We all know that clutter can lead to a stressful home. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your belongings and want to simplify your space, decluttering might be the key.
Decluttering is much easier than it seems: just follow these simple steps and watch as your home transforms into a haven of peace and calm!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Decluttering your home can help create a more sustainable and functional living space. Consider making eco-friendly choices when decluttering your home and reducing your environmental impact. |
| 2. Organizing your closet and kitchen can transform daily tasks into a more enjoyable experience. Utilize tools like arranging your clothes by color and maximal storage to create functional and stylish spaces. |
| 3. There are many creative and unexpected ways to declutter your home and simplify your life. Check out additional resources like “Creative Ways to Declutter” and “How to Declutter and Simplify Your Home” to learn more. |
| 4. Identify the areas of your home that need the most attention and dedicate time each day or week to tackle these areas. Maintenance is key to keeping a clutter-free home. |
| 5. Decluttering can have a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm and focus. Letting go of items that are no longer serving a purpose can be a freeing and cathartic experience. |
Create A De-Cluttering Schedule
The first thing you want to do is set aside a time of day that works best for you. It could be in the morning or at night, before work or on your lunch break, but it needs to be consistent and manageable so that you don’t get overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your house.
You want this time to become a habit something that’s part of your daily routine so it doesn’t feel like an additional task on top of all other things.
If possible, try making it something fun like doing yoga or meditating with music as background noise (I love listening to classical music while de-cluttering).
If there’s something specific you need help getting rid of, such as old clothes or unwanted gifts from friends and family members, give yourself some guidance: decide what exactly needs tossing out and how much time each day should be spent doing so (e.g., 15 minutes per room).
Decluttering your home not only makes it easier to clean and maintain, but it also helps to create a more sustainable living space. Consider making eco-friendly choices when you begin decluttering your home and follow these tips for a sustainable home to reduce your environmental impact even further.
Purge And Donate Items You No Longer Use Or Love
No matter how much you love a certain item, if it’s not useful to you anymore, it’s time to donate it.
You can also donate items that are still in good condition but have never been used. These could be items that another family will appreciate or they may be worth money on the resale market (like gently used clothing).
Be sure to check all of your donation boxes so that you don’t accidentally toss something valuable into one of them by mistake!
Make Routine Cleaning Easier By Minimizing Your Belongings
In order to keep your home organized, you need to make sure that there is enough storage space for the stuff you have. If you have too many things and not enough places to put them, then it’s time to start paring down.
Consider using baskets or bins to organize things like shoes, books, mementos and other knickknacks. This makes it easy to see what’s inside each container and find what you need quickly — without having everything jumbled together in one big pile on the floor!
Use shelving units that can hold multiple items without taking up too much space in your home — this way they won’t get in the way of other activities when they’re not being used (like cooking dinner).
Organizing your closet can seem like an overwhelming task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a breeze. Our Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Closet covers everything from decluttering to arranging clothes by color, so you can create a functional and stylish space that sparks joy every time you open it.
Recycle, Recycle, Recycle
Reuse, donate or recycle. Items that are broken and/or outdated should be disposed of in the most responsible way possible—reuse, donate or recycle.
Don’t just throw things away. Be sure to properly dispose of your unwanted items by finding out which items can’t be recycled or donated in your community and making sure they’re disposed of accordingly (e.g., take batteries to a local store).
Don’t buy more before you finish purging. This is one reason why we recommend setting aside at least two weeks for decluttering — it’s easy to get sidetracked when all of your clutter is gone and you can suddenly see more space in your home!
| Item | Recycling Options | Reuse Options | Donation Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old cell phone | Electronic recycling programs | Sell or trade-in for cash or credit | Donate to organizations who provide phones to those in need |
| Broken furniture | Check with your local recycling center for options | Use pieces for a DIY project or repurpose items for a new use | Donate items that can be repaired or refurbished |
| Outdated clothing | Textile recycling programs | Use fabric for a DIY project like rags or a quilt | Donate unexpired, gentled used clothes to clothing donation centers |
| Expired medications | Contact local pharmacist for medication recycling programs | N/A | Check with healthcare facilities who can use unexpired medications for patients without insurance |
| Old kitchen appliances | Recycling programs like Best Buy and GE Engineered Recycling | Sell or trade-in for credit at retailers that offer this option | Donate items that are in good condition to organizations for resale |
Disposing of unwanted or outdated items in a responsible manner is important for reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Recycling options are available for electronics, furniture, textiles, medications, and kitchen appliances.
