Let’s be real—keeping a home clutter-free can feel like an endless battle, especially when you’re balancing life with toddlers, a baby, and all the other responsibilities that come with being a busy mom. But what if I told you that you could declutter your space and make a huge impact in just one weekend? It’s possible!
By tackling small areas strategically and following these easy hacks, you’ll see a noticeable difference in your home without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re drowning in toys, papers, or random knick-knacks, these decluttering tips will help you create a more organized, peaceful space in no time. Ready to take back control of your home?
1. Start with the Obvious Clutter
When you’re ready to declutter, start with the most visible and obvious clutter. Things like empty bottles, expired food, old magazines, and mail can accumulate quickly and make a space feel chaotic. Grab a trash bag or recycling bin and walk through your home, gathering everything that’s clearly garbage.
This easy step can make a significant impact and will give you an immediate sense of accomplishment, which will motivate you to tackle the more challenging areas.
2. Use the 80/20 Rule
The 80/20 rule is a game-changer when it comes to decluttering. This rule suggests that 80% of the time, you only use 20% of your things. Look around your home and identify the items you truly use regularly, whether it’s your kitchen gadgets, clothing, or decor.
For everything else that’s collecting dust or being shoved to the back of a drawer, ask yourself if it’s worth keeping. By eliminating the things you rarely use, you’ll instantly simplify your space and make it feel more functional.
3. Maximize Vertical Space
One of the easiest ways to declutter without sacrificing storage space is to make use of your vertical space. Install shelves on walls or invest in tall storage units that take advantage of the space above your countertops, tables, or floors.
Hanging hooks or pegboards can help you organize everything from bags to keys to small kitchen tools, keeping them easily accessible but off your surfaces. Vertical storage allows you to clear up floor space while still keeping your things within reach.
4. Create a “Donate Box” and Commit to It
As you go through each room, make a habit of creating a “donate box.” For everything you come across that no longer serves a purpose or has sentimental value, toss it into the box. Once the box is full, take it straight to your car and drop it off at a donation center.
Don’t let it sit in your garage or hallway for too long—it’s easy to get attached to things once they’re out of sight, but sticking to your decision to donate will keep your space uncluttered and help those in need.
5. Declutter by Category, Not by Room
Instead of tackling an entire room at once, try decluttering by category. Start with one category at a time, like clothing, books, or kitchen gadgets. For example, take every book in your house and lay them out on your living room floor. As you go through each one, ask yourself if you’ve read it in the last year or if it truly brings you joy.
This method helps you see the full extent of what you own, and you’ll be able to make decisions more efficiently when all the items in a category are in one place.
6. Create a “Maybe” Box for Difficult Decisions
It’s normal to feel uncertain about whether to keep or donate certain items, especially if they hold sentimental value or might be useful “someday.” For these items, create a “maybe” box. Place everything you’re unsure about inside the box, then seal it and put it out of sight for a few weeks.
If, after the designated time, you haven’t needed or thought about those items, it’s time to let them go. This strategy prevents you from second-guessing yourself and helps you make decisions with less emotional attachment.
7. Digitize Paperwork
Paper clutter is one of the most common sources of chaos in the home. Take a few hours over the weekend to sort through your paperwork. Throw away outdated or unnecessary papers, like old utility bills or expired warranties.
For anything you need to keep, scan it into your computer or use a document management app to create digital files. This will save space and make it easier to find important documents when you need them, without sifting through stacks of paper.
8. Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture
If you’re short on space but need to keep several items on hand, consider investing in multi-functional furniture. Items like ottomans with hidden storage, coffee tables with drawers, or beds with built-in storage can help you hide clutter while still providing functional pieces for your home.
These clever furniture solutions help you make the most of your space without overcrowding, which is key for keeping your home both stylish and practical.
9. Sort and Organize Your Closet
Closets can quickly become the dumping ground for all kinds of clutter, from clothes to shoes to random items you don’t know where to put. Take the weekend to go through your closet and organize everything. Start by removing clothes you no longer wear or that don’t fit and donate them.
Invest in clear bins or baskets to organize shoes, accessories, and smaller items. By organizing your closet, you not only create more space but also make it easier to find what you need without rummaging through piles of things.
10. Set Decluttering Goals and Stick to Them
Before you start your weekend decluttering session, set clear and achievable goals. For example, decide you want to declutter your living room, kitchen counters, and two closets. Break down each goal into smaller tasks, like clearing off the coffee table, sorting through the pantry, or organizing the shoe rack.
Having specific goals will help you stay on track and avoid getting sidetracked or overwhelmed. Once the goals are set, commit to finishing them by the end of the weekend. Not only will this keep you motivated, but you’ll also feel a sense of accomplishment when everything is completed.
