Sometimes the hardest part of decluttering is simply knowing where to start. If you find yourself overwhelmed or easily distracted when tidying up, a structured approach might be the key – and that’s where the Mount Vernon Method comes in.
Inspired by the meticulous decluttering method used by the staff at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, this method takes a clear, focused approach to cleaning: start in one corner of the room and move clockwise, tackling one task at a time without jumping around.
Experts say it works because it minimizes decision fatigue and creates a sense of progress with every step. If you're ready to cut through the chaos, here’s how to use the Mount Vernon Method to declutter your space – calmly and effectively.
What is the Mount Vernon method?
Elena Navarro, professional organizer at Sparkly Maid Austin, explains: ‘The Mount Vernon method is something I recommend to clients who feel unable to tidy their home when they feel overwhelmed. It is effective because it's simple. It works because it’s simple and structured.'
‘Beginning in one spot in a room and moving clockwise gives a built-in plan. That plan allows you to overcome decision fatigue and helps you avoid jumping around or losing momentum halfway through the process. Instead of looking at the whole room and becoming overwhelmed, you have to think about what is right in front of you.’
Much like the Ski-Slope organizing method, the beauty of the Mount Vernon method lies in its ability to stay focused when decluttering –without creating more mess in the process.
Melanie Summers, ADHD organizing specialist, podcaster, and founder of I Speak Organized, uses a very similar systemic clockwise system called the Decluttering Roadmap with her clients, sharing, ‘I love these perimeter-based workflows as they create clarity through structure. A clockwise approach reduces the chaos of bouncing around a room and prevents "half-done" zones. Better yet, it’s ADHD- and neurodivergent-friendly, meaning, for brains that thrive on visible progress and pattern, this step-by-step sweep offers momentum and focus.
‘Finally, it builds confidence. When clients can see transformation unfold one wall at a time, they gain trust in the process and themselves.’ With consistency, it can help you fall in love with organizing and commit long-term.
Tips for perfecting the Mount Vernon method
The Mount Vernon method is highly adaptable and pairs well with nearly any decluttering tips, such as value-based decluttering or the one-emotion decluttering method, to help simplify decisions about what to keep, toss, or donate.
To make it more efficient, Melanie follows three key rules:
- Start with trash. Clearing out the obvious stuff first makes real decisions easier. Keeping a small trash bag with handles, from Walmart, to hand will make this step easier.
- Use the wall as a sorting station. Don’t move clutter elsewhere as you work on it. This avoids creating more mess in the middle of the room.
- Set visual boundaries. Working one wall at a time offers natural stopping points, making it great for busy people and beginners alike
To avoid getting distracted, Elena adds, ‘To make it even more effective, I always suggest keeping a laundry basket [such as the Joseph Joseph folding laundry basket from Wayfair] or a bin with you to collect anything that belongs elsewhere. That way, you’re not stopping to run items all over the house.
‘I also encourage clients to set a timer for 15 or 20 minutes [using an analogue timer, from Walmart, can prevent phone distractions]. It keeps the task from feeling endless and helps you stay focused without burning out. Even just one loop around the room can make a noticeable difference – and that sense of progress is often the reset your brain needs.’
What to shop
A collapsible laundry basket is my best friend for chores. It pops up when I need to move laundry or quickly declutter/tidy up my home, and folds away for easy, concealed storage between uses. It's the perfect choice for a tiny home.
As you declutter and tidy your home, keep a damp microfiber cloth handy to quickly wipe down surfaces along the way – tackling two tasks at once with minimal effort.
Baskets are a go-to solution for creating effective drop zones. Whether placed in the entryway, living room, or hallway, they help contain everyday clutter – making it much easier to tidy up at the end of the week as you move from room to room.
Using stacking baskets to maximize vertical space and organize items by category can make tidying and decluttering feel far less overwhelming. By tackling just one container at a time, you simplify the process and gradually create a cleaner, more orderly home overall.
Under-bed storage is a great way to conceal everyday items without them getting in the way or contributing to visual clutter. These bags on wheels maintain good ventilation while keeping items easy to move.
This bestselling book delivers a wealth of insight in just 200 pages, all presented in a clear, accessible format that’s easy to read and suitable for all ages.
Meet the experts
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