7 Strategies Professional Organizers Use for Stress-Free Holiday Hosting

strategies for holiday hosting

The holidays are full of warmth, good food, and happy chaos. But if you’re the one hosting, they can also bring a mix of excitement and maybe a bit of mild panic. Between meal prep, cleaning, decorating, and accommodating guests, the joy of the season can quickly get buried under clutter and stress.

Here’s the good news: holiday hosting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right systems in place, your home can run smoothly, your guests will feel welcome, and you might actually get to sit down and enjoy that second slice of pie.

At Clutterless Home Solutions, we know a thing or two about helping families find calm in the chaos. These are seven strategies professional organizers use to keep the holidays organized, peaceful, and (mostly) stress-free.

1. Start with a Holiday Prep Plan, Not Panic

Before you start stringing lights or deep-cleaning your oven, take ten minutes to make a simple plan. Write down what events you’re hosting, who’s coming, and what spaces need attention. This keeps you focused and helps prevent the last-minute scramble.

A quick way to prioritize:

  • Focus on common areas like the kitchen, dining space, and guest bathroom first.
  • Identify what actually needs doing, and what you can skip this year.
  • Schedule your prep days like appointments so they don’t get pushed aside.

2. Declutter Before You Decorate

Holiday decor has a way of multiplying over the years. Before adding more to your space, take a few minutes to declutter what’s already there. Clear off counters, coffee tables, and entryways so your seasonal touches can shine.

Ask yourself:

  • Do I still love this decoration?
  • Is it in good condition?
  • Does it fit my space or style now?

Decluttering before you decorate makes your home feel lighter, and it creates room for the things that make the holidays feel special, not chaotic. Plus, it’s much easier to clean and entertain when surfaces are clear and everything has a home.

3. Create Zones That Work for You and Your Guests

One of the secrets professional organizers swear by is zoning, assigning a specific purpose to each area of your home. During the holidays, this principle keeps your space functional and reduces traffic jams.

Try setting up:

  • A beverage station away from the kitchen work zone, stocked with glasses, napkins, and ice.
  • A snack or appetizer zone in the living room so guests don’t hover while you’re cooking.
  • A coat and shoe station near the entryway to keep clutter from spreading.

When every item and activity has a “home,” guests intuitively know where things go, meaning fewer interruptions and less mess for you to manage.

4. Simplify the Table and Serving Setup

Hosting a beautiful meal doesn’t have to mean juggling ten serving platters and an overflowing table. Professional organizers know that simplicity equals calm, so go for intentional over intricate.

  • Use neutral serving pieces that mix and match easily.
  • Pre-label dishes for buffet-style meals so guests know what’s what.
  • Set the table the day before to save time (and headspace).

Add a few simple touches like greenery, candles, or cloth napkins for a festive, cozy feel. Don’t feel the need for an elaborate centerpiece that blocks conversation.

5. Design a Guest-Ready Bathroom

If your guest bathroom doubles as the everyday family bathroom, this area can get overlooked in the rush. A clean, stocked bathroom instantly makes your guests feel comfortable.

Here’s what to check before they arrive:

  • Fresh hand towels
  • Plenty of toilet paper (in an easy-to-see spot!)
  • Soap, tissues, and an air freshener
  • A small basket with extra toiletries like toothpaste, floss, and lotion

Keep décor simple and surfaces clear so everything feels fresh and functional. It’s a five-minute touch that goes a long way toward keeping your home guest-ready.

6. Build in Buffer Time (a.k.a. The Organizer’s Secret Weapon)

Here’s a truth professionals live by: you can’t organize chaos at full speed. Give yourself breathing room in your schedule so you can handle surprises without feeling frazzled.

Instead of planning every minute, block out time before and after each big event:

  • An hour before guests arrive, reset and relax.
  • A quick cleanup window after each meal or party.
  • A “no plans” day during the holidays to rest and recharge.

That breathing space helps you stay flexible when the unexpected happens (and it always does). Your guests will feel the difference, too. They’ll sense your calm energy and mirror it.

7. Plan for the Aftermath Before It Starts

This is the part no one talks about, but organizers plan for it every time. The cleanup.

Make post-holiday cleanup as smooth as possible by preparing before the party even begins:

  • Place labeled bins for trash, recycling, and donations nearby.
  • Keep a basket or bin ready for holiday items that need to be packed away.
  • Store a roll of heavy-duty trash bags and paper towels under the sink for quick reach.

