Spring-Cleaning Should Start With ‘Chaos Decluttering’ if You’re Serious About Deep Cleaning
By Anna Baluch
Published on March 21, 2026.
The first day of spring is the start of spring cleaning season, with many homeowners focusing on a more engaging method of cleaning called "chaos decluttering" than traditional tidying up. This method involves removing all items from a space that is completely removed from view, allowing you to make decisions without distraction. Michelle Urban, a professional organizer and founder at The Organized House in Portland, OR, explains that this method removes the guesswork and allows you to see duplicates, expired items, and things you forgot you owned. The key to success in this type of cleaning is containment, not letting the process take over your whole house, no matter how motivated you feel. Cathy Orr, co-founder of The Uncluttered Life in Arlington, Texas, recommends the “one-touch rule” for decluttering, which involves touching items in a defined space, and avoiding creating a later or holding piles of items.
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