23+ Simple Ways to Declutter Your Home (Once and For All!) 

Is your living space feeling a little overwhelming, packed with items you no longer need or use? Feeling overwhelmed by stuff and craving a simpler, tidier home?

If the answer is a big fat yes, then you’re in good company! This guide is your helping hand, offering 23 easy ways to declutter your space, bring back calm, and make your home a haven. 

Let’s dive into the simple and effective ways to turn your decluttering dreams into a reality!

Why Is Decluttering Important?

Ah, the magic of decluttering! It’s not just about tidying up; it’s about gifting yourself a life-changing experience. Let’s explore why embracing a clutter-free space is a gift worth giving to yourself:

• Mental Serenity:
  • A clutter-free environment promotes mental clarity and reduces stress. It’s like a breath of fresh air for your mind.
• Efficiency Boost:
  • With less stuff to navigate through, you’ll find tasks become smoother and more efficient. No more frantic searches for misplaced items!
• Enhanced Productivity:
  • A clutter-free space fosters focus and productivity. Imagine a workspace where your creativity can flow freely.
• Improved Well-being:
  • Studies show that a tidy, organized living space positively impacts your overall well-being. It’s a nurturing space for a happier you.
• Room for What Matters:
  • By letting go of things you no longer need, you make space for what truly matters, be it hobbies, quality time with loved ones, or personal growth.
• Positive Vibes:
  • A clutter-free home radiates positive energy. It’s like a warm embrace that welcomes you every time you step through the door.

So, gear up! Let’s dive into the art of decluttering and unlock a world of possibilities and contentment through simplicity.

23+ Simple Ways to Declutter Your Home 

Create a Clutter-Free Vision

Setting Clear Goals for Your Decluttering Journey

Decluttering is like embarking on a meaningful adventure, and every adventure needs a map. Let’s create a treasure map to a clutter-free, organized home:

• Visualize Your Ideal Space:
  • Close your eyes and imagine how you want your living space to look and feel. What does a clutter-free room look like to you? Let this vision be your guiding light.
• Set Achievable Milestones:
  • Break down your decluttering journey into manageable milestones. Whether it’s tackling one room at a time or decluttering a specific category of items, setting achievable goals keeps you motivated.
• Be Realistic and Flexible:
  • Understand that decluttering is a journey, not a race. Set goals that are challenging yet achievable, allowing room for adjustments as you progress.
• Write Down Your Goals:
  • Putting pen to paper solidifies your commitment. Write down your decluttering goals and place them where you can see them daily to stay focused.

Start Small, Start Now

Tackling Small Decluttering Projects

Starting is often the hardest part, but the secret is to start small and gradually build momentum. Let’s ease into the decluttering process:

• Choose a Tiny Target:
  • Select a small area, like a drawer or a countertop, and focus on decluttering just that. It’s amazing how a little progress can spark motivation.
• Sort into Keep, Donate, Discard:
  • As you go through items, sort them into three categories: keep (items you genuinely need or love), donate (items in good condition that can benefit others), and discard (items no longer useful or in poor condition).
• Set a Timer:
  • Feeling overwhelmed? Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and declutter until the timer rings. It’s surprising how much you can accomplish in a short burst of focused effort.
• Celebrate Your Progress:
  • Acknowledge and celebrate each small victory. It could be as simple as organizing your sock drawer. Every step forward is a step toward a clutter-free home.

Ready, set, declutter! Let’s take that first step and pave the way for a space that’s organized, serene, and truly yours.

What Are Some Efficient Techniques to Sort and Organize Items?

Exploring Methods like the Four-Box Technique and More

Sorting and organizing can be an exciting adventure! Here are some effective techniques to streamline the process:

• The Four-Box Technique:
  • Label four boxes as ‘Keep,’ ‘Donate,’ ‘Trash,’ and ‘Relocate.’ Sort items accordingly to swiftly categorize and organize belongings.
• The KonMari Method:
  • Organize by category, not location. Gather all similar items in one place, hold each item, and ask yourself if it sparks joy. Keep only those that do.
• The 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle):
  • Focus on the vital 20% of your belongings that contribute to 80% of your happiness and utility. Let go of the remaining 80%.
• Reverse Clothes Hanger Technique:
  • Hang all your clothes with hangers in reverse. After wearing an item, return it with the hanger facing the right way. After a set period, donate items still on reversed hangers.