After the event, do a 15-minute reset. Gather dishes, clear surfaces, take out trash, and load the dishwasher. You don’t have to do everything right away, but doing something prevents the overwhelm from setting in later.

The Real Secret to Stress-Free Hosting

The best-kept secret of professional organizers? It’s not about having a picture-perfect home. It’s about making your space work for you.

When your home runs smoothly, you have more energy for what matters most: laughter, connection, and enjoying the people you love. A little planning and thoughtful organization now means fewer frustrations later, and a much more peaceful holiday season.

Need Help Getting Holiday-Ready?

If your space could use a refresh before guests arrive, Clutterless Home Solutions can help. Whether it’s decluttering your kitchen, organizing your guest room, or resetting your living spaces, we’ll do the heavy lifting, so you can focus on the fun parts of hosting.Contact us today to get started. We proudly serve Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and surrounding Colorado communities. A stress-free holiday starts with an organized home, and we’re here to make it happen.

10 Pro Decluttering Rules Denver Professional Organizers Swear By

decluttering rules

If you’ve ever stood in the middle of your living room, looked around, and thought, “Where did all this stuff even come from?” You’re not alone. Between busy schedules, sentimental attachments, and “I’ll deal with it later” piles, clutter can sneak up on even the most organized among us.

But the good news? You don’t need to be a minimalist or a cleaning fanatic to get things under control. Professional organizers know that successful downsizing and decluttering come down to a few practical, repeatable rules, not perfection.

At Clutterless Home Solutions, our Denver-based team applies these tried-and-true principles daily to help clients clear the chaos and create homes that feel lighter, calmer, and easier to maintain. Here are 10 pro decluttering rules we swear by (and you can, too).

1. Start Small, But Start Today

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to tackle everything at once. You don’t need to organize your entire house in a weekend. In fact, you shouldn’t.

Start with a single drawer, shelf, or corner. Once you see the progress, that momentum carries over.  Even ten minutes a day is progress. The key isn’t speed. It’s consistency.

2. Follow the One-In, One-Out Rule

This one’s simple: for every new item you bring into your home, one should go out. Bought a new pair of shoes? Donate or recycle an old pair. Picked up a new mug? Let one go.

This rule helps you maintain balance and prevents clutter from creeping back in after you’ve worked so hard to clear it. Over time, it becomes second nature.

3. Declutter First, Organize Second

Here’s a common trap: buying bins, baskets, and labels before sorting through your stuff. But professional organizers always declutter first.

You can’t organize what doesn’t need to be there in the first place. Remove the extras, duplicates, and “just-in-case” items first, then determine what type of storage you actually need. You’ll save time, money, and space.

4. Give Every Item a Home

Clutter loves company, and it usually shows up when items don’t have a designated place to live. If you want to keep your home organized long-term, every single thing needs a home.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Keys go in a dish by the door. Mail goes in a wall sorter. Dog leashes hang by the entryway. When things have a consistent “home,” it’s easier to clean up and easier for everyone in your household to pitch in.

5. Set a Timer (and Stick to It)

Decluttering can feel endless, unless you give yourself boundaries. Set a timer for 20–30 minutes, turn on your favorite playlist, and focus on one area. When the timer goes off, stop. Walk away. You’ve accomplished something.

Short, focused sessions prevent fatigue and keep you from turning a small project into an all-day event. Professional organizers often use this method with clients to build confidence and momentum.

6. The 90/90 Rule: Be Honest About Use

Ask yourself:

  • Have I used this in the last 90 days?
  • Will I use it in the next 90 days?

If the answer is no, it’s probably safe to let go. The 90/90 rule works wonders for clothes, kitchen gadgets, and décor that’s been collecting dust.

If you can’t remember the last time you used something, that’s your answer right there.

7. Don’t Let Sentimental Items Control the Process

Sentimental clutter is where most people get stuck. Old baby clothes, gifts, and family keepsakes carry emotions, but holding onto everything from the past makes it hard to enjoy the present.

Here’s what professionals recommend:

  • Keep the best, not the most.
  • Take photos of sentimental items before letting them go.
  • Choose a small box or bin specifically for keepsakes. When it’s full, it’s time to reassess.

Letting go of an item doesn’t erase the memory attached to it. It just frees up space for what matters now.

8. Use the “Container Rule” to Set Limits

Every space in your home is a container: your closet, your drawer, your bookshelf. Once it’s full, it’s full. That means if you buy a new sweater, one has to go.

This rule keeps you from overfilling spaces and helps you see your true limits. Instead of trying to fit more in, decide what deserves the space you have. For example, if your bookshelf is overflowing, don’t buy another shelf. Edit what’s on it until it fits comfortably.

