Organizing Expert Laura Wittmann Shares Simple Decluttering Methods in New Book
For generations, the arrival of spring has signaled a time for deep cleaning and refreshing homes after the winter months. As people hunker down during colder seasons, household tasks often get overlooked, and clutter can accumulate unnoticed. This seasonal transition presents an ideal opportunity to tackle the buildup that can overwhelm living spaces.
The Psychology of Clutter Accumulation
Laura Wittmann, a self-described organizing enthusiast and author of Clutter Rehab: 101 Tips & Tricks to Declutter Your Home and Organize Your Space, explains that clutter often becomes invisible over time, blending into the background like part of the furniture. The root cause typically involves having too many possessions without proper storage systems in place.
"It all comes down to systems and stuff in general," Wittmann clarifies. "Frequently, we simply have a stuff problem that transforms into clutter because we lack designated spots for items. Clutter tends to attract more clutter. Before long, all surfaces become covered—counters, dresser tops, any available space becomes fair game. It accumulates rapidly, making essential items difficult to access when buried beneath the mess."
Practical Solutions for Everyday Organization
Wittmann's book offers straightforward, easily implementable methods to reclaim control over cluttered environments. One of her simplest recommendations involves creating what she calls a 'donation station'—a clearly labeled container dedicated specifically for items destined for donation.
The author personally employs this technique, keeping a laundry basket in her linen closet where she immediately places items she no longer needs. "We all have kitchen cupboard items we don't love or require," she observes. "We think 'I'll need to discard that eventually,' but that moment never arrives. Instead, grab it immediately and place it in the donation station. Having this designated spot proves much simpler than wandering aimlessly through the house with a bag."
Functionality Over Aesthetics
For Wittmann, organized living prioritizes functionality and efficiency rather than Instagram-perfect appearances. While achieving aesthetic appeal represents a bonus, she cautions against becoming preoccupied with color-coordinating books or purchasing trendy storage containers. Her own home demonstrates that creating an efficient space doesn't require significant financial investment, as she primarily uses dollar store finds for organization.
Most importantly, Wittmann emphasizes that organization need not be complicated or undertaken on a massive scale. She suggests starting with a single drawer—emptying it while watching television, then sorting through contents using her "remove, sort, and purge" mantra. In kitchens specifically, she recommends grouping similar items together to identify what gets used regularly versus what can be eliminated.
By implementing these practical strategies, individuals can transform their living spaces into more functional, clutter-free environments without overwhelming effort or expense.
