Clutter can quietly build up in your home, making it harder to relax and focus. When your space feels chaotic, it often affects your mood and productivity without you even realizing it.
Removing certain items from your home can create a sense of calm almost immediately. This article will help you identify those common things that professional organizers suggest letting go to bring more peace and order into your daily life.
Create a ‘purgatory place’ for uncertain items
When you’re unsure about keeping something, create a special spot for it. This “purgatory place” helps you avoid immediate decisions and clutter.
Place items there for a set time, like a month. If you don’t use or miss them, it’s a sign they can go.
This approach stops your space from filling up with things you don’t need but aren’t ready to part with yet. It’s a simple way to keep calm and organized.
Use the “can’t see, won’t wear” principle for clothes
If you have clothes hidden in the back of your closet or shoved out of sight, you probably don’t wear them. Out of sight often means out of mind.
Try moving items you haven’t worn in months to a separate spot. If you don’t reach for them after a set time, it’s a signal to let them go.
This simple trick helps clear your closet and makes it easier to focus on the clothes you truly use. It creates instant calm by reducing visual clutter.
Sort items by emotional attachment honestly
When you start sorting, notice how certain items make you feel. Be honest about whether they truly bring you joy or just guilt.
It’s okay to take breaks if emotions get strong. This helps you stay clear-headed and make better choices.
Focus on keeping what supports your current life, not just memories. This honest approach helps create calm and space.
Label storage bins clearly to reduce guesswork
You can save time by labeling your storage bins clearly. When everything has a name, you won’t have to dig through boxes to find what you need.
Use removable or clip-on labels so you can easily update them when contents change. Clear, simple labels help keep your space organized and reduce frustration during your daily routine.
Remove duplicates to free up space
You probably have more than one version of the same item, especially in your kitchen. Removing duplicates helps clear clutter and makes it easier to find what you need.
Think about spices, utensils, or gadgets you rarely use but keep “just in case.” Keeping only what you regularly use frees up both drawer and shelf space.
This simple step reduces visual noise, which can help your space feel calmer and more organized right away.
Toss expired products immediately
You should check expiration dates on food, skincare, and other products regularly. Expired items take up space and can cause clutter.
Throw away dry goods that are past their expiration by a few months. This helps keep your kitchen and pantry fresh.
Don’t forget things like makeup, medications, and cleaning supplies. Removing expired items creates a cleaner, calmer space for you.
Organize by frequency of use
Place the items you use daily within easy reach. This saves time and reduces the frustration of digging through clutter.
Less frequently used items can go in drawers or higher shelves. You won’t miss them often, and your space will feel calmer.
Seasonal or rarely used things should be stored out of sight. This keeps your everyday areas open and tidy.
Implement a lazy Susan in cabinets
You can quickly increase your cabinet’s usability by adding a lazy Susan. It helps you access items in deep or corner cabinets without digging or pulling everything out.
Place frequently used items like spices, oils, or small containers on the turntable. This keeps things visible and easy to reach, reducing clutter and frustration.
A lazy Susan also helps you organize pots and pans more efficiently. It’s a simple change that brings order and calm to your kitchen space.
Donate items not used in the past year
If you haven’t touched something in over a year, it’s a good candidate to donate. Holding onto unused items can create unnecessary clutter and stress.
You can feel good knowing your donations go to people who will appreciate and use them. Label a box for your chosen charity and fill it with items in good condition.
This simple step can clear space quickly and help others at the same time. Remember, if an item is damaged or worn out, it’s better to recycle or toss it.
Schedule regular decluttering sessions
You’ll find it helpful to set aside time for decluttering regularly. Short sessions prevent the task from feeling overwhelming.
Try breaking it down by rooms or even corners. This way, each small step is progress toward a calmer space.
Consistent effort helps keep things from piling up again. Decluttering a little at a time makes maintaining order easier.
Use clear containers for visibility
Using clear containers helps you see what’s inside at a glance. This makes it easier to find items quickly without digging through clutter.
Clear containers also encourage you to keep things neat because the contents are visible. You’ll likely feel more motivated to maintain order when everything is in plain sight.
They work well for kitchens, craft supplies, and small tools. Clear storage reduces stress by helping you stay organized and efficient.
Keep sentimental items to a manageable limit
You don’t have to keep every sentimental item to feel connected to your memories. Choosing a few meaningful pieces helps reduce clutter and makes your space feel calmer.
Try setting a size limit, like a memory box, to keep only what truly matters. This helps you honor your feelings without overwhelming your home.
Remember, it’s okay to let go of some things. The memories live on, even if the items don’t.
Store similar items together
Grouping like items keeps your space neat and easy to navigate. When you store similar things together, you spend less time searching for what you need.
Use containers or dividers to create clear sections. This helps you see everything at a glance and prevents clutter from mixing.
Try keeping everyday essentials in one spot. It makes your daily routine smoother and your room calmer.
Create a daily 5-minute tidying routine
You can calm your space by spending just five minutes each day tidying up. Focus on quick tasks like putting away clothes, clearing countertops, or sorting mail.
Keep it simple and regular. This small effort prevents clutter from building over time.
Set a timer to stay on track. Making this routine a habit helps your home feel more organized with very little stress.
Let go of ‘just in case’ items
You might hold onto things because you think you’ll need them someday. These “just in case” items often create clutter and take up space you could use better.
Try to be honest with yourself about what you really use and what you just feel obligated to keep. Letting go frees up room and reduces stress.
If it’s truly important, you can replace it later. Otherwise, putting these items behind can help you feel calmer and more organized.
Use vertical storage solutions
You can save a lot of space by using vertical storage options. Installing pegboards lets you hang tools or craft supplies, keeping them visible and easy to reach.
Floating shelves are another great choice for displaying books or decorative items without cluttering your surfaces. This way, your belongings stay organized and off the floor.
Vertical storage helps you maximize wall space, making your room feel calmer and more open. Try adding hooks or clear hanging organizers to keep things tidy and accessible.
Keep counters free of clutter
You can create instant calm by keeping your kitchen counters clear. Start by giving every item a specific home, so nothing lingers on the surface.
Use slim shelves or outlet organizers to store small objects and devices without crowding your counters. Regularly remove items you don’t use daily to maintain space.
Clear counters make cooking and cleaning easier, and they help your kitchen feel more open and peaceful.
Establish a designated drop zone for keys and mail
Create a specific spot near your entryway for your keys and mail. This helps prevent clutter from spreading around your home. Use hooks, a small tray, or a bowl to keep your keys in one place.
Add a basket or organizer for your mail to keep papers tidy and easy to find. Having this simple setup makes it easier to find what you need and keeps your space calm.
