How to Create Positive Habits to Stay Organized
Staying organized isn’t just about tidying up your home or workspace—it’s about building habits that make organization a seamless part of your daily life. Creating positive habits not only helps you stay organized but also reduces stress and boosts productivity. Here’s how you can develop lasting habits to keep your life clutter-free and more efficient, just like I’ve helped my clients do over the years.
And remember my favorite motto: “Don’t put it down, put it away.” It's a simple mindset shift that can make a world of difference!
1. Start Small with One Habit at a Time
I know how tempting it is to try and tackle all your organizing goals at once. Trust me, I’ve been there! But success comes when you focus on one habit at a time. Trying to change everything at once can feel overwhelming, and you might find yourself back at square one. Instead, choose one small area to focus on, like:
Making your bed every morning (a simple but satisfying habit!).
Sorting your mail as soon as you get it (before the pile grows!).
Spending 5 minutes decluttering a drawer or shelf each day.
One of my clients started with just 10 minutes of kitchen decluttering each day, and now she finds herself doing it naturally without even thinking about it. Once that habit feels automatic, move on to the next one. Small wins build momentum and set you up for long-term success.
2. Tie New Habits to Existing Ones
One of the easiest ways to establish new organizing habits is to link them to something you already do regularly. This concept, known as habit stacking, helps your brain associate the new behavior with an existing routine, making it easier to remember.
Here are a few ideas that work well:
After you pour your morning coffee, spend 2 minutes clearing the kitchen counter (coffee + a clear counter = best way to start the day).
Before you go to bed, set out your clothes for the next day (a total lifesaver for busy mornings).
After you brush your teeth at night, spend 5 minutes tidying your bedroom (this trick works wonders for creating a calm space to sleep).
By connecting new habits to things you already do, staying organized will feel natural without adding extra stress.
3. Create a “Home” for Everything
One of the most common issues my clients face is things not having a specific “home,” leading to clutter that builds up over time. When everything has a place, it’s easier to keep your space organized. To prevent things from piling up, make sure every item in your home has a designated spot. Once you’ve set these spaces, you’ll find it easier to put things back in their place after using them.
And always remember: “Don’t put it down, put it away.” When you’ve finished using something, resist the urge to leave it out. Putting it back in its rightful place takes just a moment and prevents clutter from building up.
Here are a few tips that I love:
Use labeled bins or baskets for small items like keys, mail, or electronics (I can’t tell you how much this helps!).
Set up a filing system for important documents (no more last-minute scrambles looking for that one receipt!).
Dedicate a space for commonly misplaced items, like a tray for your keys and wallet near the front door.
Once things have their “home,” putting them back becomes second nature.
4. Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions
Clutter has a sneaky way of creeping up, doesn’t it? One of my golden rules is to schedule regular decluttering sessions. Treat it like any other important appointment and block time on your calendar. Whether it’s 15 minutes a week or a full hour once a month, consistency is key.
During these sessions, ask yourself:
Do I use this item regularly?
Does it bring value or joy to my life or space?
Could someone else benefit from it more than I do?
One of my clients made a habit of decluttering her bathroom every Sunday for just 10 minutes—now it’s one of the most organized spaces in her home!
5. Use the “One In, One Out” Rule
Ah, the good old “one in, one out” rule—this is a personal favorite of mine. It’s a simple but powerful habit to prevent clutter from creeping back in. For every new item you bring into your home, you should remove one. This habit works especially well for areas prone to clutter, like closets, kitchens, and offices.
For example:
Bought a new pair of shoes? Donate or recycle an old pair.
Got a new book? Pass one along to a friend or donate it.
This keeps your home balanced and ensures you don’t end up buried in “stuff” over time.
6. Set Daily Routines
I can’t stress enough how daily routines can make a huge difference in staying organized. They don’t need to be complicated—just small habits you do every day to keep things running smoothly. Here are a few simple ideas:
Morning routine: Spend 10 minutes tidying up your space before starting your day.
Evening routine: Clean off your desk and organize your to-do list for tomorrow.
Kitchen routine: Put away dishes and wipe down counters after every meal.
One of my clients swears by her 15-minute “evening reset,” where she tidies up her living room and kitchen before bed. It makes mornings so much easier!
7. Reward Yourself for Staying Consistent
Let’s be real—building new habits takes time, so don’t forget to celebrate your wins along the way! Setting small rewards can keep you motivated to stick with your routines. For example:
Take a relaxing bath with your favorite bath bomb.
Plan a date night with your partner or friends.
Rewards help reinforce your new habits and make the process more enjoyable.
8. Be Kind to Yourself
Let’s face it—none of us are perfect. Don’t beat yourself up if you fall behind or miss a day. Staying organized is about progress, not perfection. I always tell my clients, “It’s not about having a perfectly organized home; it’s about creating habits that reduce stress and make your life easier.” If things get off track, just pick up where you left off and keep moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Staying organized is all about creating positive, sustainable habits that fit your lifestyle. By starting small, being consistent, and giving yourself some grace, you can develop routines that make staying organized feel effortless. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection—and the more you practice, the easier it becomes!
And don’t forget, “Don’t put it down, put it away!” Whether you're tackling your closet or just trying to keep your desk clear, these habits will help you stay on track and feel more in control of your space.