Incorporating these 5 habits into your life will make a huge impact on your organization!
We’re taking a brief pause from new tasks this weekend so you can make progress on what you’ve already started. That way you won’t feel like you’re always chasing the next project—sound good?
I’ve heard from several friends that some of the daily “Messy Work” challenges feel hard to keep up with. To clarify: some of the tasks can be finished in minutes or a single day, while others—like decluttering a whole room—can take weeks or months. Life is busy: we have jobs, kids, partners and everyday chores. That’s okay. Decluttering is a process, not a race.
Welcome to Day 14 of the 30 Days to Less of a Hot Mess Challenge. We’re focusing on decluttering, reorganizing, and taking a deep breath so your home can feel calmer and more functional. If this is your first time joining the challenge, consider starting from Day 1 to get the full sequence of steps and encouragement. Affiliate links may be used for convenience.
Some projects—like a full room declutter—demand time and patience, while others—such as cleaning out a purse—are quick wins you can complete in a day. Everyone’s home looks different: you might have an immaculate laundry room and a chaotic bathroom. That’s normal. Progress is personal. Do what you can, be kind to yourself, and keep going.
5 Habits of Highly Organized People
Developing a few consistent habits and shifting your mindset will make decluttering and organizing feel manageable and sustainable. Here are five practical habits to adopt that will help you master your space and keep it functioning well.
1. Everything has a place — if it doesn’t, make one or let it go
This mental shift is powerful. Items that wander around your home become clutter simply because they lack a home. A paint sprayer doesn’t need to live on top of the dryer for months; it needs a dedicated storage spot or it should be passed on. Assigning a specific place for each category of item—from tools to chargers to seasonal decor—reduces decision fatigue and keeps surfaces clear.
2. Staying organized requires regular, simple disciplines
Small daily routines add up. I use a short Morning 3 (unload the dishwasher, spend a few quiet minutes for prayer or devotions, prep for dinner) and an Evening 3 (run the dishwasher, make a to-do list for tomorrow, do a quick pickup). When life was busier with younger children, these tiny habits were lifesavers. As my family’s needs evolved, I added a few more basics: clear and wipe kitchen counters each night, do a small load of laundry daily, and make the bed every morning. These consistent actions keep things running smoothly and prevent clutter from accumulating.
3. Let go of extras on a regular basis
Make donating or discarding a habit. I regularly throw away unnecessary papers and set aside unused items for donation. Kids’ papers and inexpensive fast-food toys multiply quickly, so I limit how much I keep. If something hasn’t been used in months—or years—consider whether it deserves precious space in your home. A steady stream of decluttering prevents overwhelming pileups.
4. Ask: “Does this add order to my life or take away from it?”
When you drop items, take one extra step to put them in their spot. Could you hang your purse in the mudroom instead of setting it on a chair? Can you place keys on their hook rather than leaving them on a counter? Small decisions repeated daily make a huge difference. Choose a dedicated spot for commonly used items and commit to putting them there. It keeps your home organized and saves time searching later.
5. Adopt the mindset: “There’s more where that came from”
Resist the “maybe” and “someday” mindset. If you’re not using something now—and you haven’t in a long time—remind yourself that you can often borrow or replace it if needed later. This mantra helps release guilt about letting go and makes decluttering feel less risky. Over time, it changes how you value items and reduces clutter significantly.
Bonus reminder: decluttering and organizing are journeys. Don’t get overwhelmed. Work a little each day, build new routines, and allow your home to become a place that supports your life instead of complicating it. As you make steady progress, you’ll feel more inspired than burdened.
The Messy Work: Review the week and complete any challenges you missed. Small consistent steps win the long game.
In the mess with you, Laura
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