Do you ever walk into a room and feel instantly deflated by the mess? The weight of clutter can be draining. If the idea of decluttering leaves you paralyzed, don't worry. We'll share easy-to-follow decluttering tips so you know what to do with house clutter. Think of it as small victories that lead to a big transformation in your home and your mindset.
What Are the Benefits of Decluttering?
Decluttering can improve your overall quality of life. Let’s look at some of the advantages of decluttering:
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Visual clutter creates a constant mental burden. Every time you see it, your brain subconsciously processes the mess, adding to your overall stress load. Decluttering removes those visual triggers, promoting a calmer, clearer mind.
Improved Productivity
Have you ever spent 15 minutes searching for your keys or phone? Clutter acts like a physical and mental obstacle course. By giving everything a designated spot, you eliminate wasted time spent hunting for misplaced items.
Increased Sense of Control
Feeling overwhelmed by your belongings? Decluttering empowers you to take charge of your surroundings. It's a chance to make conscious choices about what stays and what goes.
Enhanced Aesthetic
A tidy, organized home is simply more inviting and enjoyable to live in. Decluttering allows you to appreciate the beauty of your space and create a haven that reflects your style.
Monetary Benefits
Decluttering can put money back in your pocket. Selling unwanted items online or at a garage sale can generate extra income. You might also rediscover forgotten belongings. This saves you from unnecessary duplicate purchases.
Now that you have an idea of the benefits of decluttering, let’s talk about the 15 tips to declutter your home. Many people have no idea what to do with house clutter, making the process seem overwhelming. However, with these tips, you'll understand how to get started.
Tip #1: Start Small and Focus
It's easy to feel paralyzed by the sheer scale of decluttering an entire house. That's why you should break the process down into bite-sized chunks. Instead of tackling your whole home at once, focus on one manageable area. This could be a single drawer in your kitchen, a shelf in your pantry, or a corner of your bedroom closet.
Small successes build confidence and maintain your motivation. As you declutter these smaller zones, you'll develop a system that translates easily to larger areas down the road. Remember, prioritize progress over perfection.
Tip #2: The Essential Decluttering Toolkit
Before you dive in, gather a few basic supplies to make the process smoother. You’ll need the following items:
Boxes/Bins: Designate large boxes or bins with clear labels: "Trash," "Donate," "Recycle," "Keep," and "Relocate" (for items that belong in a different room).
Trash Bags: Have these handy for immediate disposal.
Cleaning Supplies: A quick wipe-down of shelves or drawers as you empty them makes the space feel fresh.
Having these tools ready prevents decision-making fatigue and streamlines the sorting process. You won't have to break your momentum to search for a trash bag or figure out where to put items you want to donate.
Tip #3: Remember The 5-Second Rule
Decluttering involves making lots of decisions, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. The 5-Second Rule is a simple trick to speed things up and combat indecision. As you pick up an item, give yourself five seconds to decide if you want to keep it.
Don't allow yourself to overthink or rationalize. If you can't remember the last time you used it, loved it, or needed it, chances are it's time to let it go. This quick decision-making process helps prevent analysis paralysis and keeps your decluttering session smooth.
Having someone with you can speed up the process. Have them hold up the items as you decide. Touching an item can delay decision making.
Tip #4: Sorting Strategies for House Clutter
Once you start decluttering, you'll need a way to decide what stays and what goes. Here are a few popular methods to help you sort your belongings:
The 20/20 Rule
If you can replace the item for less than $20 and spend less than 20 minutes doing so, it might be time to let it go. This rule works well for common household items that tend to accumulate.
The 80/20 Rule
Recognize that we use about 20% of our stuff 80% of the time. If an item falls outside that 20%, consider whether it's truly serving a purpose in your life.
"Does this spark joy?"
Made famous by Marie Kondo, this method encourages you to hold an item and ask yourself if it brings you happiness or serves a practical function. If the answer is no, it's a candidate for letting go.
Don't feel pressured to use just one method. Experiment to see what works best for you and the types of items you're decluttering.
Tip #5: Where to Get Rid of House Clutter
Once you've sorted through your items, you'll need to decide what to do with your house clutter. Consider these options for responsible disposal:
Donation Centers
Many charities and thrift stores gladly accept gently used clothing, household goods, toys, and books. Choose organizations with a mission you support, and be sure to ask for a donation receipt for tax purposes.
Consignment Shops
For higher-end clothing, furniture, or decor items, consignment shops offer a way to earn money back. Be sure to check their specific guidelines and what items they accept.
Online Marketplaces
Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and similar platforms let you sell items directly to local buyers. This is a good option for in-demand items or if you want to set your prices.
Responsible Disposal
For items that can't be donated or sold, ensure they're disposed of properly. Utilize recycling centers, and e-waste disposal facilities for electronics, and check your municipality's guidelines for any special collection events.
Tip #6: Find a Home for Everything
Once you've decluttered, keep the chaos at bay by making sure everything has a designated "home." Here are some ideas:
Storage Solutions
Use baskets, bins, drawer dividers, and shelving units to organize your belongings. Choose a variety of sizes and shapes to fit your specific needs. Do not buy bins before you know what you have to organize. I can’t tell you how many homes I have been in where the organinzing bins and supplies are a big part of the clutter.