9. Declutter by Category, Not Just by Room

When you declutter by room, you might miss duplicates hiding elsewhere. Instead, professionals recommend decluttering by category, for example:

  • All coats
  • All kitchen utensils
  • All paperwork

Bring everything from that category into one spot. Seeing it all together helps you recognize how much you own and makes it easier to decide what to keep.

10. Progress Over Perfection

This is the most important rule of all. Decluttering isn’t about creating a “perfect” home. It’s about creating a home that works for you.

Maybe you don’t fold your towels like a Pinterest post. Maybe your pantry labels don’t match. That’s okay. The real win is walking into your home and feeling calm instead of overwhelmed.

Progress, not perfection, is what makes an organization sustainable.

Don’t Go It Alone

Decluttering is emotional work. It’s about making decisions, preserving memories, and setting priorities. And sometimes, having someone by your side makes all the difference.

That’s where professional organizers come in. We’re not here to judge your mess or make you throw everything away. We’re here to help you make decisions, create systems that fit your lifestyle, and get your home back to feeling like a place you love to live in.

Ready to Declutter Your Denver Home?

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure where to start, Clutterless Home Solutions is here to help. We bring professional, judgment-free home organizing services to Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs, helping you simplify your space and take back your peace of mind. Contact us today to get started. Let’s create a home that feels lighter, calmer, and perfectly you. Remember: Decluttering isn’t about having less. It’s about having room for what matters most.

Downsizing for Retirement: A Room-by-Room Guide

downsizing organizing

Retirement is an exciting new chapter, one that often comes with the desire (or need) to simplify. Whether you’re moving to a smaller home, transitioning to a more manageable lifestyle, or just ready to let go of what no longer serves you, downsizing can be incredibly freeing.

That said, it can also feel overwhelming. Sorting through decades of belongings, making emotional decisions, and figuring out what stays and what goes isn’t always easy.

At Clutterless Home Solutions, we help clients navigate this process with compassion, clarity, and simple, sustainable systems. So if you’re undergoing a decluttering project for retirement, this room-by-room guide will help you make progress without the stress.

Start with a Plan, Not the Stuff

Before you pick up a single box, take a step back and picture the life you want to create. What do you want your retirement space to feel like? Cozy and low-maintenance? Open and airy? Efficient and functional?

Let your future lifestyle guide your decisions. A smaller home or retirement living space may not need formal china, a second set of mixing bowls, or five extra side tables. Downsizing isn’t about getting rid of things you love. It’s about keeping what supports the life you’re stepping into.

Now, let’s go room by room.

Kitchen: Keep It Practical, Not Duplicated

Kitchens tend to collect a lot of extras over the years: mugs, utensils, appliances, mismatched containers.

Ask yourself:

  • How often do I really use this?
  • Do I have duplicates?
  • Will I have the same kitchen space in my next home?

Keep only what you use regularly, and let go of duplicate gadgets, rarely used appliances, and anything chipped, rusted, or out of date.

Keep: One or two baking dishes, daily dishes, your favorite cooking tools, and anything you still actively use.
Let go: Excess Tupperware, single-use gadgets, and the four extra cheese graters you forgot you had.

Living Room: Focus on Comfort and Usefulness

Your living room should be a space where you enjoy spending time, not one that overwhelms you with furniture and clutter.

Take a look at:

  • Side tables, shelving units, and decorative accents
  • Furniture that may not fit your future home
  • Media collections (DVDs, CDs, outdated electronics)

Keep what you love and actually use. Let go of anything that’s bulky, broken, or just no longer suits your lifestyle. If you’re downsizing your furniture, measure your new space (or anticipated one) so you know what will realistically fit.

Bedroom: Make it Your Sanctuary

As you step into retirement, you deserve a restful, uncluttered bedroom that supports good sleep and a peaceful start to each day.

Start by simplifying:

  • Nightstand drawers full of old cords, manuals, and random trinkets
  • Clothing that no longer fits your lifestyle or body
  • Extra linens that are rarely (or never) used

Downsizing your wardrobe can be one of the most freeing steps in this entire process. Be honest about what you wear and what you don’t.

Keep: Comfortable clothing you enjoy wearing, quality bedding, and a few sentimental keepsakes.
Let go: Outdated formalwear, clothing that no longer fits, and linens you haven’t used in years.

Closets: One Category at a Time

Closets can become the catch-all for “I’ll deal with it later” items. Now is the time to deal with them.

