Living a clutter-free life isn’t always about monumental changes. Granted, it is easier to live clutter-free after you have decluttered your home, staying clutter-free is about the small, daily decisions that add up to a consistently tidy home.

Living in a clutter-free home requires daily habits. But the more we embrace these habits as routine, the easier (almost effortless) they become.

To give you an idea of how this looks, here are 10 effortless habits that people who have embraced a clutter-free lifestyle practice daily:

1. Make the Bed

It might seem trivial, but starting the day by making your bed sets a positive tone. This simple act not only instantly tidies the appearance of your bedroom but also instills a sense of accomplishment first thing in the morning.

2. Finish 1-Minute Tasks Right Away

If a task takes less than a minute, do it immediately. Whether it’s hanging up a coat, filing a document, or wiping down a surface, these quick actions prevent small messes from becoming big ones. Gretchen Rubin calls this the “One-Minute Rule.“

3. Don’t Leave Dishes in the Sink

Clutter-free individuals know the power of a clean kitchen. By washing dishes right after use or loading them into the dishwasher, they avoid the visual and mental clutter of piled-up dishes.

4. Tidy the Living Room at Night

Before turning in for the night, take a few moments to reset your living space. Fluffing the pillows, folding blankets, and putting away any out-of-place items ensures you’ll start the next day in a refreshing environment.

5. Put Dirty Clothes Away

Instead of leaving clothes on the floor or draped over furniture, put them directly into the laundry basket. This habit keeps bedrooms and bathrooms looking and feeling orderly.

6. Clean Up Countertops After Each Use

After cooking or using the bathroom, take a moment to clear off and wipe down the countertops. This not only maintains cleanliness but also reduces the likelihood of clutter accumulating.

7. Declutter Digitally

Dedicate a few minutes each day to unsubscribing from unwanted emails, organizing digital files, and clearing off your desktop. A decluttered digital space can significantly reduce stress and boost productivity.

8. Prioritize Regular Donations

Periodically review your possessions and donate items you no longer use or need. This practice keeps your home from becoming overcrowded and supports a good cause.

9. Implement a One-In, One-Out Rule

When you acquire a new item, find something to donate or discard in return. This approach helps maintain balance and prevents accumulation of unused items. This advice also appears on our list of The 20 Greatest Decluttering Tips of All Time.

10. Embrace Mindful Shopping

Before making a purchase, ask yourself if the item is truly needed and where it will live in your home. Mindful shopping helps prevent unnecessary acquisitions and keeps your living space clear of clutter.

As an added bonus, adopting these 10 simple habits can transform not just your physical space but also your mindset towards a more intentional and peaceful lifestyle.

As Joshua Becker often says, minimalism isn’t just about owning less, it’s about maximizing your life.

Embrace these daily practices and watch as your home and heart open up to a more clutter-free existence.