Items such as cell phones and furniture can also be reused or repurposed at home, or donated to organizations in good condition. Clothing and unexpired medication can also be recycled or donated to those in need.
Declutter On A Daily Basis
Declutter on a daily basis.
Here’s how:
Decide on the time of day when you’ll do your decluttering and stick to it. For me, there are two occasions when I usually clean up my space—first thing in the morning, before I start my day, and again at night before bedtime.
When I’m busy with work or something else that gets in the way of cleaning up regularly, I can feel overwhelmed by how much stuff has accumulated over time. If you’re like me, setting aside dedicated times for cleaning will help keep things from getting out of control so quickly!
Pick up after yourself as soon as something gets out of place (like dropping a pen in your living room). You might be thinking: “How can this help?” What happens is that if we leave things out in our homes long enough without putting them away properly, they start building up around us—and before long we’re surrounded by clutter everywhere we look.
Make it a habit to put things away after using them instead of just leaving them lying around until later.
Don’t procrastinate – if there’s clutter somewhere in your home right now (even if it’s just one item), take care of it immediately so nothing else piles up around it!
The more often we practice these habits throughout our lives now will make future days easier when faced with larger tasks such as moving out or cleaning an entire house (which doesn’t happen often).
A cluttered kitchen can make meal prep and cooking a hassle, but with a few simple organizational hacks, you can make the most of your space. Head to our Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Kitchen Cabinets to learn tips for maximizing storage, keeping your pantry organized, and creating a streamlined cooking routine.
Keep Only Things That Serve A Purpose Or Bring You Joy
You should be able to identify these items easily. If you haven’t used an item for a long time, don’t keep it.
And if you don’t love it, or even like it as much as you thought you did when you bought it in the first place, toss that thing out!
You should also evaluate whether the things in your home serve any purpose—both practical and emotional. Ask yourself: Does this object make me happy? Does it add value to my life? If not, why do I still have it around?
Also ask yourself if there are objects that could be repaired versus replaced by something new and better. If so, take care of those repairs before deciding whether or not that object belongs in your home.
| Item | Purpose | Joy |
|---|---|---|
| Multifunction kitchen tool | Practical use in cooking | Brings joy in preparing delicious meals |
| Smartwatch | Tracks fitness and activity goals | Brings joy to stay connected and on top of routine |
| Family heirloom | Holds sentimental value | Brings joy in memories and family history |
| Goodreads book | Educational or entertainment purpose | Brings joy to read and learn new things |
| Comfortable bedding | Provides a good night’s sleep | Brings joy in rest and relaxation |
Keeping only items that serve a purpose or bring you joy is important for decluttering and maximizing space in your home. Items like multifunction kitchen tools and smartwatches serve practical purposes while also bringing joy through their use. Family heirlooms may not have a practical purpose but can bring joy in memories and family history.
Goodreads books or entertainment options can serve both education and entertainment purposes while also bringing joy in reading. Comfortable bedding provides a practical purpose by allowing for a good night’s sleep while bringing joy in rest and relaxation.
Have A Rule For Every Item You Want To Keep
A good rule for every item you want to keep, including the ones you don’t love (but might grow into) is “if I haven’t worn it in the last 6 months, I can get rid of it.”
This rule will help us avoid keeping things that don’t serve us, but also gives our clothes a chance to breathe and see if they’re going to be worth keeping around. If something hasn’t been worn in six months and it’s not something we love it’s time for a cull.
Is your kitchen feeling cluttered and disorganized, but you’re not sure where to start? Our 15 Simple Steps to Declutter Your Kitchen and Keep It That Way guide provides easy-to-follow tips for decluttering everything from countertops to cabinets and creating a functional space you’ll enjoy spending time in.
Don’t Buy More Before You’ve Finished Purging
One of the biggest mistakes people make when they start decluttering is buying new items before they get rid of the old ones.
That’s because, as we all know, it’s easier to buy new things than it is to get rid of old stuff. If you have an item in your home that you don’t use anymore and can’t find a way to repurpose or recycle, consider donating it instead of throwing it out.