Go shelf by shelf or category by category:

  • Clothes
  • Shoes
  • Accessories
  • Seasonal items
  • Sentimental keepsakes

If you haven’t worn or used it in over a year, you probably won’t miss it. Donate gently used clothing and shoes, and toss anything worn out or damaged. Use labeled storage bins for keepsakes you truly want to keep, but don’t need daily access to.

Bathroom: Clear the Clutter

Bathrooms are usually smaller, which makes them easier, but they still collect their share of clutter over time.

Toss:

  • Expired medications
  • Old makeup or skincare
  • Hotel soaps, trial-size products, and duplicates

Keep your favorite products, one or two backups, and the essentials. If you’re downsizing to a home with less bathroom storage, simplifying now will make the transition smoother.

Office or Craft Room: Digitize and Declutter

Paper clutter is one of the biggest sources of stress for many of our clients, and retirement is a perfect time to tackle it.

Shred or recycle:

  • Old tax documents (keep only the last 7 years)
  • Outdated manuals and paperwork
  • Duplicate office supplies or broken equipment

Digitize important documents or photos, and organize what you keep in clearly labeled folders or bins. If crafting or hobbies are part of your retirement plan, choose the supplies that bring you joy, and let go of the extras.

Garage or Basement: The Final Frontier

These storage spaces are often the last to get organized, but they hold the most forgotten clutter. Take your time here.

Sort by category:

  • Tools
  • Sports equipment
  • Holiday decorations
  • Yard/garden gear
  • Storage tubs of mystery items

Ask yourself: Will I use this in my next chapter? If not, it’s time to let it go. If you’re moving to a place without a garage or basement, be realistic about what you’ll have space for.

Sentimental Items: Keep the Best, Let Go of the Rest

This is often the hardest category to tackle. We all have items with emotional value, but that doesn’t mean we have to keep everything.

Pick a few things that mean the most and store them with care. For everything else, consider:

  • Taking a photo of the item
  • Writing a memory about it
  • Passing it on to a loved one
  • Donating it to someone who will enjoy it

Downsizing is about honoring your past, but not being weighed down by it.

Need Help? You Don’t Have to Do It Alone.

Downsizing is a big job. It’s emotional, physical, and sometimes overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.

At Clutterless Home Solutions, we specialize in judgment-free organizing and downsizing support. Whether you’re moving to a new home or staying put and simply simplifying, we’ll help you make confident decisions and create a space that feels calm, clear, and easy to maintain.

Retirement is a fresh start. Let your home reflect that. With less clutter and more clarity, you’ll have more space for the life you actually want to live. Contact us today and let us help you make room for what matters.

Why Does Organizing Feel So Good?

professional organizers

We’ve all had that moment — maybe after clearing off the kitchen counters or finally tackling the junk drawer — where you take a step back, let out a deep sigh, and think, “Wow, that feels amazing.” But what is it about organizing that feels so satisfying? Is it just the clean surfaces and tidy drawers? Or is something deeper going on?

At Clutterless Home Solutions, we know that home organizing isn’t just about creating picture-perfect spaces. It’s about how those spaces make you feel. And yes, there’s actually science behind that good feeling. So let’s dig in: Why does organizing feel so good — and how can you harness that feeling to create a home that supports your well-being?

1. Organizing Creates Calm in a Chaotic World

Life is busy. Work deadlines, social obligations, family responsibilities, endless notifications on your phone — your brain is juggling a lot. When your home is cluttered on top of all that, it can make everything feel even more overwhelming.

But when your environment is calm and organized, your mind follows. A tidy space sends a signal to your brain: “You’re safe. You’re in control.”

Clearing your counters, putting items back where they belong, and knowing where to find your keys in the morning might seem small — but these little wins add up. An organized home acts as an anchor, giving you a sense of stability even when life gets messy.

2. It’s Instant Gratification (With Long-Term Payoff)

Let’s be honest — there are very few tasks in life where you see results immediately. Organizing is one of them.

When you clean out a cluttered drawer or rearrange a messy closet, the reward is instant. You see the difference right away. That’s a powerful motivator. Your brain releases dopamine, the feel-good chemical associated with pleasure and reward. So yes, that post-organizing high is very real.

Even better? The payoff doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve decluttered, everything becomes easier. Getting dressed in the morning, prepping meals, packing for a trip — it all takes less time and less mental energy.

3. Decluttering Gives You a Sense of Control

When life feels out of control, organizing your space can be surprisingly empowering.

