Bubble Checklists: The Power of Visual Organizing for a Mess Free Home
This past week I have been overwhelmed with clutter. Things start pilling up to the point I lose motivation to do anything at all. A major game changer that I have started is checklists. This is a fun, inspiring approach to organizing and cleaning that helps you break it down into manageable solutions and tasks. This makes decluttering and cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a game. This has completely saved me this past week.
What is a Bubble Checklist?
A Bubble Checklist is a structured to do list that groups tasks into "bubbles" rather than a standard list. Instead of long, intimidating checklists, tasks are placed inside circles that represent different categories, spaces, or priorities. I like to think of it as a map for organization. Each bubble or circle represents a room, project, or general category which leads to smaller tasks within that same general space. This method helps me focus more on one thing at a time instead of seeing everything come at me all at once.
Why Use Bubble Checklists?
Visually Pleasing – A layout is less overwhelming than a long list and is easier to understand.
Flexible & Adaptable – You can adjust priorities, add new tasks, and categorize things effortlessly.
Encourages Progress – Watching categories get completed is more satisfying than just crossing out a list item.
How to Create a Bubble Checklist for Home Organization
1. Choose Your Organizing Focus
Decide what you want to organize. It could a single room, or even a specific category like kitchen storage.
Examples of focus areas:
Closet Decluttering
Kitchen Organization
Pantry Cleaning
2. Write Out Your Bubble Map
You can do this on paper, a planner, or a digital tool like Canva or Notion.
Start with a big bubble in the center for your main organizing goal, like a room.
Branch out with smaller bubbles for different rooms or categories, like a closet within the room
Add even smaller bubbles with specific tasks, like a cabinet.
Example: If your main goal is to declutter your home, you might have bubbles for Living Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, or Bathroom. Each of those would then have smaller bubbles like Declutter shelves, Organize drawers, and so on.
3. Assign Priorities & Deadlines
Not all tasks need to be done immediately. Number your bubbles to prioritize what needs attention first.
Number one = Quick tasks (under 10 minutes)
Number two = Medium effort tasks
Number three = Big tasks that require more time or planning
Bubble Checklists in Action
Example 1: The "Closet Cleanout"
Main Bubble: Closet Organization
Number two: Sort clothes into keep, sell, toss
Number one: Organize shoes
Number three: Create a organization system
Number two: Label storage bins
Example 2: The "Bubble Kitchen Declutter"
Main Bubble: Kitchen Organization
Number two: Declutter the pantry
Number one: Clean out expired fridge items
Number three: Reorganize and clean cabinets
Bubble Checklists make home organization more structured, engaging, and visually appealing. Whether you're tackling your entire house or just a small section, this method keeps things clear, fun, and motivating. This add on to my deep cleaning routine helps me out so much!
Here is my own bubble checklist for my bedroom
