Organizing Tips from the Pros: Declutter Your Home Efficiently

Clutter isn’t just about stuff—it’s about stress. That overflowing junk drawer, the chaotic closet, or the crowded garage doesn’t just take up space in your home; it clutters your mind, too. At A MerMaids Choice, we understand how overwhelming it can be to tackle messes big and small. Whether you’re preparing for a move, recovering from a renovation, or just trying to breathe easier in your space, getting organized is a major first step toward a happier, healthier home.

In this guide, our professional cleaning and organizing experts share practical, no-nonsense tips to help you declutter efficiently and stay organized in the long run.

Why Decluttering Matters

Before we get into the how, let’s first understand the why. Decluttering isn’t just for appearances—it has real benefits:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves sleep and focus
• Saves time by making it easier to find what you need
• Creates a healthier environment with less dust and allergens
• Boosts productivity and makes cleaning more manageable

A clutter-free space doesn’t mean living a minimalist life; it means being intentional with what you allow into your home. At A MerMaids Choice, our team specializes in creating spaces that support your lifestyle—neat, calm, and refreshingly clean.

Step 1: Start Small and Stay Consistent

Trying to clean your entire home in a single day is a fast track to exhaustion. Start with a small, manageable area—a single drawer, a shelf, or one kitchen cabinet.

Pro Tip: Use the “One In, One Out” Rule

Every time you bring a new item into your home, remove one you no longer use. This keeps clutter from creeping back in.

Step 2: Use the Four-Box Method

Organizing doesn’t start with buying fancy bins—it starts with sorting. Grab four boxes and label them:

1. Keep—Items you use regularly and love
2. Donate—Gently used items others could benefit from
3. Trash—Broken, expired, or unusable items
4. Relocate—Things that belong elsewhere in the house

This simple method brings clarity and helps you make confident decisions quickly. Need help with donation runs or junk removal? Our cleaning services can assist with hauling, clearing, and deep-cleaning once the clutter’s gone. Explore our services.

Step 3: Categorize and Contain

Once you’ve decided what to keep, group like items together and store them in labeled containers.

• Kitchen: Store utensils by function—baking, cooking, or serving.
• Closets: Sort clothes by season and type.
• Kids’ Rooms: Use color-coded bins for toys, art supplies, and games.

Pro Tip: Clear containers make it easy to see what you have, avoiding overbuying or messy searches.

Step 4: Don’t Just Declutter—Deep Clean

Once a space is cleared out, give it a thorough clean. Wipe down shelves, vacuum corners, and freshen up fabrics. This is where the A MerMaids Choice magic really shines. Our eco-friendly, detail-oriented team doesn’t just tidy—we make your space sparkle.

Book a Deep Cleaning Service at A MerMaids Choice and enjoy a truly fresh start after decluttering.

Step 5: Set Up Zones

Every room should have clearly defined zones based on function.

• Entryway: Hooks for bags, tray for keys, shoe storage
• Bedroom: Sleep zone, reading nook, closet system
• Office: Workstation, supply drawer, filing area

Organizing by zone keeps each part of the room purposeful and easy to maintain.

Step 6: Set Realistic Rules for Sentimental Items

Everyone has sentimental items they struggle to part with. Instead of forcing yourself to throw them out, set limits:

• Create a memory box for keepsakes
• Display sentimental items instead of storing them in piles
• Take photos of bulky items you don’t use but want to remember

Remember, you’re organizing to feel lighter, not to erase your history.

Step 7: Go Digital When You Can

Papers, mail, and files can overrun your space. Digitize where possible:

• Scan documents and save to cloud storage
• Unsubscribe from junk mail
• Use apps for receipts, warranties, and manuals

Less paper means fewer piles and better peace of mind.

Step 8: Embrace the 15-Minute Rule

You don’t need hours every day to stay organized. Just 15 minutes a day spent putting things back in place can work wonders.

• Tidy a small space after dinner
• Set a timer and tackle one drawer or shelf
• Make it a family activity to clean up before bedtime

These micro-habits prevent messes from turning into overwhelming projects.

Step 9: Schedule Regular Maintenance

Decluttering isn’t a one-time task—it’s a lifestyle shift. Schedule monthly check-ins:

• Go through a closet each month
• Empty the junk drawer every 6 weeks
• Reorganize pantry shelves seasonally

Want a hands-free solution? Our recurring house cleaning packages can include light organizing and tidying, so your home stays in tip-top shape. Book here NOW!

Step 10: Know When to Call in the Pros

If your home feels too overwhelming to start or you’ve hit a plateau, it’s okay to ask for help. That’s where A MerMaids Choice steps in. We’re more than cleaners—we’re your partners in creating a home that works for your life, not against it.

Our team is trained in:

• Post-decluttering cleaning
• Closet and pantry reorganization
• Deep cleaning after purging
• Move-in/move-out cleanups
• Eco-friendly and pet-safe products

See all our services here, and let’s make your home a sanctuary again.

Bonus: Room-by-Room Decluttering Checklist

Here’s a quick reference guide to tackle clutter across the house:

Bedroom

• Donate unused clothes
• Store seasonal items under the bed
• Keep nightstands clutter-free

Kitchen

• Toss expired food and condiments
• Limit duplicate utensils
• Organize pantry by category

Living Room

• Create hidden storage for games, books, and toys
• Limit surfaces to 1–2 decorative items each
• Use baskets to collect daily-use items

Bathroom

• Discard expired products
• Use drawer dividers
• Limit each person to 1-2 shelves

Entryway

• Use hooks or racks for bags and coats
• Keep a bin for outgoing mail or donations
• Limit shoe storage to 1–2 pairs per person

Garage/Storage

• Label all bins and boxes
• Use vertical space (hooks, shelves)
• Declutter seasonally

Final Thoughts: Your Home Deserves Better

Decluttering isn’t just about making space—it’s about taking control. A clean, organized home sets the tone for your day, boosts your mental clarity, and saves you time and energy. And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.

At A MerMaids Choice, we bring more than just elbow grease—we bring strategy, structure, and sparkle.Ready to reclaim your space? Call us today at (850) 985-2291 to book your cleaning or organizing consultation.