You might not be able to fix everything going on in the world (or even in your week), but you can decide what stays in your home and where it goes. That feeling of control — choosing what serves you and letting go of what doesn’t — can be deeply comforting.

We’ve seen it time and again: clients tell us they feel lighter, more confident, even more optimistic after an organizing session. Because when you clear your space, you’re also clearing your mind.

4. Your Brain Loves Order (Even If You Don’t Think You Do)

Some people say, “I’m just not an organized person.” But the truth is, your brain loves order—even if it doesn’t always show it.

Clutter bombards your senses. It’s visual noise. And the more visual stimuli your brain has to process, the harder it has to work to focus. That’s why it’s tough to concentrate in a messy room or relax in a cluttered space.

Organizing helps eliminate those distractions, allowing your brain to rest. Think of it like closing extra tabs in your mental browser. You’re not just tidying up a space — you’re making room for clarity, focus, and peace.

5. Letting Go Feels Liberating

Let’s talk about the emotional side of organizing. Decluttering isn’t just about “stuff” — it’s often about the memories, guilt, or expectations attached to that stuff.

Maybe you’re holding onto clothes that don’t fit anymore. Or kitchen gadgets you’ve never used. Or gifts you don’t love but feel bad about donating. Letting go of these items can be emotional, but it can also be incredibly freeing.

When you release what no longer serves you, you make space for what does. And that can feel like a deep breath after holding it in for too long.

One of our favorite things to hear from clients is, “I didn’t realize how much this stuff was weighing on me.” That’s the power of letting go.

6. Organized Spaces Support Better Habits

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to stay on top of things when your space is clean and organized?

That’s because your environment plays a huge role in your habits. If your kitchen is tidy and your pantry is organized, meal prep feels manageable. If your entryway has a spot for keys and bags, you’re less likely to be late or forget something important.

When your home works with you instead of against you, your routines become smoother — and sticking to good habits becomes second nature. That success creates a positive feedback loop. The better your systems, the easier it is to stay organized. The easier it is to stay organized, the better you feel.

7. You’re Creating Space for What Matters Most

Ultimately, organizing isn’t about having a “perfect” home. It’s about making room for the life you want to live.

When your home is cluttered, it’s hard to be present. You’re constantly reminded of tasks you haven’t done or messes you need to deal with. But when your space is organized, it becomes a place where you can focus, relax, connect, and recharge.

That’s the real reason organizing feels so good — it helps align your home with your values. You’re not just clearing off a counter. You’re creating space for your family to gather, for creativity to flow, for rest to happen, for life to feel just a little bit easier.

Need Help Getting There? We’ve Got You

If you’re ready to feel that “Ahhh, finally!” moment but aren’t sure where to start, Clutterless Home Solutions is here to help. Whether you need help tackling one room or your whole house, we specialize in simple, judgment-free systems that make staying organized easier than ever.

You don’t need to do it all at once. You don’t need to do it alone. But trust us — once you feel the relief and joy that comes with an organized space, you’ll never want to go back. Ready to feel that clutter-free calm? Let’s make it happen — together. Contact us today to get started.

Why You Should Not Feel Bad About Getting Rid of Stuff

organized bedroom

It is important to limit the number of items in our homes because having too many items can lead to an increase in stress and clutter. Having too many items lying around can make us feel overwhelmed and frantic. Ask yourself a question: How many items in my home do I really use frequently or find joy in? The answer is sometimes hard to quantify. Below, we’ll explore why we shouldn’t feel bad about decluttering and why it can be beneficial.  

Your home is your sanctuary

With the increased amount of time spent in our homes since 2020, clutter has increased exponentially as well. It can be easy to accumulate with holidays, birthdays, and ads everywhere you look, promising the best solution for every problem you have. The truth is that your home is your sanctuary, and keeping the clutter to a minimum will decrease stress and improve productivity and overall relaxation in your home!

To minimize clutter, routinely inventory items in your living spaces. You’ll probably realize you’ve been holding onto items you don’t use or like anymore, which is a great time to sell, donate, or discard them. Staying on top of clutter by decluttering every few weeks will prevent clutter from accumulating in large quantities. 

It’s okay to get rid of gifts or expensive items

Gifts from a loved one or expensive items can be some of the hardest items to purge.  Having fewer things in our homes can make us feel lighter and give us a sense of freedom. This can also help in the future when the next holiday season comes around — start suggesting experiences together with your loved ones instead of gifts. This can help decrease the accumulation that seems normal during the holidays. 