Declutter Room by Room

Focusing on One Space at a Time for Effective Organization

Navigating room by room is the key to a well-organized home. Let’s break it down for smoother sailing:

• Start with the Easiest Room:
  • Begin with the room that overwhelms you the least. It builds confidence and sets a positive tone for the rest of your journey.
• Focus on Small Zones:
  • Divide the room into manageable sections, like a single shelf or a corner. Tackle one zone at a time for a sense of accomplishment.
• Finish One Room Before Moving On:
  • Stay disciplined. Finish organizing one room entirely before progressing to the next. It’s immensely satisfying and keeps you on track.

Room-Specific Examples

Let’s tailor our approach to various rooms in your home. Down below I provided a very helpful checklist for you to download to streamline your decluttering-experience that you can download here.

1. Living Room:

• Tip: Streamline your entertainment area.
• Example: Keep only essential electronics and neatly organize cables and accessories.

2. Kitchen:

• Tip: Declutter your kitchen countertops.
• Example: Store seldom-used appliances in cabinets to free up counter space.

3. Bedroom:

• Tip: Simplify your wardrobe.
• Example: Donate clothes you haven’t worn in the past year to create more space in your closet.

4. Bathroom:

• Tip: Organize your toiletries.
• Example: Use baskets or drawer dividers to separate different categories of items (e.g., skincare, haircare).

5. Home Office:

• Tip: Clear your desk and workspace.
• Example: Digitize documents to reduce paper clutter and keep only essential supplies on your desk.

6. Closet:

• Tip: Donate unused or ill-fitting clothes.
• Example: Arrange clothes by category or color for easy access and visibility.

By copying the simplistic approach of these room-specific examples, you’ll efficiently declutter each space, making your home a haven of organization and peace.

Minimalism: Less is More

Embracing a Minimalist Approach to Decluttering

Minimalism isn’t just a style; it’s a way of life. The following principles of minimalism inherently promote and simplify the decluttering process:

• Intentional Living: Minimalism encourages evaluating each possession’s purpose and value. This deliberation makes it easier to recognize what truly matters and what can be let go, streamlining the decluttering choices.
  
• Prioritization and Focus: By emphasizing the importance of what adds value, minimalism helps in setting priorities. This clarity makes it easier to identify and eliminate items that don’t align with your goals, simplifying the decluttering decision-making.
  
• Eliminating the Non-Essential: The essence of minimalism is about keeping only what’s essential and meaningful. This inherently prompts you to declutter by default, leaving behind only items that serve a purpose or bring joy.
  
• Mindful Consumption: Minimalism advocates for intentional acquisitions. When you’re conscious about what you bring into your life, you naturally acquire fewer things and, in turn, reduce the need to declutter frequently.
  
• Stress Reduction: Owning less reduces the stress of managing and organizing possessions. Minimalism encourages you to let go of items that cause unnecessary stress, leading to a clutter-free and more peaceful environment.
  
• Creating Space for What Matters: A fundamental aspect of minimalism is making space for what truly matters to you. This includes both physical and mental space, achieved by removing unnecessary possessions, allowing you to focus on what’s significant in your life.
  
• Aesthetic Simplicity: Minimalism advocates for a clean and simple aesthetic. This often prompts individuals to declutter and maintain a neat living space, aligning with the visual simplicity associated with minimalistic design.
  

9 Minimalist Approaches to Help You Declutter Your Home:

• The 30-Day Minimalism Game:
  • On day one, remove one item, on day two, remove two items, and so on for 30 days. This gradual approach helps you declutter without feeling overwhelmed.
• The 90/90 Rule:
  • If you haven’t used an item in the last 90 days and can’t see yourself using it in the next 90, it’s time to say goodbye.
• Packing Party:
  • Pack up everything as if you’re moving and only unpack items as you use them. After a set time, donate the items that remain packed.
• One In, One Out:
  • For every new item you bring into your home, let go of an old one. This maintains a balance and prevents clutter from piling up.
• Digital Minimalism:
  • Declutter your digital space by organizing files, deleting unused apps, and unsubscribing from newsletters you no longer read.
• Empty Space Philosophy:
  • Leave some areas of your home intentionally empty. It fosters a sense of openness and tranquility.
• Project 333:
  • Wear only 33 articles of clothing for 3 months. This encourages a minimalist wardrobe and simplifies your daily choices.
• Mindful Consumption:
  • Before making a purchase, ask if the item aligns with your values and if you genuinely need it. Avoid impulse purchases.
• Journey of 100 Things:
  • Challenge yourself to reduce your belongings to just 100 items. This forces you to prioritize and focus on what truly matters.

