BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Our Best of 2025 Lifestyle edition is all about the big impact of small shifts. These stories capture what it looks like to live more intentionally, from the habits we build to the way we connect with others and the world. Think of it as a guide to joyful, purposeful living.
There’s something deeply comforting about walking through the door after a long day and finding a tidy, calm space waiting for you. While major clean-outs can be cathartic, minimalists know that the real magic happens in the little things. It’s all about the small, consistent habits built into everyday life. And yes, even weekday mornings.
Three professional organizers reveal the surprisingly quick decluttering rituals that minimalists often weave into their mornings. These aren’t time-consuming overhauls; they’re smart, sustainable habits that only take a few minutes and can set the tone for a more peaceful home and headspace.
1. Clean up the kitchen before you leave
A tidy kitchen isn’t just for show. It helps ease the transition from work mode to relaxation mode later in the day. Millie Naor, founder of Bella Organizers, recommends building a few cleanup minutes into your morning routine.
“Put food where it belongs after breakfast and do the morning dishes,” she advises. “This way you can come back to a clean kitchen.” It’s a small shift that can make your evenings feel noticeably less frazzled.
2. Reset the bathroom after getting ready
Your bathroom doesn’t need to look like a showroom, but it also shouldn’t look like a tornado passed through it. Naor suggests making a habit of resetting the space before you leave.
“Try to put back any products you used, hang your towel, and put your dirty clothes and towel in the hamper,” she says. It helps if your bathroom is equipped with proper storage (think under-sink bins, drawer organizers, or even a well-appointed medicine cabinet) so everything has a place.
3. Edit your wardrobe as you go
Minimalists don’t wait for spring cleaning to reevaluate their closets. They do it in real time. Angela Nguyen, founder of Bring It Home Style, recommends keeping a donation bin somewhere easy to access, like the closet or laundry area.
If you try something on in the morning and realize it doesn’t fit or feel good, don’t toss it onto a chair for “later.” Drop it straight into the bin.
“Minimalists don’t just get dressed; they notice,” says Kimberly Hairston-Neal, founder of The Modern Steward. That awareness pays off: “Over time, this one small habit adds up to a wardrobe that’s clear, calm, and aligned with where you are right now—not who you used to be,” she explains.
4. Do a quick living room reset
Even if you’re not hosting guests, you deserve to come home to a space that feels peaceful and welcoming. Nguyen suggests a super simple reset in your main living area. Nothing too taxing; it can even take you less than a minute.
“Fold a blanket, fluff pillows, toss shoes in a basket,” she says. Choose just one area to tidy and keep it low-effort. It’s a small visual cue that you care for your space, and in turn, it cares for you.
5. Use tiny windows of time for micro-decluttering
You don’t need to block off a full Saturday to make real progress. Minimalists know the power of using small windows of time to tackle tiny zones that are easy to ignore.
“Minimalists don’t wait for a big decluttering day,” Hairston-Neal explains. “Each morning, while your coffee brews or the house is still quiet, take two minutes to edit one invisible zone: the junk drawer, your bag from yesterday, a random bin under the sink.”
These quick edits prevent mess from building up and keep your home feeling fresh without the pressure of a marathon tidying session.
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