Label Your Things
Clear labels help everyone in the household know where things go, making it easier to put items away correctly.Use pictures if there are young children in the house. This way everyone , yes even toddlers can help clean up.
"Like with Like"
Group similar items together for ease of finding what you need. Store baking supplies together, office supplies in one dedicated space, and categorize your cleaning products.
Remember, the goal is to create a system that feels intuitive and works for your family's lifestyle.
Tip #7: Organize Your Closet
Closets can easily become a dumping ground for clothes we rarely wear or no longer fit. You can organize your wardrobe by sorting them in the following categories:
The "Has it Been Worn in a Year?" Test
If you haven't worn something in the past year, it's likely time to let it go. Exceptions can be made for special occasion items or formal wear.
Sentimental Items
Those concert T-shirts or bridesmaid dresses might hold memories, but do they need to take up valuable closet space? You can take a photo of them before donating.
Swap Out Seasonal Clothing
Store off-season clothing in bins or under-bed boxes to free up prime closet real estate for the clothes you're currently wearing.
Don't be afraid to be ruthless. A decluttered closet makes getting dressed easier and saves you time every morning.
Tip #8: Don't Ignore Paper Clutter
Bills, junk mail, kids' artwork, and random notes can quickly take over countertops and drawers. Get your paper clutter under control by doing the following:
Go Digital
Switch to paperless billing and statements whenever possible. This reduces clutter and makes it easier to keep track of important documents.
Shred Sensitive Documents
Invest in a shredder or utilize shredding services to protect your personal information. Don't simply toss documents with your name, address, or account numbers in the trash.
Small Basket for 'Action Needed' Mail
Designate a small, clearly labeled basket or tray for mail that requires attention (bills to pay, forms to fill out). This prevents those important papers from getting lost in piles.
Make it a habit to sort and process mail regularly to avoid it piling up.
Tip #9: Control Your Kitchen Clutter
Kitchens are hubs of activity, making them prone to clutter accumulation. Restore the order in your kitchen by doing these tips:
Donate Duplicate Utensils and Gadgets.
Do you really need three whisks or that avocado slicer you used once? Paring down to the essentials frees up valuable cabinet and drawer space.
Toss Expired Pantry Items.
Check expiration dates on food items and spices. Toss anything past its prime and make a note of what needs to be replaced.
Consolidate Food Storage Containers.
Mismatched containers with missing lids create chaos. Invest in a set of stackable containers for a more streamlined pantry or cupboard.
Focus on creating a kitchen that functions well for the way you cook and eat. Decluttering makes finding what you need easier and helps prevent impulse purchases of items you already have tucked away.
Tip #10: Declutter the Bathroom
Bathrooms tend to be small spaces, which means clutter becomes noticeable quickly. Toss expired medications, makeup, and skincare products. If you haven't used it in a while, it's likely time to let it go.
Similar to your medicine cabinet, check expiration dates on cosmetics and toiletries. Old products can harbor bacteria and become less effective over time.
Lastly, designate a reasonable amount of towels and washcloths per person. Donate any extras or those that are stained or threadbare. A decluttered bathroom creates a sense of calm and makes your morning and evening routines more efficient.
Tip #11: Tame the Sentimental Clutter
Items with sentimental value can be the hardest to let go. If you find yourself struggling, try these strategies: Take photos of cherished items like children's artwork or old greeting cards. This way, you preserve the memory without the item taking up physical space.
Alternatively, create designated memory boxes or bins for special mementos. Setting limits on what can be included forces you to be selective about what truly deserves to be kept. For inherited items you don't personally use, consider gifting them to a family member who might treasure them more.
Tip #12: The Decluttering Mindset Shift
Decluttering is also about changing your relationship with your possessions. Focus on what you're gaining by decluttering, such as peace, freedom, and a more spacious home.
Celebrate small victories along the way, and don't get discouraged if it takes some time. If you live with others, make decluttering a team effort. Discuss goals together and create systems that work for everyone to help maintain order in the long term.
Tip #13: Declutter for Different Life Stages
Different life stages mean different decluttering needs. Seniors downsizing may need emotional support to sort through belongings. If you're moving, decluttering beforehand makes the process smoother and cheaper. For families, get kids involved in decluttering by setting clear expectations and making it fun.
Tip #14: Maintain Your Decluttered Home
To keep the clutter from creeping back in, adopt a few simple habits. The "one in, one out" rule is a great way to prevent re-accumulation. When you bring a new item home, find an existing one to donate or discard.
Regular decluttering micro-sessions, even just 15 minutes at a time, can help tackle small areas before they become overwhelming. Finally, set realistic standards for your home. It doesn't need to be magazine-perfect but aims for a space that feels functional and welcoming.
Tip #15: Call in Professional Help
Professional organizers offer more than just physical help. Consider enlisting support if you feel overwhelmed by the project and need help breaking it down into manageable steps. They excel at creating customized systems and solutions tailored to your specific needs and space limitations. An organizer can also provide an objective viewpoint, making it easier to let go of items that no longer serve you.
Ready To Break Free From Clutter? We Can Help
Dealing with house clutter is stressful, but the rewards are worth the effort. If you're struggling to know what to do with house clutter or where to begin, we’re here to help. We’ll guide you through the decluttering process, creating personalized systems to simplify your space and maximize its functionality.