It is all too easy to give in to procrastination when faced with overflowing storage or a cluttered corner, but there's a surprisingly simple trick that could help shift your mindset.
Taking before and after photos (or the ‘tap to clean’ method, as we're coining it), creates a bank of evidence that you've done it before, it looks great after, and you can conquer it again.
It's the perfect, instant and visual booster for motivation – and the experts love this lasting decluttering method too. Here's why.
What is the 'tap-to-clear' method?
'Tap to clear', inspired by the home influencer trend of posting photos of a cluttered home, followed by the post-decluttering results on an Instagram story, is super simple.
Before you start organizing and tidying, take a clear photo of the area you're about to work on, then work though some top decluttering tips to tackle the mess.
When you're finished and everything is neat, snap another picture and store the two together in an designated album in your phone.
While it might not sound all that impactful, creating a bank of evidence of success can help you to banish procrastination in the future, and even help you swerve decluttering resentment.
Luxury pro organizer Lana Lorena, owner of Organize with Lana, shares, 'I've seen first-hand how powerful a tool it can be. We are all visual people, and having a personal, visual record of a job well done can be a huge confidence booster.
'When a new decluttering project feels overwhelming, you can literally look at your phone and say, "Wait, I did that before. I can do it again."
'It turns a big, scary task into a manageable one by reminding you of your own abilities.'
The simple trick can also help you to overcome a decluttering roadblock by giving you a bank of images of your own home to offer inspiration, rather than other people's homes on social media.
Comparison is often the thief of joy, so stepping away from perfectly styled professional spaces can help you get back in touch with what you need from your space, improving your home organization while helping you to relax.
This trick works for whole rooms and small areas, such as single storage spots.
Lana continues, 'I think this approach works best for people who tend to get stuck in perfectionism or feel a deep sense of shame about their spaces.
'The photos provide concrete proof of progress, which helps break that negative cycle. It's a way of celebrating a win, no matter how small.'
What to shop
This bestselling book packs so much information into a mere 200 pages, in a readable and digestible format that's accessible to all readers of all ages.
Measuring 8x10x11 inches, these handwoven water hyacinth baskets are ideal for drop zones, shelves, and cabinets.
Make better use of vertical storage to save space on shelves by using stacking drawers in pantries to store snacks and packet goods.
These under-bed storage bags on wheels are easy to pull out, and maintain good ventilation for items to prevent mold or musty bedroom smells.
These clear stacking bins are ideal for items that need ventilation, such as food packets or bathroom products, helping to keep them neat without the risk of mold or odors.
The 'tap-to-clear' method can also work for cleaning your home, not just decluttering. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has certified Attitude products as non-toxic, meaning they contain no harsh chemicals or artificial compounds, making them the perfect choice for a spruce up.
Meet the expert
Lana Lorena is a Bay Area professional organizer and decluttering expert, founder of Organize with Lana (OWL). She helps busy families and individuals create functional, stylish, and stress-free homes by blending luxury design with practical systems. Passionate about simplifying lives, Lana makes organization less about perfection and more about creating space for what truly matters.
There are several other tricks you can use to help tidy your home when you feel overwhelmed, such as body doubling and working to a timer.
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