messy days are behind you.
Messy No More: Maintaining Organizations Long-Term
Staying organized long-term means making it a habit and a priority in your daily life. It will take conscious effort, but with time, maintaining orderliness can become second nature.
To keep your space clutter-free for good, try these cheerful tips:
- Choose a place for everything. Give each item in your home a specified storage spot. Make it a point to put things back in their place right away after using them. This simple act alone can do wonders for sustaining an organization.
- Do regular maintenance. Set aside time each week to do quick cleaning, decluttering, and tidying up. Even dedicating just 15–30 minutes a few times a week can help you stay on top of the mess and avoid buildup. Make it an energizing routine!
- Get help if you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask family members or roommates to pitch in. Working as a team will make the work go faster and help make sure everyone is doing their part to keep your place pristine. You can also consider hiring a professional organizer or cleaning service for a deep clean to help you get started.
- Make your organization rewarding. Give yourself positive reinforcement to stay on track. Treat yourself to something special once you’ve achieved your goals. The more you organize, the more motivation you’ll have to continue your success.
Staying organized is a journey, not a destination. But with cheerful determination, the messy days can be behind you. Keep your eyes on the prize of a clutter-free home and make maintaining organization one of your top priorities. You’ve got this! Before you know it, tidy living will become your new way of life.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a few straightforward tips to help you get your life in order and banish messiness for good. Take a deep breath and dive in—you’ve got this! Start with one area or one habit at a time, so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Celebrate small wins along the way to stay motivated.
Your organized and clutter-free life is waiting, and the feeling of accomplishment will be so worth it. No more wasting time searching for things or feeling stressed by the state of your space. You’ll gain valuable minutes back in your day and peace of mind. Choose not to let messiness rule your world.
Take control and choose to live an organized life full of purpose and meaning. The journey starts today! Now go get to it and conquer that clutter once and for all. You will be so glad you did.
References
- Is clutter and disorganization hurting your health?
- 6 Important Benefits of a Tidy Home
- CLEAN YOUR ROOM – Powerful Life Advice | Jordan Peterson
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