Our first strategy is the Power Purge. This is a simple but incredibly effective technique where you dedicate a short, focused burst of time—we're talking 5 to 30 minutes—to decluttering one small, contained area. The goal is to clear out the excess, not to perfectly organize what's left.

Think of it this way: a clean slate is much easier to work with than a full one. By removing items you no longer need, use, or love, you create a sense of space and possibility. This gives you a taste of success and makes you excited to continue.

Here are a few strong examples of a perfect Power Purge target:

• The notorious junk drawer in your kitchen.

• The stack of magazines or mail on your coffee table.

• A single, overflowing shelf in your pantry or linen closet.

• Your desktop computer screen.

The second key habit for this week is the One-Touch Rule. This strategy is all about making a decision the first time you touch an item. It prevents new clutter from accumulating and reinforces a proactive mindset. 

The rule is simple: when an item comes into your life, whether it's a physical object or a digital one, you have four options:

• Trash: Is it junk mail, an old receipt, or a broken item? Immediately throw it away.

• Delegate: Does someone else in the family need to see it or handle it? Give it to them right away or use a system to share. For example, a bin labeled for the person for them to review when they have time. 

• Act: Does it require an immediate action, like paying a bill or responding to an email? Do it now if you can, or schedule it on your to-do list for later.

• File: Does it need to be saved? Immediately put it in its designated "home," whether that's a digital folder, a file cabinet, or a specific box.

By practicing the One-Touch Rule, you'll feel more in control of your space and your time. It’s the perfect complement to the Power Purge.