By mastering these efficient sorting techniques and embracing minimalism, you’ll unlock a world where less truly becomes more—more space, more peace, and more happiness.

Utilize Storage Solutions

Maximizing Space and Organization with Storage Solutions

Enhance your living space with clever storage solutions! Here’s how to make the most of your space:

• Vertical Storage:
  • Utilize wall-mounted shelves, pegboards, or hooks to keep items off surfaces and create more floor space.
• Under-Bed Storage:
  • Invest in storage containers or drawers designed to fit under your bed, making use of this often-unused space.
• Multi-Functional Furniture:
  • Opt for furniture that doubles as storage, like ottomans with hidden compartments or beds with built-in drawers.
• Clear Containers:
  • Use transparent storage containers to easily see what’s inside and maintain an organized, clutter-free look.

10 Best Organizational Tools for Your Home

• Shelf Dividers:
  • Keep your shelves neat and items organized with adjustable shelf dividers.
• Drawer Organizers:
  • Utilize drawer dividers to neatly arrange smaller items like socks, underwear, and accessories.
• Storage Bins and Baskets:
  • Opt for stylish bins or baskets to store items in common areas, adding a touch of organization to your space.
• Pegboards:
  • Maximize wall space with pegboards to hang and organize various tools, accessories, or kitchenware.
• Cord Organizers:
  • Neatly manage and organize cables and cords using cable management sleeves or clips.
• Over-the-Door Hooks and Racks:
  • Utilize these for additional hanging storage for towels, bags, or hats.
• Labeled Jars and Containers:
  • Keep your kitchen pantry or craft supplies organized and accessible with labeled jars and containers.
• Foldable Storage Ottomans:
  • Add seating and storage in one with foldable storage ottomans, perfect for hiding away items.
• Magnetic Knife Strips:
  • Safely store and access knives while saving counter or drawer space using magnetic knife strips.
• Accordion Folders:
  • Organize important documents and receipts in labeled accordion folders for easy access and retrieval.

Digitize Your Documents and Photos

Reducing Physical Paper and Clutter through Digital Organization

Say goodbye to paper clutter! Embrace the digital era with these simple steps:

• Invest in a Scanner:
  • Digitize important documents and old photos by scanning them. Organize these digital files on your computer or in the cloud.
• Organize Digital Files:
  • Create folders and categories for your digital documents, making it easy to find what you need without sifting through piles of paper.
• Use Note-Taking Apps:
  • Utilize apps for note-taking and document organization to reduce the need for physical notebooks and papers.

10 Best Apps for a Paperless and Well-Organized Filing System

• Evernote:
  • Capture and organize notes, documents, and images in one place, easily searchable and accessible from any device.
• Google Drive:
  • Store, access, and share files securely in the cloud with Google Drive’s intuitive interface.
• Dropbox:
  • Sync and share files seamlessly across devices, keeping your digital files organized and easily accessible.
• CamScanner:
  • Use your smartphone to scan documents, receipts, and business cards into PDFs for convenient digital storage.
• Notion:
  • A versatile tool for note-taking, project management, and document organization, all in one workspace.
• Trello:
  • Organize tasks, projects, and to-do lists in a visual format for efficient management and collaboration.
• OneNote:
  • Capture and organize notes, drawings, and audio files in digital notebooks for structured information management.
• FileThis:
  • Automate document organization by connecting to your accounts and fetching statements, bills, and receipts into a digital filing system.
• Scanner Pro:
  • Turn your smartphone into a portable scanner, capturing high-quality PDFs of documents for easy storage and sharing.
• Pocket:
  • Save articles, videos, and web content to read later, reducing digital clutter and keeping your reading list organized.

