If you’re looking to declutter your home, you’ve come to the right place! Decluttering is all about creating a more organized, stress-free space that you can truly enjoy. In this comprehensive article we’ll explore some fun and easy tips to help you transform your home into a clutter-free paradise.

What is declutter definition?

According to the linguistic department of the university of Oxford, decluttering is the process of removing things that you do not use so that you have more space and can easily find things when you need them. The removing of unnecessary items can be both from your physical and digital space. 

You know, when everything’s a mess and cluttered, it’s like my brain can’t catch a break! But studies actually show that when things are neat and tidy, we’re less cranky, more focused, and get stuff done faster and with more patience! So, decluttering is all about figuring out what’s just taking up space and not doing anything for us anymore, then deciding whether to toss it, donate it, sell it, or give it a new purpose. It’s all about making life easier and creating a space that actually works for us, not against us!

Benefits to declutter your home: why bother decluttering, anyway?

Regardless to whether you use a professional organized or you take the time and do it yourself, it will worth it! There are a lot of benefits of decluttering, both physically and mentally of having a decluttered home. Imagine a family room when you gather and have fun at the end of the day without feeling crowded and overwhelmed: 

Benefits of decluttering:

• it will reduce your stress and anxiety: clutter can be overwhelming and contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. More so, you own some things that maybe were an impulsive buy, or maybe they were a gift, or they were not quite the quality you had hoped, and they give your house this underlying energy of guilt or overwhelm. By removing them, you create a calmer and more peaceful environment.
• it will increased your productivity: a cluttered home can be distracting and make it difficult to focus. Working in an organized space can help you improve your concentration and get more done.
• it will improved your physical health: clutter can harbor dust, allergens, and pests, which can negatively impact your health. Decluttering creates a cleaner and healthier environment.
• it will enhanced your financial well-being: by decluttering, you may discover things you haven’t used in a long time, which you can then sell or donate. This can help you save money or even earn some extra income.
• it will give you a greater sense of freedom and control: by letting go of unnecessary possessions, you can reclaim space and control over your life, reducing feelings of overwhelm and allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
• and let’s not forget, the most outcome of these declutter benefits is that your entire family run more smoothly, you will be able to teach your kids to live clutter-free, and give everyone the same awesome benefits!

Participants: who should you get involved when you declutter your home?

Decluttering your home can be a fun and exciting journey, but it’s always better when you have some help. Here are some people you might want to involve in the process:

• yourself: you’re the main character in this story, and you know your home best. Take charge and decide what stays and what goes.
• your spouse/ partner: their support, opinions, and helping hands can be invaluable. Bonus points if they share your taste in organization (or at least they try to!).
• the kids (with supervision): turning decluttering into a family activity can be fun and teach them valuable lessons about responsibility and organization. Just be prepared for the occasional “but I LOVE this broken toy!” meltdown. All family members should participate! They will strengthen some much needed decluttering muscles!
• you could also involve the maybe-maybes as your extended family or friends or a professional organizer – you can see more about that in my post about the decluttering tips
• caution! Do not involve though the well-meaning neighbors or those friends who collect everything. They will leave with all your “garbage” and you would make them a disadvantage

Remember, this is just a guide, and the best decluttering crew is the one that works for you. Ultimately, it’s about creating a space that feels good and functions how you need it to, so choose your teammates wisely and have fun with it!

Step-by-step guide to declutter your home

With several simple steps, you will tackle this process. It will be a therapeutic and transformative process that will help you create a more organized and harmonious living space.

Step 1: first step is to prepare the decluttering project

• Set Goals and Prioritize Areas:
  • Determine your decluttering goals. 
  • what do you hope to achieve by decluttering? Do you have a lot of stuff lying everywhere? Imagine your house where everything has a designated spot that everybody knows. Yes, they will not always be kept, but it’s so much easier to send your kid to “get this thing lying around to its place”! This image will help you maker the first small step and further down the road, to stay motivated and focused.
  • Prioritize areas within the room that need the most attention, such as closets, shelves, or under the bed.
• Gather Supplies:
  • Collect essential supplies including trash bags, boxes for donation items, recycling bins, cleaning supplies, and storage containers.
  • Having everything you need on hand will streamline the decluttering process.
• Create Zones:
  • Divide the room into manageable zones based on function or item category (e.g., clothing, books, electronics).
  • This will help you focus on one area at a time and prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Step 2: clear the floor

Start by removing everything off the floor, including furniture that can be easily moved. This creates a clean slate and allows you to assess the entire space.

