Nate Berkus' three principles for decluttering are the key to a purposeful yet effortlessly organized environment
In the quest for a clutter-free home, there are numerous methods and tips to help you achieve your goal. Here, we delve into the decluttering commandments of designer Nate Berkus and the practical advice of professional organizer Meghan Cocchiaro.
Nate Berkus, a renowned designer, has simplified the decluttering process with his three-step organizing routine. Known as the decluttering golden rules for intentional home decluttering, this system centers around a simple three-step organizing routine:
- Sort by color - This step helps create harmony and ease in locating items, making your space feel more curated and personal.
- Sort by size - Maximizing space efficiency is key to decluttering, and sorting by size aids in this process.
- Sort by usage - Ensuring frequently used items are more accessible and less-used ones are stored away promotes a functional living space.
Berkus emphasizes the reliability of this routine, stating it reduces stress around storage and decluttering, making any space feel more intentional without complicated systems or storage hacks.
Meghan Cocchiaro, a professional organizer, advises against mindlessly boxing up everything without taking care to let go of items. Instead, she encourages starting with larger items or areas of your home to tackle a lot of stuff quickly if you are highly motivated to declutter. Cocchiaro also suggests displaying memories and mementos whenever possible so the item is actually seen and appreciated.
Another useful decluttering method is the ETC method, which helps in weeding out low-quality items and impulse purchases. This method is a smart trick for being more sustainable at home, saving time, money, and energy, and reducing over-consumption and excess waste.
When decluttering, investing in craftsmanship can help reduce the risk of items wearing out, breaking, or falling out of style. For example, beautifully woven baskets are a timeless option for containing items and preventing clutter in a home. The Reid Storage Trunk, a timeless and functional decorative accent, also helps keep clutter well hidden.
Moving heavy furniture during decluttering should be done carefully, and a small moving trolley can be useful. Nate Berkus tidies according to his zodiac, which includes a natural affinity for organization and practicality.
Lastly, assigning a home for every belonging and using baskets and trays to keep smaller items tidy and accessible can help maintain a clutter-free home. Using a printing label maker is the easiest way to create uniform storage in your home.
By following these expert tips and decluttering methods, you can create an intentional home that supports daily living and aesthetic order, balancing beauty and functionality. Happy decluttering!
[1] Source: Berkus, Nate. (2021). The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals. Grand Central Publishing.
- Adopting designer Nate Berkus' decluttering golden rules, which consist of sorting items by color, size, and usage, can help simplify your home-and-garden space and make it feel more intentional and clutter-free.
- Embracing Meghan Cocchiaro's approach to decluttering, such as tackling larger items first and displaying memories for appreciation, can lead to a more effective home-improvement process and a home that supports daily living and aesthetic order.