Until you’ve finished decluttering and purging your home, don’t buy more stuff!
Toss Anything That’s Broken In Your Home
Whether it’s a broken toy, an old piece of furniture or a broken lamp, if a thing is in your home that can’t be fixed and doesn’t work properly, get rid of it.
If you have children, this tip will probably be especially important for you because kids are prone to break things and often don’t understand why they should stop playing with something once they’ve already begun.
In these cases, try explaining to them why it was important to let go of the object and why there are no other options besides tossing it out if you can find replacements (or even just new versions) online or at thrift stores then maybe they’ll understand better!
| Item | Reason for Tossing |
|---|---|
| Broken lamp | Non-functional, potentially hazardous |
| Ripped furniture | Unsightly, uncomfortable |
| Cracked phone screen | Impairs use, potential for injury |
| Old laptop | Outdated, sluggish performance |
| Damaged kitchen appliance | Unsafe to use, potential fire hazard |
Decluttering broken or unrepairable items from your home is essential for safety and aesthetics. Broken lamps or kitchen appliances can pose a potential safety risk, while ripped furniture can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Items like cracked phone screens or old laptops can hinder their intended use and performance. Don’t wait to toss broken items and free up valuable space in your home.
Buy Yourself A New Wardrobe When Purging Yours
By buying yourself a new wardrobe, you’ll be able to get rid of things that don’t fit or are too small.
You can also replace things that you’ve outgrown and no longer wear. This will allow your clothes to be more current and up-to-date with what’s in style at the moment, which is important if you’re someone who likes keeping up with fashion trends.
Living a minimalist lifestyle doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are many ways to simplify your life without breaking the bank. Check out our guide on Minimalism on a Budget for ideas on how to reduce your possessions, save money, and live a more intentional life.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that decluttering is an important part of simplifying your life, and the process can be both liberating and cathartic.
Take it slow, though! You don’t need to rush into throwing away everything you own or spending hours cleaning out closets and cabinets when it’s not convenient for you to do so.
Start with just one room at a time it’s easier than doing everything at once anyway and work your way up from there until all rooms are clear of clutter once more.
If you find yourself struggling along the way, remember what we said earlier: take breaks when needed!
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about decluttering and simplifying your life, we recommend checking out the following resources:
Creative Ways to Declutter: This article from Becoming Minimalist offers tips for decluttering your home and simplifying your life in creative and unexpected ways.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: This book by Marie Kondo has become a bestseller for its unique approach to decluttering and the impact it can have on your life.
How to Declutter and Simplify Your Home: This blog post from B Vintage Style provides insightful tips and strategies for simplifying your home and creating a more functional living space.
FAQs
What is the first step to decluttering your home?
The first step to decluttering your home is to identify the areas that need the most attention. This could be a particular room, closet, or drawer that has become cluttered with items you no longer need or use. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to tackle these areas one at a time, starting with the most daunting tasks first.
How do you decide what to keep and what to get rid of when decluttering?
When decluttering, it’s important to consider each item individually and ask yourself if it serves a purpose or brings you joy. If the answer is no, then it’s time to let it go. You can also ask yourself questions like when was the last time you used it, do you have duplicates, and is it easily replaceable?
How do you maintain a clutter-free home?
Maintenance is key to keeping a clutter-free home. Developing daily habits like putting things back where they belong after use, and setting aside time each week for decluttering and organizing tasks can help immensely. It’s important to also regularly purge items you no longer need or use, to prevent clutter from building up again.
What are some creative ways to declutter a small space?
Decluttering a small space can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Investing in multipurpose furniture, minimizing knick-knacks and trinkets, and utilizing open shelving and vertical space can all help to maximize storage and create more room. It’s also important to regularly assess what you own and get rid of items you no longer need or use.
How can decluttering benefit mental health?
Decluttering can have a positive impact on mental health by reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. A tidy and organized living space can help create a sense of calm and promote better focus and productivity. Additionally, letting go of items that are no longer serving a purpose can be a cathartic and freeing experience.
Hi there! My name is Hellen James. I’m a professional decluttering expert who loves to help people get their homes in order. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life—from high school students to retirees and everything in between—to help them clear out clutter and make the most of their space so they can focus on what matters most to them.