Step 3: tackle one section at a time

Divide the room into smaller, manageable sections, like a corner, a shelf, or a drawer. This prevents feeling overwhelmed and allows you to focus on one area at a time.

Step 4: Decide on your sorting process

Identify the Obstacles

Before diving in, take a critical look around your home. Does your robot cleaner struggle to navigate due to cluttered surfaces? If you constantly need to move things around for it to function, these items are prime candidates for decluttering. They either need to find a designated storage space “up” (on shelves etc.) or “out” (donated, sold, or recycled).

Choose Your Decluttering Style

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re a meticulous planner or prefer a more spontaneous method, choose a decluttering strategy that suits your personality and lifestyle. 

When choosing your strategy to declutter your home, you could take into account the following tips:

• be ruthless: Don’t be afraid to let go of things that no longer serve you.
• set a timer: Stay focused and motivated with a time limit.
• get creative with storage: Use vertical space, storage containers, and hidden spaces.
• progress over perfection: Every little bit helps, even if it’s just clearing off a small space.
• out of sight, out of mind: Box up items for 3 months; if you don’t miss them, donate them.
• realize that keeping things comes with a cost: Avoid the mental exhaustion and loss of space.
• streamline your collections: Keep only the favorites or the necessary items, even the everyday items!
• ask yourself if you’d buy it again: If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.
• play the “I am moving” mind trick: If you wouldn’t take the time and money to move it, it’s not worth keeping.
• declutter your papers with the 3-box approach: File, shred, or recycle.
• apply the 10% rule: Keep only the items that make you feel special.
• take a memory test: If you can’t easily recall why you own an item, it might be time to let it go.
• be honest with yourself: If you don’t like something today, you probably won’t like it in the future.
• valuable items you don’t like aren’t worth keeping: Sell them and buy something that brings you joy.
• make a trial run of the decision process: Pretend to decide and see how you feel.
• get the whole family involved: Make decluttering a team effort.
• turn it into a game: Time yourselves, set competitions, and reward your family for decluttering milestones.

I describe in this post: Declutter tips, all the decluttering methods you could consider. Chose the one that is best for you!

Start Small & Steady

If you tend to get overwhelmed easily or are short on time, don’t attempt to tackle your entire home at once. Begin with a manageable area like a drawer, shelf, or small corner, and gradually work your way up to larger spaces.

Create a Disposal System

Decide how you’ll handle unwanted items. Designate three separate containers (boxes, bags, etc.) labeled “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Recycle.” Regularly empty them based on convenient opportunities. For example, drop off your “Donations” box at a charity shop on your way to work.

If you want to deep dive into all decluttering systems and how they can help you dig in, please see my post on Declutter tips

Step 5:sort into separate piles

• Keep: Items that are essential, used regularly, or bring you joy.
• Discard: Items that are broken, unusable, or expired (goes in the trash).
• Donate: Items in good condition that you no longer need but can be used by others.
• Relocate: Items that belong in a different room.
• Unsure: Set aside a temporary “unsure” pile for later evaluation.

Step 6: take action

This is when you can actually see how the declutter your home shows in your house! Tons! of garbage bins gathered in the middle of the hallway for throwing out and a lot of cardboard boxes gathered in the middle of the living room for donating:

• Discard: Throw away trash and dispose of expired items responsibly.
• Donate: Pack your donation items neatly and drop them off at a local charity or donation center.
• Relocate: Return items to their designated spaces in other rooms.
• Unsure Pile: Revisit this pile later with a fresh perspective. If you’re still unsure, consider selling online or giving it away.

Step 7: clean and organize

• Clean surfaces, shelves, and storage spaces as you declutter each area.
• Organize items neatly, using storage solutions such as bins, baskets, shelves, and drawer dividers.
• Label containers for easy identification and accessibility.

