Meet Jacqueline Elaine

It's not just that their homes always seem neat and tidy—it’s the intentional habits they practice every day. Here at ABODE, we believe that with a few minor changes, anyone can master the art of organization, creating lasting impact in their homes and lives. Here’s a roundup of the top 10 habits of highly organized people and how you can apply them to your own space: 1. Avoid the Big Black Hole Open spaces can invite chaos if not managed well. Instead of filling empty shelves with random items, use compartments, baskets, or organizers to separate different things. Whether it’s adding a chest for seasonal décor or a stylish catch-all for your keys and lip gloss, every item should have a designated home. 2. Reward Yourself for Tidying Even organized people know that some tasks can feel tedious, so they reward themselves for staying on track. Promise yourself a favorite treat or activity after completing a chore. Organize your garage, and then treat yourself to a nice dinner or a fun experience you've been wanting to do! 3. Say “No” to Spillover Overflowing closets and drawers are a surefire sign of disorganization. If your child has too many toys, consider sending some to charity before adding more bins. Keep only what you truly need, and avoid the temptation of letting clutter spill into your home’s living spaces. 4. Building Healthy Habits Organizing isn't just about stuff—it's about routines. Highly organized people have habits that keep them on track. For example, they rinse out their cereal bowl with one hand while starting the dishwasher with the other. It’s these simple, repeatable actions that keep clutter at bay. 5. Save 30 Seconds Now, Save Hours Later Organized people make quick decisions when handling items. When you're holding something, ask yourself where it belongs immediately. This small action prevents hours of cleanup later on, and keeps things from piling up unnecessarily. 6. Move "To Give" to the Car If you have a donation box or basket waiting by the door, make it a habit to transfer it to your car regularly. This way, unwanted items don’t take up space in your closets for weeks. Make donating a natural part of your decluttering process. 7. Use Hooks Over Floors The floor isn't a storage space! Instead of piling things in corners, use hooks for everything from coats to tools. Hanging items keeps your spaces neat and maximizes floor space, giving your home a cleaner, more open feel. 8. Adjust Shelves for Efficiency Take time to adjust your shelf heights to make sure they work for the items you need to store. Whether it’s your pantry, bookcase, or bathroom cabinet, customized shelving can make a big difference in how efficiently you use the space. 9. Think in Zones, Not Types Organized people arrange items based on usage, not necessarily by category. In the kitchen, group breakfast essentials together—pancake mix, syrup, and coffee. Create zones for tasks or routines in other rooms, like a pet station by the door for leashes and waste bags. 10. Let Go Without Regret Finally, the biggest secret to staying organized is not holding on to things you don’t need. When you remove the emotional attachment to objects and prioritize a cleaner, more functional home, it’s easier to let go. The result? A happier, more peaceful space. Adopting these simple habits can help turn any cluttered home into a more organized and peaceful one. Start small, and soon, organizing will become second nature. Need help putting these habits into practice? ABODE is here to help you take the next step toward a clutter-free home.