Decluttering expensive items can also help you make decisions about future purchases, making it easier to buy and keep the items you truly cherish. For instance, you might realize that the expensive espresso machine you “invested” in is too much of a hassle, leading you to purchase a much more affordable Nespresso machine that is simple to use. While you may not recoup the full amount you paid for an expensive item, you can still sell it for a tidy sum, especially if it’s mostly unused. 

Feeling sad or sentimental when getting rid of items is normal

If you start feeling sad or sentimental when you start a decluttering session, just remember that this is natural and normal! It can be difficult to get rid of items with sentimental value, but the memories that we have of them are what is important. A tip for keeping the memory alive could be creating a video or image with the items you’re getting rid of, so you can look back in the past and have that memory without taking up as much space. There are also several services that will make books out of digital photos — for your kids’ art, special events, and physical photos. 

Decluttering makes moving easier!

Moving is such a stressful part of life, but it doesn’t have to be if you have your clutter under control. After all, the fewer items you own, the easier it is to pack up your belongings and move them. With moving companies charging by weight or by the box, it’s better to have as little as possible. What makes moving even easier is if you already store items in bins. In that case, you won’t have to pack up as many things.

Moving can feel like a fresh start, and that’s the best time to declutter. As you pack up items, consider the following: every item you bring to your new home should serve a purpose. Before putting items into boxes, ask yourself whether you still need them. Evaluate the items that are still useful to you or make you happy. 

Decluttering tips before a move:

  • Start early: Begin sorting through your belongings at least a month before moving day.
  • Use the one-year rule: If you haven’t used it in a year, consider donating, selling, or tossing it.
  • Sort by category: Go through clothes, kitchenware, décor, and sentimental items separately to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  • Host a yard sale or sell online: Before the move, you can make some extra cash by selling unwanted furniture, clothing, and electronics.
  • Think about your future space: Will your new home have room for everything? If not, downsizing is necessary.

“Just in case” is an excuse to hold onto things

Don’t live your life saying “just in case” when you’re deciding to keep things in your home. This can be another big hangup when making decluttering decisions! If you haven’t used something in 1-2 years, it’s time to ask yourself if it’s worth keeping!

Holding onto items for hypothetical scenarios — whether it’s clothes that no longer fit, outdated gadgets, or things you “might” need someday — only creates unnecessary clutter. The reality is, if you haven’t used it recently, you likely never will, and if the need ever arises, you can often borrow, rent, or replace the item.

Letting go of “just in case” items can be liberating. Instead of clinging to things out of fear or guilt, focus on creating a home filled with items you love and actually use. A great strategy is to box up uncertain items and set them aside for a few months — if you don’t need them during that time, you probably never will. adds value to your life.

Embrace a Lighter, Clutter-Free Life

Letting go of unnecessary items creates a home that feels peaceful, functional, and filled with things that truly serve you. Decluttering reduces stress, makes moving easier, and frees up space for the things that genuinely bring you joy. Whether it’s releasing sentimental items, expensive purchases that no longer serve you, or that “just in case” clutter, every step toward a more intentional home leads to greater clarity and freedom.

So, don’t feel bad about getting rid of things. Instead, see it as a step toward a home that supports your well-being rather than overwhelms you. If you need help decluttering your space, organizing your home, or packing and moving, contact us today. Clutterless Home Solutions are the go-to organization professionals in the Denver metro area; we can transform your space into a functional oasis of relaxation.

Organizing on a Tight Schedule: Time-Saving Tips for Busy Individuals

organized home kitchen

Life moves fast, and sometimes, it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Between work, family, social obligations, and that ever-growing to-do list, finding time to organize your home can seem impossible. But here’s the good news — you don’t need a whole weekend (or even a whole afternoon) to get things in order. With the right strategies, you can downsize and declutter, create simple systems, and maintain an organized home — all without disrupting your busy schedule.

At Clutterless Home Solutions, we believe that organization should be simple, sustainable, and stress-free. If you’re short on time but craving a clutter-free space, these time-saving tips will help you fit organizing into even the busiest of schedules.

1. Set a “Non-Negotiable” 10-Minute Declutter Routine

If you’re waiting for the perfect time to declutter, it may never come. Instead, commit to just ten minutes a day — every day.

  • Set a timer and choose one small area to tackle, like a kitchen drawer, bathroom counter, or entryway table.
  • Use a quick decision rule — if you haven’t used it in six months and it doesn’t serve a clear purpose, it’s time to let it go.
  • Make it a habit. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, after dinner, or before bed, adding this tiny but consistent routine can transform your home over time.

You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in just ten minutes. And once you start, you might find yourself motivated to keep going!

