We all have those moments where we look around our homes and think: “How did I accumulate so much stuff?” Clutter can quickly become overwhelming, affecting our mood, productivity, and even our health. As someone who has wrestled with a clutter problem for years, I’ve learned quite a few tips and tricks the hard way. These are tried-and-true decluttering tips that helped me gain control over my living space, and I’m confident they can help you too.
1. Start Small
Don’t try to declutter your entire house in one day. Instead, start with one room or even one drawer. This approach is less overwhelming and allows you to make progress without burning out. I started with my kitchen junk drawer, and the sense of accomplishment I felt from that small victory inspired me to keep going.
Set a timer for 15 minutes and see how much you can accomplish. You’ll be surprised at how much you can declutter in a short amount of time. Plus, the timer creates a sense of urgency that can overcome procrastination. You may even find that you want to keep going after the timer goes off!
2. Use the Four-Box Method
This method involves getting four boxes and labeling them: “Trash,” “Give Away,” “Keep,” and “Relocate.” As you go through your items, decide which box each one belongs in. This system makes the decision-making process easier and faster.
The four-box method helped me make quick decisions and kept me from getting overwhelmed. I found that most of my items ended up in the “Trash” or “Give Away” boxes, which was a real eye-opener. Remember, the goal is to reduce the amount of stuff in your home, not just to reorganize it.
3. Don’t Buy More Storage
It can be tempting to run out and buy more storage containers when you start decluttering. But remember, the goal is to have less stuff, not to find more places to hide it. I learned this the hard way when I filled up several new storage bins only to realize I still had too much stuff.
Instead of buying more storage, focus on purging items you don’t need or love. Once you’ve eliminated the clutter, you may find that you already have enough storage space. If you do need more storage, make sure it’s functional and fits your lifestyle.
4. The One-Year Rule
If you haven’t used an item in the last year, it’s a good candidate for decluttering. This rule applies to everything from clothes to kitchen gadgets. I found this rule particularly helpful for dealing with items I was holding onto “just in case.”
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, like seasonal items or sentimental keepsakes. But for the most part, if you haven’t used an item in a year, you probably don’t need it. Be honest with yourself and let go of things that are just taking up space.
5. Donate or Sell Unwanted Items
One person’s clutter is another person’s treasure. Consider donating or selling items you no longer need. Not only will this help clear out your space, but it could also help someone else.
I’ve had success selling items on online marketplaces and at garage sales. And donating items to charity not only feels good but can also be a tax write-off. Just make sure to get a receipt for your donation.
6. Deal With Paper Clutter
Paper clutter can quickly pile up and become overwhelming. To deal with it, I’ve implemented a simple system: Immediately toss junk mail, file important documents, and scan anything else you need to keep.
Consider signing up for electronic statements and bills to reduce the amount of paper coming into your home. And remember, you don’t need to keep every piece of paper that crosses your path. Be selective and only keep what’s truly important.
7. Keep a Donation Box
Keep a box or bag in your home for items you decide to donate. Whenever you come across something you don’t need or love, put it in the box. When the box is full, take it to your local charity shop.
This ongoing decluttering method keeps clutter from building up and makes the process less overwhelming. Plus, it’s a great way to continually evaluate what you really need and use.
8. Everything Has a Home
One of the keys to staying decluttered is making sure everything has a designated place. If an item doesn’t have a home, it’s easy for it to end up as clutter. I found that once I assigned a spot for everything, my home stayed much neater and more organized.
Try to keep items stored near where you use them. For example, keep your coffee mugs near the coffee maker and your keys by the door. This not only keeps your home organized but also makes your life easier.
9. Be Mindful of What You Bring Into Your Home
One of the best ways to avoid clutter is to be mindful of what you bring into your home. Before you make a purchase, ask yourself if you really need the item and where you’ll keep it. This simple step can prevent a lot of unnecessary clutter.
Try to adopt a “one in, one out” rule. If you buy a new shirt, donate an old one. This keeps your stuff at a manageable level and prevents clutter from building up.
10. Regularly Declutter
Decluttering isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process. Regularly evaluate your possessions and declutter as needed.
I’ve found that a seasonal declutter works well for me. At the change of each season, I go through my home and declutter. This keeps clutter from building up and makes the process manageable.
11. Get the Family Involved
If you live with others, get them involved in the decluttering process. Not only will this make the job go faster, but it also gets everyone on the same page about keeping the home clutter-free.
Make decluttering a family event. Put on some music, set a timer, and see how much you can accomplish together. You might be surprised at how much fun you can have while decluttering.
12. Don’t Let Sentimentality Hold You Hostage
It’s easy to hold onto items for sentimental reasons. But remember, your memories aren’t in the objects themselves, but in the experiences and people they represent.
If you’re struggling to let go of sentimental items, consider taking a photo of them or keeping a small piece instead of the whole thing. For example, you could keep a single t-shirt from a concert instead of the whole collection.
13. Use Vertical Space
If you’re short on storage space, don’t forget about your walls. Shelves, hooks, and wall-mounted organizers can give you extra storage without taking up floor space.
I’ve found this especially helpful in small rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. Just be careful not to overdo it and create visual clutter.
14. Celebrate Your Progress
Decluttering can be a big job, so celebrate your progress. Whether you cleared out a drawer or your whole house, be proud of what you’ve accomplished.
Reward yourself with a treat, a break, or even just a pat on the back. Remember, decluttering is a journey, not a destination.