Swapped extended decluttering of my embarrassing lounge for short-term adjustments for a week - now find myself addicted to this method
Bethany Skorik, a communications executive and etiquette coach with over 15 years of experience, has a simple solution for managing clutter at home. She suggests adding up to 10-minute resets to the daily house routine as a reliable way to maintain organization.
Skorik, the founder of Ascent Etiquette and Communications, advocates for this approach by encouraging families to declutter using mini-resets. This method involves targeting recurrent problem areas in the home, such as shoes being left at the front door, gym bags on the dining room floor, or jackets piled on the stairs.
The individual who decided to try this method was struggling with visual clutter in their living room, which shared functionality with their dining room and entryway. They found that this approach to tidying, usually in the evening after dinner, targeted recurrent problem areas with ease before they became overwhelming.
Baskets are recommended as the best go-to for creating drop zones. A large, shallow basket is a perfect multi-functional drop zone for entryway essentials, while smaller baskets can be used for organizing specific areas like the living room or dining room. Transparent stackable storage bins can help make decluttering easier, especially when it comes to organizing smaller items.
For those with children, little ones can focus on simple tasks like picking up toys, folding blankets, fluffing pillows, and bringing dishes to the kitchen. A letter tray can help keep mail in sight and prevent it from being buried beneath other clutter.
Parents can also use a wet-dry vac to tackle miscellaneous clutter. For more decorative storage solutions, a set of three wicker baskets with faux leather strips and nail head details are available for organizing.
Skorik suggests using the Mount Vernon method, working around the space in a clockwise direction, starting at the front door and working around the dining area, into the living area, and back again. This method helps to ensure that no area is missed during the mini-reset.
Incorporating mini-resets before leaving home can also help families return to a less chaotic, more welcoming space. By making decluttering a part of the daily routine, it becomes easier to maintain a tidy home without feeling overwhelmed.