2. Follow the “One-Minute Rule” for Instant Organization

Small messes add up fast. The one-minute rule is a simple yet powerful way to prevent clutter from taking over.

The idea is simple: If a task takes less than a minute, do it immediately.

  • Put shoes away instead of leaving them by the door.
  • Fold the blanket instead of tossing it on the couch.
  • Toss junk mail as soon as you bring it inside.
  • Wipe down the bathroom counter after brushing your teeth.

These tiny habits eliminate small messes before they have a chance to pile up. And the best part? You don’t have to make time for organizing — it happens naturally throughout your day.

3. Use the “Drop Zone” System to Cut Down on Daily Clutter

Busy schedules often mean things get dropped anywhere and everywhere — bags on the kitchen table, keys on the counter, shoes scattered near the door. Creating a designated drop zone can eliminate these daily messes.

  • Entryway: Set up a basket or tray for keys, wallets, and mail. Use hooks for bags and coats to keep everything in one spot.
  • Living Room: Keep a small bin for random items that need to be returned to their proper places. Empty it once a day.
  • Bedroom: Have a dedicated place for clothes you plan to re-wear instead of letting them pile up on a chair or the floor.

By giving everyday items a home, you reduce clutter before it starts.

4. Declutter in “Power Sessions” Instead of Long Cleanouts

Finding time for a full-day organizing session might not be realistic, but you can fit in quick, high-impact decluttering sessions when time allows.

Try these power session ideas:

  • 5-minute challenge: Pick a single space (like a bathroom drawer or nightstand) and declutter as fast as possible.
  • 15-minute clean sweep: Choose one room and remove anything that doesn’t belong there.
  • Commercial break blitz: If you’re watching TV, use commercial breaks to tackle small tasks — fold laundry, clear off a table, or tidy up a shelf.

Instead of waiting for a “free day” to get organized, these short bursts of effort keep your space in check.

5. Create Simple Storage Solutions That Work for You

When your schedule is packed, you don’t have time to hunt for misplaced items. The key to staying organized? Make things easy to find and put away.

Here are some quick and effective storage tips:

  • Use clear bins so you can see what’s inside without digging through everything.
  • Label shelves and containers so family members know exactly where things belong.
  • Group similar items together — keep everyday essentials like coffee pods, tea bags, or snacks in one spot to cut down on time spent searching.
  • Optimize your most-used spaces. If you reach for something daily, keep it accessible. If not, store it out of the way.

When storage makes sense for your lifestyle, organization becomes effortless.

6. Turn Cleaning Into a Multitasking Habit

If you struggle to find dedicated organizing time, pair it with tasks you’re already doing.

  • While on the phone: Sort through mail or declutter a drawer.
  • During a Netflix binge: Fold laundry or organize a closet shelf.
  • Waiting for water to boil? Wipe down the counters or empty the dishwasher.

These small pockets of time add up and help you maintain an organized home without adding extra work to your schedule.

7. Make a “Sunday Reset” a Weekly Ritual

A little effort at the start of the week can set you up for success. A Sunday Reset is a simple, hour-long routine that prepares your home for the week ahead.

Here’s what to focus on:

  • Declutter high-traffic areas — clear kitchen counters, entryways, and living spaces.
  • Do a quick fridge and pantry check — toss expired items and plan easy meals.
  • Reset key areas — fold throw blankets, fluff pillows, and put away laundry.

This mini “reset” keeps your home feeling fresh without a major time commitment.

8. Let Go of Perfection — Done is Better Than Perfect

One of the biggest barriers to organization is feeling like you have to do it perfectly. Here’s the truth: organized doesn’t mean Pinterest-perfect.

  • A tidy home doesn’t need color-coordinated bins or matching labels.
  • Clearing clutter doesn’t mean getting rid of everything you own.
  • Doing something is always better than doing nothing.

If you only have five minutes, use it. If things aren’t perfectly folded, that’s okay. Focus on progress, not perfection — because even small steps make a big difference.

Making Organization Work for Your Busy Life

Being busy doesn’t mean you have to live in chaos. With a few simple strategies and time-saving habits, you can keep your home organized without spending hours cleaning.

Start small. Set up easy-to-maintain systems. And most importantly, make organization work for your lifestyle.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or don’t know where to start, Clutterless Home Solutions can help! We specialize in simple, stress-free organization so you can enjoy a home that works for you — no matter how packed your schedule is.Ready for a clutter-free life? Let’s make it happen! Contact us today to get started.

