I get overwhelmed easily when tidying, so I’m always looking for new methods to solve this. That's why the ‘Incremental Improvement System’, which involves gradually clearing areas, rather than doing it all at once, piqued my interest.
Pro organizers say that it is a smart way to tackle cleaning different rooms, which makes tackling the house much less stressful. Here, they’ve shared what it is, where it does and doesn’t work, and how to do it. I also tested it out on my untidy vanity.
If you’re looking for decluttering methods that will make your life easier, this one is worth giving a try.
What is the Incremental Improvement System decluttering method?
The Incremental Improvement System is all about making small enhancements in order to make long-term change easier. In decluttering, this involves focusing on one section of a room or the home at a time.
‘I love how practical the Incremental Improvement System is,’ says Jennifer Q. Williams, organizing expert and founder of Saint Louis Closet Co. ‘It’s a refreshing and realistic approach to decluttering that prioritizes consistency over perfection.’
This is something that Jennifer has found key for her clients and for lasting organization throughout the home.
The Incremental Improvement System can also be paired with an enjoyable task. ‘I’ve seen more success when paired with watching TV, listening to music, or calling friends,’ says Maria Fraietta, organizing expert and CEO of The Nokbox.
She says this allows people to focus on a pleasurable experience while tuning out the aggravating or procrastination-inducing elements of a task.
What areas of the home is the Incremental Improvement System good for?
This method works best in high-traffic or everyday areas of the home, like closets, entryways, pantries, laundry rooms, and playrooms.
Jennifer explains, ‘These are spots that gather clutter the most, so tackling them gradually helps prevent burnout.’ You can keep on top of these daily by setting aside time, such as by using the 10-minute micro-decluttering method, to tidy.
She adds that it’s great for larger projects, like basements or garages, that can feel too big to tackle in one go. These are better for using the system over a few days, rather than a few hours.
What areas of the home is the Incremental Improvement System not good for?
The method works well in many areas of the home, but it does take more time. Similarly to the ‘One Bag a Day’ decluttering method or the ‘Scavenger Hunt’ decluttering method, it takes longer to do.
‘It’s less effective for time-sensitive decluttering, like when you are hosting guests or when a full transformation is needed quickly,’ Jennifer says.
If you do need to declutter quickly, use the ‘10-10-10’ decluttering method and ‘The Didn’t Know’ decluttering method to remove items speedily.
How to do the Incremental Improvement System
Want to give it a go? Jennifer has put together a range of easy steps that you can follow:
- Pick one area and start small: Start with a single drawer, a shelf, or a coat hook. The goal is to make the task feel manageable and super easy.
- Set a timer and only commit 10 to 15 minutes at a time: Be consistent with it throughout the week.
- Don’t overthink it: Sort what to keep, donate, or toss quickly without stress. You can pair this up with the ‘Four Box’ decluttering method to make this more efficient.
- Put systems in place: Small bins (such as the Sterilite storage boxes from Walmart) and labels (the Phomemo label maker from Amazon is perfect for labeling on the go) will help you keep things organized as you go.
Jennifer adds, ‘As you see progress, you’ll be motivated to keep going. Move onto the next drawer or shelf at your pace.’
Available in three sizes, these boxes are smart storage ideas thanks to their versatile shape and design. They can be used for items big and small and have dual handles for comfortable carrying.
Trying the Incremental Improvement System
I had been putting off tidying my vanity for ages because it had lots of parts within it that needed sorting individually. These included the perfume area, my jewelry box, the makeup holder (the Subsky makeup Organizer from Amazon is similar to mine), and my on-the-go bags.
I sorted through each one of these throughout my working day, as I work from home. I set 10 minutes to do this, which allowed me to focus fully on each area. Once I was done, I was able to take a break and focus on a work task, before going back to tidy the next zone.
Applying the Incremental Improvement Method stopped me from being overwhelmed. Instead of working up to doing the task, going back and forth made it easier to do and meant I did a better job each time, as I was less fatigued.
The result? A sparkling vanity that is quicker to navigate and looks so much more aesthetic. I have to give this method a firm 9/10, as it is simple to do, efficient, and provides brilliant results. It only loses a point from me as it isn’t as quick to do as other methods.
Who is the Incremental Improvement System good for?
For those who want to clean but struggle to do big tasks at a time, this is a brilliant decluttering method. ‘It works well for anyone who feels paralyzed by clutter but doesn’t have the time, energy, or motivation to commit to a weekend-long cleaning spree,’ Jennifer says.
She adds that it’s also a great fit for busy parents, professionals, and anyone struggling with persistent clutter.
No matter what size home you’re living in, if any of these apply to you, I suggest trying it in one room and seeing how you get on.
What to shop
I think that these would work well in the kitchen or the bathroom, as they're the right size for bottles and jars and can be stowed away in cabinets. They are also BPA-free and phthalate-free.
Keep any clutter you want to hold onto neatly stashed away in this chic seagrass basket, which channels the popular Fisherman aesthetic trend perfectly. To take care of it, simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
If you're using the Incremental Improvement System in your living room or bedroom, these boxes will slide under any gaps. The clear sides will help you see exactly what's in them, and the latches will help you access the contents swiftly.
Meet the experts
The Incremental Improvement System is all about progress and not perfection. ‘In my 34 years of designing custom organization systems, I’ve seen firsthand how small, consistent changes can lead to results that last a long time,’ Jennifer finishes by saying.
If you are still struggling with tidying your home, learning ways to overcome a decluttering roadblock may also come in useful.
