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Your Ultimate Guide to Organizing and Decluttering


As we embrace the philosophy of "less is more," simplifying and decluttering our homes becomes a powerful way to create peace and clarity in our daily lives. Breaking the process into manageable tasks ensures that your home remains organized and serene throughout the year. Here’s a plan, broken down into daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly actions to help kick of this year:


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Daily Tasks: Small Steps for Big Impact


  1. Tidy as You Go: Spend 10-15 minutes each evening putting things back in their place. Focus on high-traffic areas like the living room and kitchen.

  2. Clear Surfaces: Avoid clutter buildup by keeping countertops, tables, and desks clear. Return items to their proper storage immediately after use.

  3. Sort the Mail: Deal with incoming mail and paperwork daily to prevent piles from forming. Recycle or shred what you don’t need.

  4. One-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than a minute, do it immediately (e.g., hanging a coat, putting shoes away). Don't put it down, put it away.


Weekly Tasks: Consistent Maintenance


  1. Declutter a Zone: Choose a small area each week—a drawer, shelf, or section of a room—to declutter. Donate, recycle, or discard items you no longer need.

  2. Deep Clean a Room: Rotate through rooms weekly for a more thorough clean. Dust, vacuum, and sanitize surfaces as needed.

  3. Organize the Entryway: Ensure shoes, bags, and coats are tidy and ready for the week ahead.

  4. Review the Pantry and Fridge: Discard expired food items and organize shelves for easier access.


Monthly Tasks: Focused Organization


  1. Tackle a Bigger Project: Dedicate a few hours to larger areas like closets, the garage, or storage spaces. Assess what to keep, donate, or discard.

  2. Refresh Linens: Wash or rotate seasonal linens, such as bedding, towels, and tablecloths.

  3. Review Seasonal Items: At the start of each month, evaluate items like holiday decor or seasonal clothing. Pack away or donate items that no longer serve you.

  4. Check Storage Systems: Ensure bins, baskets, and drawers are being used effectively and adjust if necessary.

    (These may seem daunting, but can make life easier and more fluid in the long run).


Yearly Tasks: Comprehensive Decluttering


  1. Conduct a Whole-Home Audit: Once a year, go room by room to evaluate everything in your home. Ask yourself: “Does this serve a purpose or bring me joy?”

  2. Seasonal Swaps: Rotate and declutter seasonal clothing, decor, and gear. Use this opportunity to donate or discard what you no longer use.

  3. Declutter Digital Spaces: Organize files, delete unused apps, and clean up your email inbox.

  4. Revisit Sentimental Items: Review keepsakes to ensure they align with your current life and values. Display meaningful items and consider letting go of those that no longer resonate.

  5. Host a Decluttering Party: Invite friends or family to join in a decluttering day. Offer each other support and make the process fun. (Even just inviting others over has you do a rapid clean of your home and may help you gain perspective of what stays and what goes.)


Embracing the Philosophy of "Less is More"


By incorporating these daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly habits, you’ll gradually transform your home into a space that reflects simplicity and intentionality. The journey to a clutter-free home isn’t about perfection but about creating an environment that brings you joy and supports your well-being.


Let 2025 be your year of less is more—a year of clarity, calm, and contentment.


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  • Leclair Decor | Ottawa, Ontario | Full Service Interior Design
  • Leclair Decor | Ottawa, Ontario | Full Service Interior Design
  • Leclair Decor | Ottawa, Ontario | Full Service Interior Design
  • Leclair Decor | Ottawa, Ontario | Full Service Interior Design

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