Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer, and welcome back to the companion blog to my “Five in Five” video series, where I share five decluttering tips in five minutes to help you simplify your life. Today, we’re tackling one of the sneakiest sources of household clutter: clutter magnets. Even in the tidiest homes, there are certain spots where clutter seems to magically accumulate—like that one chair in the bedroom or the kitchen counter. These clutter hotspots can make your home look messy and feel chaotic, but don’t worry! I’ve got five effective strategies to help you identify and eliminate clutter magnets for good. 

Ready to conquer those clutter magnets? Let’s dive into each tip! 

1. Identify the Hot Spots 

The first step in managing clutter magnets is to identify the hotspots in your home. Walk through each room and take note of the areas where items tend to pile up. These could be: 

  • The kitchen counter 
  • The dining room table 
  • A chair in the bedroom that’s often draped with clothes 

Once you know where clutter tends to gather, you can take action to break the cycle and keep these areas clear. Knowing your clutter magnets is the first step in reclaiming these spaces and keeping them tidy. 

2. Create Clear Zones 

After identifying your clutter magnets, the next step is to create clear zones in these areas to prevent clutter buildup. Designate a specific landing spot for the items that typically accumulate in each area. For example: 

  • Place a decorative tray by the front door for keys and mail. 
  • Set up a designer basket in the family room for magazines and remotes. 
  • Use a small dish or drawer for loose change and small items. 

By giving each item a designated place, you’ll keep your home organized and prevent clutter from spreading. Clear zones create a system that makes it easy to find what you need and keep items from piling up randomly. 

3. Implement the One-Touch Rule 

Once your clear zones are set up, it’s time to establish the One-Touch Rule. This rule means that when you pick something up, you immediately put it where it belongs. Deal with each item right then and there, whether that’s placing it in its designated spot, filing it, or discarding it. 

The One-Touch Rule is a powerful habit that keeps clutter from accumulating. By handling items once, you prevent them from becoming part of a pile and turning into another clutter magnet. This small, intentional action makes a big difference in keeping your space tidy and organized. 

4. Schedule a Weekly Sweep 

Even with the best systems in place, clutter can still sneak in. That’s why a weekly sweep is essential. Set aside 10 to 15 minutes each week to tidy up your clutter magnets. This involves: 

  • Clearing any items that don’t belong. 
  • Resetting each zone to its tidy, organized state. 

A weekly sweep is like a mini reset that keeps your home neat and prevents clutter from becoming overwhelming. This routine helps maintain the order you’ve worked hard to establish, so your home stays organized week after week. 

5. Get the Family On Board (And Make It Fun!) 

Finally, one of the most effective ways to manage clutter magnets is to get your family involved. Without everyone’s support, clutter will continue to accumulate no matter how many systems you put in place. Here’s how to make it a fun family project: 

  • Label each clutter magnet zone, and even come up with a fun name for each one. 
  • Make it a challenge for everyone to keep these areas clutter-free. 
  • Offer rewards like a favorite family dinner or a fun outing for keeping the zones clean. 

Getting your family on board turns decluttering into a shared responsibility. When everyone is invested, it’s easier to keep clutter magnets under control, and your home feels more organized and enjoyable for everyone. 

Making Clutter Control a Habit 

Decluttering isn’t just about creating clear spaces—it’s about maintaining them. By identifying your clutter magnets, creating designated zones, and involving your family, you can turn these once-messy areas into organized, functional parts of your home. Small, consistent efforts make a big impact, transforming your home into a place of calm, order, and simplicity. 

If you’re ready to take your decluttering journey further, check out my “Essential Checklists” Decluttering Workbook. It’s packed with room-specific checklists and 30-day challenges to help you create a clutter-free home that supports your goals. Purchase Rita’s Decluttering Workbook today and start creating a streamlined, organized space for you and your family. 

Got 5 minutes? Check out Rita’s 5 in 5 weekly series, where I share five quick tips in just five minutes on decluttering and simplifying your life.