Step 8: dispose of donated and discarded items

• Bag or box up donated items and schedule a drop-off or pick-up with a local charity or thrift store.
• Dispose of trash and recycling responsibly, adhering to local regulations. Now you can say that you declutter your home! Everything is clean and look almost new!

Step 9: maintain and enjoy

• Take a moment to appreciate your accomplishment and the newfound peace and organization in your decluttered space.
• Establish habits to maintain the clutter-free environment, such as regular tidying sessions and mindful consumption.
• Enjoy your newly decluttered space and the sense of calm and clarity it brings to your home and life.

Bonus Tip: Play upbeat music to stay motivated and make the process more enjoyable. Remember, decluttering is a journey, not a race. Be patient, take breaks when needed, and celebrate your progress!

Which categories of household items need to be decluttered?

A comprehensive decluttering journey typically tackles a vast array of categories within your home. Here’s a breakdown of some common areas addressed when you declutter your home:

Living room and other living areas:

• Furniture: Assess the practicality and usage of furniture pieces. Consider reupholstering or repurposing if possible.
• Decor: Eliminate unnecessary decorations and ensure the remaining items evoke positive emotions.
• Electronics: Discard outdated or unused electronics. Organize cords and cables for remaining devices.
• Books and Magazines: Donate to the local library or sell unread or old books and magazines. Keep only those that truly spark joy or hold significant value.
• Miscellaneous: Sort through items like toys, games, and sentimental objects, keeping only what brings joy or serves a purpose.

Kitchen and dining room:

• Food: Discard expired or unwanted food items. Organize remaining items for efficient access and storage.
• Utensils and Appliances: Raid every kitchen drawer! Donate or toss unused utensils and appliances. Consider multi-functional tools to minimize clutter.
• Dishes and Cookware: Evaluate the quantity and quality of dishes and cookware. Declutter rarely used pieces and broken items.

Bedrooms:

• Clothing: Implement the “KonMari Method” or similar approach to evaluate clothing based on joy and wearability. Donate or sell unwanted pieces.
• Shoes and Accessories: Declutter unworn shoes and rarely used accessories. Organize remaining items for easy access.
• Linen: Discard stained or worn-out linens. Keep only what you regularly use.

Bathrooms:

• Cosmetics and toiletries: Expired or unused products can be discarded. Organize remaining items for efficient use.
• Towels and bathrobes: Keep only the towels and bathrobes you use regularly. Discard worn-out or stained items.
• Medicine Cabinet: Dispose of expired medications and organize remaining items safely.

Other Areas:

• Home office: declutter office supplies, files, and paperwork. Utilize digital storage when possible.
• Laundry room: organize and sort your laundry supplies, cleaning products, and similar items! Maintaining a tidy and functional space for washing, drying, and folding clothes
• Garage or Storage: organize tools, outdoor equipment, and seasonal items. Donate or dispose of unused or unwanted items.
• Balcony or terrace: organize outdoor furniture, as the coffee table, remove any dead plants or debris, and create a clean and inviting space for relaxation and enjoyment.

Fresh start: keeping a clean home decluttering

Now that your house is reasonably declutterred, how can you keep it that way in the future?

• Start your day with a quick 15-minute declutter scan, focusing on common areas like counters and sinks. Make it a daily habit to maintain tidiness, not deep clean.
• Declutter regularly! Schedule weekly or monthly sessions for specific areas, aligning with your cleaning routine for efficiency.
• Before buying new, consider donating or discarding something similar you already own. This mindful approach saves money and prevents clutter.
• Set up “donate,” “sell,” and “toss” boxes near your exit. Sort items as you tidy up and handle them when you leave the house.
• Don’t turn your home into storage! Store seasonal items elsewhere like a garage or closet.
• Handle papers and mail immediately, either filing or discarding them, to avoid paper clutter.
• Allocate specific storage for each item category (e.g., a box for utensils). If space overflows, declutter instead of buying more storage.
• When unsure about an item, consider its purpose. Let go of items that lack sentimental or practical value.
• Create designated “junk zones” for each family member to store miscellaneous items, and declutter them regularly.
• These simple habits can create a calm and organized living space for you and your family. Remember, consistency is key!

How many different methods to declutter your home are there?