How To Spot and Avoid the Biggest Home Organization Mistakes

organized home spaces

Even the most experienced professional organizers can make mistakes that lead to more chaos than clarity. As organization experts, we’ve seen firsthand how small missteps can quickly add up, making it harder to maintain a tidy, efficient home. Whether you’re a pro at tackling clutter or just starting out on your organization journey, understanding these typical organizing mistakes — and how to fix them — can make all the difference. Below, we’ve outlined the most common mistakes people make when organizing their homes and what you can do to avoid them. 

Top Home Organizing Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

Everyone’s process is different, so take what you need to enhance your process. Let’s dive in! 

Organizing Without Decluttering First

Decluttering is one of the key steps in organizing a space. Otherwise, you’ll organize items you may not even need or want anymore. Having more items also makes the process longer. While it’s easy to get excited about the end result, skipping steps early on will make it much harder. 

Carve out some time to remove everything from the space and sort them into piles, putting similar items together and creating another pile for unwanted items — you can choose to sell, donate, or throw away unwanted items. Items you want to keep but don’t belong in the space can be set aside for later. The most important thing is eliminating as many unnecessary items as possible to make sorting and storing easier. 

Buying Storage Solutions Too Soon

Walking through the aisles of a store, you might see the perfect container and be inspired to organize your home. Being excited about maximizing your home’s efficiency and convenience is a good thing. What’s not so good is jumping into it without carefully planning what you’re storing and where it will be stored. While a container might look good in the store, you should consider its size, price, ability to stack, and the number of containers you need for the job — buying too many will only add to the clutter. 

The best way to avoid this is to create a plan and research containers that are the right size and within your budget. Based on the size of the space and the amount of items you wish to store, you should have a better idea of how many containers and storage solutions, such as shelving, to get. 

Not Defining Storage Zones 

Everything in your home should have a designated space. Clothes should go in the closet, tools in the garage, and cooking utensils in the kitchen. That’s common sense. But what about seasonal decorations, shoes, books, sports equipment, or random knick-knacks? That’s for you to decide. Creating defined spaces for items in your home will make it easier for items to end up where they belong. Just make sure everyone in the household is aware of these zones. 

Using “Catch-All” Drawers or Boxes

Everyone has that drawer in their house for junk. It’s usually a graveyard for dead batteries, random papers, and loose change. Things end up there because there’s nowhere else to put them. The best way to deal with this is to clear all the junk from these drawers to make more efficient use of the space. Setting up utility drawers for specific items is a good way to turn junk drawers into useful drawers — e.g., creating a utility drawer for office supplies such as pens, scissors, and sticky notes. 

Holding Onto Unnecessary Sentimental Items

You can’t put a price on items with sentimental value, but you can assign it size and weight. It might be hard to part with something you care about, but really ask yourself if you can live with letting something go. If you can’t, keep it; if you can, it’s time to move on. If you haven’t used an item in years and are only keeping it because you liked it once upon a time ago, it might be time to reconsider its worth to you.  

Storing memorabilia by person in the household, or by era of life — think high school, college, your wedding — can also be a great way to preserve the memories so they’re out of the way, but accessible when you want to take a stroll down memory lane.

Keeping Unused Items Just in Case

There are many reasons why people keep things they don’t use. Maybe it’s because it’s expensive or a collector’s item, or maybe it’s because there’s a slim chance it might be useful one day. Treadmills and other large exercise equipment are great examples of this. Just like with sentimental items, ask yourself if you can live with letting the item go. You’ll be surprised how many times you say yes once you start. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if you’ve used it in the last 1-3 years and how often — this can simplify the decision-making process.

Not Utilizing Vertical Space

Just because your space is big enough to cover it with boxes and containers doesn’t mean you should. When organizing your home, the best approach is to organize vertically, making it easier to move around and see all your storage containers at once. Who wants to trip on boxes when looking for Halloween decorations? 

Shelving units like the ones you can find at Home Depot or Target are a great way to use vertical space in your home. Stacking containers on shelves makes it easier to access items and clears floor space, ensuring you don’t trip next time you’re looking for an item. It will make decorating for your next holiday a lot faster and safer too. 

Transform Your Space With Clutterless Home Solutions

Avoiding the most common organizational mistakes when decluttering your space will save you time and a headache. With these tips and a little effort, you’re well on your way to a clutter-free home. However, if you’re too busy to organize your home, you can trust a professional organization services company like Clutterless Home Solutions to transform your living space. If you’re ready to declutter your home and organize everything from your pantry and garage to your bedroom and closets, contact us today.