‘It is effective because it's simple’ – the Mount Vernon method is the answer to overwhelming clutter, no matter how stressed you feel, experts say

A plush orange sofa with white and orange throw cushions, in front of blue built-in bookshelves, decorated with small vases and books. .

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.