There are many ways to declutter your space, and the best method depends on your personal preferences. Here are some popular approaches:

1. The KonMari Method: Keep only items that “spark joy.” Gather your belongings, sort them by category, and ask yourself if each item truly brings you joy. If not, thank it and let it go.
2. The Minimalist Method: Live with as few possessions as possible. Focus on experiences and only keep what you need and use. This method can be applied to all aspects of your life, helping you find balance and focus on what matters most.
3. The FlyLady Method: Break down decluttering into small tasks and use daily routines to stay motivated. With the 15-minute rule and zone cleaning, you’ll make steady progress while having fun.
4. The Zero Waste Method: Reduce waste by decluttering and finding new uses for items. Get creative with repurposing, like using cotton flannel facial pads or composting food waste for fertilizer.
5. The 20 20 Rule: Challenge yourself to let go of items that can be replaced for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes. While this can be tough for families with young children, it’s a helpful tool for making decisions.
6. The 90 90 Rule: Consider if you’ve used an item in the past 90 days and if you’ll use it in the next 90. If the answer is no to both, it’s likely just cluttering your space.

Experiment with these methods to find the one that works best for you and helps you create a clean, organized, and happy home.

What to preserve when declutter your home?

Before diving into a full-scale decluttering spree, it’s essential to exercise caution and consider the value of certain items. While the urge to purge may be strong, it’s prudent to avoid discarding potentially valuable or sentimental possessions that could lead to future regrets. Here’s a guide on what to retain when you declutter your home, even amidst the decluttering fervor:

items to be saved when you declutter your home:

1. The “at least one of each” items: faced with a lack of joy from your wardrobe or kitchen utensils, remember to retain at least one piece from each category. To avoid the oversight of discarding essentials is a good idea! As I learned the hard way, when I found myself without casual pants when I needed them most.
2. Sentimental items: Although Aunt Mildred’s porcelain cat collection may not align with your tastes, it holds good memories and sentimental value. The best way to deal with this kind of situation is to capture these moments with a photograph for nostalgia’s sake. Then neatly store or pass them on to a family member who may appreciate them more.
3. The “just in case” essentials: Items like spare phone chargers or emergency sewing kits shouldn’t be dismissed simply because they haven’t been used recently. Think of them as practical safeguards, ensuring you’re prepared for unforeseen circumstances.
4. Versatile belongings: Certain items, like the pan that serves multiple cooking purposes or the scarf doubling as a beach towel and blanket, are invaluable due to their versatility. These multitasking essentials save both space and money.
5. Future-oriented possessions: Whether it’s a wedding dress or baby clothes, hang onto items that may serve a purpose in the future or could be passed down to loved ones. Store them appropriately, perhaps utilizing vacuum-sealed bags for preservation.
6. Repairable projects: Before discarding damaged items like chipped vases or wobbly chairs, consider their potential for upcycling with a bit of creativity and effort. However, be realistic about your time commitments before embarking on any refurbishment projects.

Here are some resources to help you get started on your decluttering journey:

Books:

“The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo: This best-selling book offers a simple and effective method for decluttering your home and transforming your life.

“Decluttering at the Speed of Life” by Dana K. White: A practical guide to decluttering your home with actionable tips and strategies.

Websites and blogs:

A to Zen Life: A blog that offers tips, inspiration, and advice on decluttering and simplifying your life. Marissa is very inspirational and has a lot of tricks up her sleeve.

Apartment Therapy: A home and lifestyle website with numerous articles and guides on decluttering and organizing your space.

YouTube channels:

The Minimal Mom: A channel dedicated to decluttering, organizing, and simplifying your life.

Do It On A Dime: A channel that offers budget-friendly tips and tricks for decluttering and organizing your home.

Apps:

Decluttr: A free app that helps you track your decluttering progress and provides tips and motivation along the way.

Sortly: An app that helps you organize your belongings and create an inventory of your items, making it easier to declutter and keep track of what you own.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that decluttering is all about designing open spaces tailored to your needs. Don’t be too strict with the rules! Your main goal is to create a clean and inviting home where you can make cherished memories. Keep items that make you happy, serve a purpose, or hold special memories. Have fun decluttering, and may your home be free of unwanted clutter and full of meaningful possessions!