8 Things Pro Organizers Declutter Every Week From Their Homes (and You Should Too)

Mail

While it’s best to opt for paperless billing when possible, an assortment of EOBs from insurance companies, retail catalogs, and random coupons will inevitably arrive in the mail anyways. Lindsey Mahanna, professional organizer and founder of Clutter to Clarity, says it’s best to declutter these things not just weekly, but daily. “As a pro organizer, I know that paper is the biggest contributor to clutter, so I make sure to declutter the mail as it comes into my house every day,” she says. “I have bins for recycling and shredding right in my mudroom, so I can sort the mail as soon as I walk into the house. All of the mail we need to take action on is taken to the home office, and all of the items we need to read are brought to the kitchen.”

Newspapers

There’s something refreshing and fun about reading a print newspaper. But, while it’s great to stay informed, they can pile up fast. So, apply the one in one out rule here. “If you receive the newspaper, be sure to recycle the previous week’s paper when the new one comes in,” Mahanna says.

Food

There’s nothing less appetizing (and even potentially dangerous) than a fridge full of old food. “I go through my refrigerator on a regular basis and declutter old leftovers and expired food. This keeps the fridge from smelling and makes room for new food,” says Mahanna. 

Cleaning out your fridge every week can also help save money and prevent food waste, according to Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space. “It’s a good practice to look around and remind yourself of the ingredients you want to use up soon,” she says. “It’s a small task, but it makes a big difference in how your kitchen feels and functions.”

Kids’ Backpacks

Whether it’s art projects or permission slips, children’s backpacks can feel like an abyss for the miscellaneous. “I have my kids clean out their backpacks fairly regularly,” Mahanna says. “Not only does this keep old snacks from getting smashed to bits at the bottom of the bag, but by removing unnecessary paperwork from their backpacks on a regular basis, I am reducing the weight of the bag and the strain on their backs.”

Handbags and Purses

Whether it’s the handbag you carry to work or the fancy designer one you only use for date nights, our purses can become portable garbage bags. “I always check my bag or purse,” says Duckworth. “Old receipts, snack wrappers—it’s amazing what ends up in there during a busy week.”

Living Room Surface Areas

From old mail to sweatshirts, books, and toys, our living room surfaces are magnets for messes. Duckworth recommends tidying up these spaces often. “If something’s been out for more than a few days and we’re not actively using it, it gets put away or reevaluated,” she says. “These tiny check-ins prevent clutter from becoming overwhelming, and they keep my space feeling calm and livable, not like a constant project.”

Receipts

Those tiny little receipts can create a lot of clutter in drawers, bags, and on surfaces such as countertops. “One of the first things that should be decluttered every week is receipts,” says Angelia York, VP at Saint Louis Closet Co. “I make it a point to go through any papers on the kitchen counter and in my purse once a week. If it’s not needed for bills, taxes, or records, it’s normally shredded or recycled.”

Car Clutter

Your car isn’t technically your home, but it’s certainly an extension of it. A dirty car can make you feel less organized and more stressed out. So, York makes sure to clean out her car at least once a week. “This is the random car clutter like water bottles, takeout napkins, old receipts,” she says. “Cars are clutter magnets, so a weekly sweep keeps mine tidy and ready for the week ahead.”