These organizational tools and apps will help streamline your life, making it easier to manage and access your belongings and digital files. Stay organized, efficient, and clutter-free!

Declutter Your Closet Regularly

Practical Steps to Simplify and Organize Your Wardrobe

Maintaining a clutter-free closet is easier than you think! Here’s how to keep your wardrobe in top shape:

• Declutter Ruthlessly:
  • Start by removing all items from your wardrobe. Assess each piece and be honest about what you wear and love. Donate or discard what you no longer need or use.
• Categorize Your Clothing:
  • Divide your clothes into categories like tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, etc. This makes it easier to see what you have and find specific items.
• Seasonal Rotation:
  • Consider storing out-of-season clothes to reduce clutter and make it easier to access what you need for the current season.
• Keep Everyday Essentials Accessible:
  • Arrange your most-worn items at eye level or within easy reach. This ensures you reach for what you wear often without sifting through.
• Color Coordination:
  • Arrange clothes by color within each category. This makes it simple to put together outfits and find what you’re looking for.
• Invest in Quality Hangers:
  • Use the same type of hangers for a uniform look. Slim, non-slip hangers save space and keep your clothes in good shape.
• Fold Strategically:
  • Fold clothes like t-shirts, jeans, and sweaters neatly to save space and make everything visible. Utilize drawer dividers for smaller items.
• Shoe Storage:
  • Store shoes in clear boxes or racks to protect them and keep them visible. Consider donating shoes you no longer wear.
• Regular Closet Edits:
  • Every few months, review your wardrobe. Donate items you haven’t worn, don’t like, or that no longer fit your style.
• Mindful Purchases:
  • Before adding a new item to your wardrobe, consider if it complements your existing clothes and if you truly need it. Quality over quantity is key.
• The ‘One-Year’ Rule:
  • If you haven’t worn an item in a year, it’s time to consider letting it go. This ensures your wardrobe remains current and functional.

With the right storage solutions and a minimal mindset, you’ll unlock a world of organization and efficiency in no time. Keep your living spaces tidy and well-structured, making everyday life a breeze.

Declutter Your Digital Space

Organizing and Simplifying Your Digital Files and Devices

Taming the digital chaos is essential for a streamlined life. Let’s tidy up your digital realm with these steps:

• Clear Out Unused Apps:
  • Delete apps you no longer use to free up space and simplify your device.
• Organize Your Files:
  • Create folders and categorize your files logically, making it easy to find what you need.
• Regular Backups:
  • Schedule regular backups of your important files to prevent data loss and maintain a clutter-free digital space.
• Unsubscribe and Declutter Emails:
  • Unsubscribe from newsletters and promotional emails you no longer need. Organize the remaining emails into folders.

Clear the clutter, both physical and digital, and transform unused items into something delightful. It’s a win-win for you and the environment.

Involve the Whole Family

5 Ways to Encourage Everyone to Contribute to a Tidy Home

Cleaning and organizing can be a family adventure! Here’s how to get everyone excited about maintaining a tidy, harmonious home:

• Create a Family Cleaning Playlist:
  • Curate a playlist of everyone’s favorite songs for cleaning time. Grooving to music makes tidying up a lively and enjoyable activity.
• Theme Cleaning Days:
  • Assign a theme for each cleaning day. Whether it’s ‘Superhero Clean-up Day’ or ‘Princess Sparkle Cleaning,’ let imagination soar and make cleaning a playful event.
• Designate Family Zones:
  • Assign specific areas for each family member to be responsible for. It instills a sense of ownership and teaches the importance of keeping one’s space tidy.
• Family Clean-Up Race:
  • Turn tidying into a friendly competition by timing how fast each family member can tidy up their designated area. Offer a small reward to the winner to keep the excitement going.
• Express Gratitude:
  • Acknowledge and appreciate each family member’s efforts to keep the home tidy. Expressing gratitude fosters a positive environment and motivates everyone to contribute.

