I tried over 20 organizing hacks in 2025, but this one was my favorite

As someone who writes about home organization, there’s nothing worse than visual clutter. However, while I’d try to keep my surfaces and areas clear, it wouldn’t be long before they would get untidy again.

This year, I made it my mission to try and test viral decluttering hacks to find a method that not only actually worked, but is one I would stick to. Ranging from the FhiFho method and 'hushing' my home, to the viral 'House Purse' organization trick, where you simply throw everything into a bag of your choice to carry around the home.

But despite the many helpful methods, there was only one organizing hack that really stood the test of time in my home. Not only was it simple and easy, but it also transformed my daily routine. Here’s why.

What is the ‘set the stage’ rule?

Keeping a small kitchen tidy and clutter-free can be a constant struggle at the best of times. And for me, maintaining clear countertops daily felt like an impossible task — especially during cooking. That was until I discovered the ‘set the stage’ rule.

Essentially, the ‘set the stage rule’ is a straightforward nightly routine: dedicate just 15 minutes to small organizing tasks. This allows you to focus on small messes within a specific time frame and eliminate the stress. Simply set your timer and make it a daily or weekly habit.

Coined by Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus, and T.K. Coleman of The Minimalists, the key here is to focus on micro-habits, meaning one small task in just 15 minutes will be more intentional and eventually lead you to a tidier space.

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How the 'set the stage' rule worked for me

Admittedly, I'd always procrastinate when it came to unloading my dishwasher, leaving it until the next morning to put everything away into my cabinets.

Following the 'set the stage' rule, as soon as the dishwasher's alert went off, I'd set a 15-minute timer and focus solely on putting everything away. Similarly, I’d do the same for my cluttered countertops. After doing so, my kitchen counters, which were often an unsightly mess of cooking spices, jars, and snacks, would become spotless.

Another thing I struggled with in a small kitchen was having minimal storage, and my cabinets were completely overrun with bowls, mugs, and glassware. So, I applied the 'set the stage' rule, dedicating 15 minutes to finally declutter my cabinets. Not only did this result in me getting rid of any chipped mugs, old cookware, and items I hadn't touched in years, but I also made use of these space-saving hacks to organize the kitchen cabinets.

In fact, the 'set the stage' rule doesn't have to be just in the kitchen, but can tackle any room in the home or even your garage. Although 15 minutes might seem a lot (or too little for some), this set time will eliminate distractions, forcing you to tackle the task head-on, without procrastinating. Plus, it's easy to do before you go to bed, and it will ultimately save you the extra chore in the morning.

So, if you want a simple and more manageable way to keep your home organized, the 'set the stage' method is one I'd recommend for the new year.

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