What Would Martha Do? 6 Rules I Follow When I'm Overwhelmed With Organizing A Martha-inspired roadmap to a more streamlined space. Close Credit: decorvow When you work here, the "decorvow aesthetic" is more of a way of life than an ongoing trend—and that means we’re constantly looking to our founder for ideas and advice on entertaining, gardening, homekeeping, and organizing. To get more specific—and personal—that might mean following her easy pavlova recipe to a tee or, in my case, asking myself what Martha may do when tidying and organizing. After all, when it comes to creating a home that feels both functional and beautiful, no one does it quite like Martha. So here's the—completely normal and not at all weird—way I remember to apply Martha's approach whether I'm refreshing single drawers or overhauling entire rooms. Try it and see if Martha (or her anagram) can similarly (and albeit, sillily) guide you to a more streamlined, stylish space. 12 Small Details That Can Elevate Any Dinner Party, According to Martha 01 of 06 M—Methodical Credit: Westend61 / Getty Images Organization begins with a plan. Instead of pulling everything out and creating chaos (Martha would never), I try to approach each space with method: Start by identifying the purpose of the room or zone—whether it’s cabinets that should support streamlined meal prep, or a bedroom meant for rest and retreat. Then set clear goals before you begin: Do you want to maximize storage? Showcase your favorite pieces? Free up counter space? I find that working methodically not only makes the process less daunting but also ensures that every item earns its place. Create a roadmap for what stays, what goes, and where everything will ultimately live. (You'll avoid the all-too-common trap of ending up with piles that simply get shuffled from one corner to another.) 02 of 06 A—Aesthetic Credit: brizmaker / Getty Images Martha combines utility and beauty seemingly effortlessly—so naturally that would be a cornerstone of organizing your home. Instead of relying solely on mismatched plastic bins, I try to select storage solutions that suit the room's existing décor when I can. Think: woven baskets, glass jars for pantry staples, and neutral linen boxes. Even small choices, like uniform hangers in your closet or coordinated labels can make a difference. Bonus: When your organization system is visually pleasing, you’ll naturally be more inclined to maintain it. (It's science, according to me.) 03 of 06 R—Reduce Credit: StefaNikolic / Getty Images When editing my belongings, I try to think of it as more of a curation than a declutter. Prioritize intentionality by removing items that no longer serve a purpose. Donate duplicates, recycle what can be recycled, and let go of what weighs down your space. By reducing excess, you’ll give your most cherished items room to breathe, creating a calm, airy environment—which is very Martha. What 30 Minutes of Gardening Does to Your Body, According to Exercise Scientists 04 of 06 T—Tidy Credit: Getty Images I'll be the first to say that the best organization system in the world won’t last unless you maintain it—and that comes from personal experience. This is where daily tidying comes in. I find that dedicating just 10 minutes every day to restoring order—whether it's clearing dishes off counters or putting laundry away—can make a huge difference. This low-effort daily ritual keeps mess from building up and can even become a moment of mindfulness: a simple way to reset your home and mindset at the same time. 05 of 06 H—Heighten Credit: Stef Grant / Getty Images Once everything is in its place, it's time to add that signature Martha touch—the small detail that elevates a space from orderly to extraordinary. A vase of fresh flowers on the dining table, neatly folded monogrammed hand towels in the guest bath, or a bowl of lemons on the kitchen counter all add instant warmth and charm. These special touches aren’t about extravagance; they’re about creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming and complete, a reminder that a well-organized home is as much about joy as it is about order. 06 of 06 A—Admire Credit: Bohdan Bevz / Getty Images Finally, I always like to take a moment to step back and admire my handy work. Go ahead and similarly savor the calm, satisfaction, and beauty of that organized drawer, cleared counter, or perfectly arranged shelf. Admiring the results helps reinforce your efforts and motivates you to continue them. I'm considering embroidering a sampler of the acrostic. (When you find a decluttering method that works for you, stick with it!) Explore more: Cleaning & Organizing Storage & Organization