The Return & Release Routine: A Pro Organizer’s Secret to a Lighter Home
One of the simplest ways to keep your home feeling peaceful and clutter-free is to build a regular Return & Release Routine into your life.
This isn’t about decluttering your entire house in one day. It’s about making space—mentally and physically—by letting go of the everyday items that quietly build up and weigh you down.
What kind of items?
Not the obvious clutter, but the stuff that lingers:
◈ Store returns you’ve been meaning to take back
◈ Library books that need to be dropped off
◈ Expired fire extinguishers or batteries
◈ Old prescriptions that are no longer needed
◈ That thing you borrowed from your sister months ago
These don’t always take up much physical space, but they take up mental space. You see them and think, “I really need to deal with that.” That’s a kind of visual clutter and mental clutter that adds up quickly.
Create a Standing Decluttering Appointment
A great strategy is to schedule a recurring time just for this purpose—like a mini version of maintenance organizing. Maybe it’s:
◈ The first Wednesday of every month
◈ A certain weekday when you pass by the post office or library
◈ Anytime you know return counters are open
This isn’t about perfection—it’s about rhythm and routine.
Set Up a Dedicated Drop Zone
Make it easy on yourself by creating a designated space for outgoing items. Think:
◈ A labeled basket by the door
◈ A bin in your mudroom
◈ A sturdy tote in your trunk
Whenever you come across something that needs to go, drop it in. No decision fatigue. No delays.
Then, when the day arrives—or when the bin is full—you’re ready to go.
Helpful Tips from a Pro Organizer
◈ Some returns have deadlines—so a monthly rhythm works well
◈ Give yourself grace if something doesn’t go exactly as planned
◈ Aim for progress, not pressure
And if it’s all feeling like too much? Don’t go it alone. A professional organizer can step in to help with not just letting go—but also managing the logistics, from sorting and bagging to donating or recycling.
Let Go. Lighten Up. Move Forward.
Remember: Organizing isn’t just about “stuff.”
It’s about creating a home that supports your life—calmer, lighter, and more aligned with who you are today.
When you make space to breathe, you make space to thrive.
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com
Photo: Bailey Alexander @baileyal3xander
