How Habit Stacking Can Help You Stay Tidy

Written By Lindsey Cozzens

One common trait of naturally tidy people is their use of habit stacking. They seem to move through life with a kind of effortless efficiency and focus. When I think about habit stacking, my mother-in-law instantly comes to mind. She’s been doing it for so long that I’m convinced she may have invented it!

But what exactly is habit stacking?

In simple terms, habit stacking is the practice of linking small habits together to form a routine that’s easier to remember and maintain. The concept was first introduced by S.J. Scott in his book Habit Stacking: 127 Small Changes to Improve Your Health, Wealth, and Happiness and later popularized by James Clear, author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits (which I highly recommend!).

So how can this idea help you build better home organizing habits?

Start with a Clear Goal

Let’s say your goal is to keep your bedroom tidy. Here’s how habit stacking can come into play:

At night:

  • Toss dirty clothes into the hamper

  • Lay out clothes for the next day

  • Close the blinds

  • Turn down the bed (and toss those decorative pillows in the same spot each night)

In the morning:

  • While the shower warms up, make the bed

Eventually, you’ll start associating certain tasks with others. Making the bed becomes second nature right before your shower. Turning down the bed reminds you to pick up laundry. These little links become powerful routines.

Apply it to other spaces, too. Want to keep your kitchen in order? Try this: Don’t start dinner unless your kitchen is clean. While food is cooking, prepare lunches for the following day, next wash the food prep dishes and sweep the floor. After dinner, load the dishwasher and wash, dry and put away the cookware.

These aren’t rigid rules—just ideas to get your wheels turning. Everyone’s routines will look a little different, and that’s okay.

Now It’s Your Turn

What small habits can you link together to create smoother, more efficient routines at home? With a little planning and consistency, you can make tidiness feel almost automatic… just like my mother-in-law.

Lindsey Cozzens
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