5 Clutter Hot spots
to organize when you don’t want to go outside
Whether it's icy Atlanta winters or muggy summers, some days you just want to stay in. But endless scrolling or binge-watching feels wasteful and isn’t helpful. Instead, tackle these 5 clutter hotspots—high-traffic zones that sap your mental energy. Clear them in under an hour, and earn that R&R without regret. Here's how, with simple tips and mindset shifts.
1. Bedside Table: Your Sleep Sanctuary
This spot bookends your day—keep it serene, not chaotic. Ditch work docs, snacks, toys, cords, or anything negative.
Essentials only: Tissues, water glass, alarm clock (or phone in a designated spot), calming book, glasses, fresh flowers.
Pro tip: Use a pretty tray to contain items. If your phone's a must, minimize cords and go analog where possible—experts warn screens disrupt sleep.
2. Landing Zone: Tame the Entry Dump
Your kitchen counter (or wherever stuff lands) collects it all: mail, keys, leashes, groceries. Turn chaos into intention.
Corral with a tray: For keepers like keys, mail and coupons—make it functional and cute.
Act fast: Trash junk mail immediately. Sort piles into homes (piles = delayed decisions). Spend 5 minutes deciding fates to avoid repeats.
3. Food Storage Containers: Match & Minimize
Pull everything out, pair lids with bases. Be ruthless—your kitchen isn't a museum.
Toss or donate: Melted, stained, lid-less, or unused takeout ones. (Admirable not to waste, but you can't keep for every "what if.")
Set limits: Designate a shelf or drawer; don't exceed it. Clear space = clear mind.
4. Grocery Bags: From Hoard to Handy Few
Paper, plastic, cloth—they multiply fast. You don't need a lifetime supply.
Cull extras: Discard stained, torn, or broken ones.
Contain & cap: Stash in one spot (under-sink bin for plastics, car holder for reusables). Limit to what fits—know your max at a glance.
5. Fridge Leftovers: Eat or Evict
Aspirational meals turn into science experiments if ignored. Front-load decisions.
Daily purge: No plan today? Toss it. (Restaurant or homemade—doesn't matter.)
See-through storage: Use clear, square/rectangular containers for efficiency (rounds work if they serve double-duty as serving pieces). Visibility = less waste.
Clear these spots, and you've built momentum: less visual noise, better habits, and space that energizes you. Now, cozy up— you've earned it.
What's your toughest hotspot? Share below!