Things quickly pile up and before you know it, you have piles of unwanted and misplaced items around your home. Most New York City apartments don’t have the space and luxury to be unorganized. Here are some of our life hacks to help make home cleaning easier.

Eliminate Junk Mail at the Source

Place a trash bin outside or near your mailbox and throw out all unwanted mail, fliers, and packaging. You’ll be surprised how fast this bag gets filled. No more unwanted mail and pamphlets lying around your coffee table.

The Basket Method

Take an empty basket from room-to-room with you to gather items that are out of place and return them to their correct place.

The Box Test for Clutter

In clutter-prone areas (junk drawer, closet), place the items into a box. Remove the items you use. Every 3-6 months, trash or donate whatever is left in the box.

Clean While You Cook

Clean up while you cook to prevent the “dish overload” aftermath. Leaving dishes in the sink to soak doesn’t help!

Squeegee After Every Shower

Wipe down the shower after every use with a damp towel or a squeegee. This will prevent soap buildup.

Full Hands In, Full Hands Out

Whenever you enter or leave a room, take an item that does not belong and put it away. This will only take 30 seconds, but your home will be much more organized.

Follow these quick tips and your home will feel much more organized in no time!

Updated for 2026

Home organization has evolved significantly in recent years, with NYC apartments getting even more creative with limited space. Here are some modern additions to these timeless hacks.

Digital decluttering is just as important as physical decluttering in 2026. Take time to organize your digital files, unsubscribe from email newsletters you never read, and consolidate your streaming subscriptions. A clearer digital life often translates to a clearer physical space.

Modular storage systems have become incredibly affordable and space-efficient. Stackable bins, over-the-door organizers, and under-bed storage solutions can transform even the smallest studio apartment. Many NYC residents are also adopting the “one in, one out” rule — every time you bring something new into your home, something else goes to donation.

For the deep cleaning between your organization sessions, Synergy Maids offers one-hour organizing add-on services alongside our regular cleaning packages. Let our team handle the scrubbing while you focus on decluttering.

General Life Hacks to Organize Your Home