5 Creative Ways to Encourage Your Kids to Help

Getting kids excited about cleaning is easier than you think! Here are some fun and creative ways to involve your little helpers:

• Colorful Chore Chart:
  • Create a vibrant chore chart with colorful markers and stickers. Let your kids choose their chores and mark them off when completed.
• Treasure Hunt Cleanup:
  • Turn cleaning into a treasure hunt. Create a list of items to find and put away. Kids can enjoy the ‘hunt’ and get their spaces organized.
• Storytelling Cleanup:
  • Invent a storytelling session while cleaning. Create a story where each task corresponds to a part of the plot. It makes cleaning more imaginative and entertaining.
• Dance and Declutter:
  • Crank up some music and have a dance party while cleaning. Encourage your kids to ‘dance away’ the mess as they tidy up.
• Reward System:
  • Set up a reward system where completing chores earns them points. Accumulated points can lead to special treats or outings they’d love.

With a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of fun, you’ll have your family excited about keeping your home organized and cheerful.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

When to Hire Organizers or Experts?

Hey there! We get it—life gets busy, and sometimes our homes reflect that. If you’re feeling a bit buried under the clutter or simply short on time, bringing in the pros can be a game-changer. Here’s when you might want to consider waving the magic wand of expert help:

• Your Clutter is Throwing a Party:
  • If the clutter in your space has decided to host its own never-ending party, it might be time to invite a professional organizer to bring order and calm back into your life.
• Time’s Your Rare Treasure:
  • Time is precious, and maybe your schedule resembles a whirlwind. Hiring experts to handle the nitty-gritty of decluttering can free up your hours for the things you truly love doing.
• Moving? Downscaling? They Got You:
  • Planning a move or downsizing your living space? The expert touch can make the transition smoother than a jazz melody. Organizers can help you sort, pack, and decide what makes the move with you.
• Sentimental Attachments Holding Strong:
  • If parting with possessions feels like saying goodbye to old friends, experts can guide you through the emotional journey of letting go while preserving what truly matters.
• Puzzle Pieces Need Rearranging:
  • If your home feels like a puzzle missing a few pieces, interior designers and space planners can work their magic, optimizing your space for the coziest, most organized vibes.
• Storage Woes Begone:
  • When your storage solutions need a custom touch, the professionals can design and install personalized systems that make your space both efficient and stylish.

Remember, inviting experts into your home isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about creating a space that brings you joy and peace. So go ahead, and give yourself the gift of a clutter-free, beautifully organized home!

Sustain a Clutter-Free Lifestyle in the Long Run

A Strategy for Maintaining a Tidy Home and Preventing Clutter

Maintaining a clutter-free space isn’t a one-time sprint—it’s a delightful marathon. Here’s a dedicated strategy to keep that victory flag flying high:

The Weekly Organization Power Hour:

• Set a Designated Hour Weekly:
  • Choose a consistent time each week dedicated to organizing and decluttering. It could be Sunday morning, ‘Tidy Tuesday’ after work, or even a peaceful Saturday afternoon.
• Room by Room, Zone by Zone:
  • Divide your home into zones and dedicate each week to one zone. During your power hour, focus on tidying, decluttering, and reorganizing that particular zone.
• Tackle One Task at a Time:
  • Within each zone, break tasks into manageable chunks. For instance, if you’re organizing the kitchen, one week could be for decluttering utensils, another for pantry organization, and so on.
• Reflect and Plan Ahead:
  • At the end of your weekly power hour, take a moment to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what needs adjustment for the next session. Adjust your plan accordingly.
• Celebrate Your Weekly Wins:
  • Celebrate the progress you’ve made! Acknowledge each small win, whether it’s a decluttered drawer or an organized closet. It keeps you motivated for the next week.

Consistency and gentle persistence are the superheroes in this strategy. Your clutter-free lifestyle is within reach, and this weekly power hour will keep your spaces peaceful and organized for the long haul.

Conclusion

Celebrate Your Triumph Over Clutter!

You’ve conquered clutter and embraced calm. Every organized corner is a triumph. But this is just the beginning.

Embrace Fresh Beginnings:

Each day is a chance to start anew. Let the clutter-free life guide you towards a more purposeful journey.

You’ve Got the Power:

Decluttering isn’t just about stuff; it’s about reclaiming control. Maintain this power, for it leads to a happier, intentional life.

Onward to Joyful Spaces:

Keep the momentum. Your clutter-free haven is a testament to your determination. Let it inspire a clutter-free, joyful world.