How to Declutter Your Home: Easy Steps for a Tidy Space

Today, I’m sharing my personal tips on how to declutter your home and make it a peaceful, organized space where you can truly relax. I remember the first time I tackled the chaos that was my living room. It felt like I was drowning in a sea of knick-knacks, magazines, and random items that just didn’t belong. 

I wasn’t sure where to begin, and I wasn’t even sure I had the energy for it. But then I realized—decluttering doesn’t need to be overwhelming! It’s all about taking it one step at a time. Trust me, once you get started, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!

What Is Decluttering and Why Is It Important?

Decluttering is more than just throwing things out—it’s about creating a home that serves you, not the other way around. It’s about making room for what really matters by removing things that no longer serve a purpose. A cluttered home can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed, but a tidy, organized space can help reduce anxiety, improve focus, and even boost your productivity. When you declutter your home, you’re not just making your space look better—you’re also improving your overall well-being.

How to Declutter Your Home: The Preparation and Sorting System

Before you dive into decluttering, it’s essential to set up a system that will help you stay on track and avoid decision fatigue. To do this, you’ll need a few simple tools and strategies. Start by creating a designated area where you can sort through your items. You’ll need boxes or containers labeled for specific categories: Donate/Sell, Recycle, Trash, and Put Away (for items that belong in other rooms).

One great technique I’ve used is the “Maybe” Box. For items you’re unsure about, put them in a box and set a calendar reminder for six months. If you haven’t opened the box by then, donate it without looking inside. This strategy helps you avoid second-guessing yourself and lets you take a more detached approach to the process.

Core Decluttering Strategies

To make decluttering easier, it’s important to follow some core strategies that will help you make decisions quickly and efficiently. Here are a few rules I use to keep myself on track:

20/20 Rule: Keep It Simple

The 20/20 Rule is simple: If you can replace an item for less than $20 and in under 20 minutes, get rid of it. This rule helps you cut through the sentimental attachments we sometimes form with items we don’t need. If it’s easy to replace and isn’t adding value to your space, let it go!

80/20 Rule: Focus on the Essentials

The 80/20 Rule says that we typically use 20% of our belongings 80% of the time. When following decluttering tips, focus on clearing out the unused 80%. This rule is particularly helpful when going through clothes, books, or kitchen gadgets. If you’re not using something regularly, it’s time to let it go.

Core 4 Method: A Quick System for Any Space

When you tackle a space, apply the Core 4 Method:

1. Clear Out—Empty the space completely.

2. Categorize—Group similar items together.

3. Cut Out—Eliminate what you don’t need.

4. Contain—Organize the remaining items in a way that makes sense.
   

How to Declutter Your Home: Room-by-Room Checklist

Decluttering can feel like a huge task, but breaking it down by room makes it much more manageable. Below is a room-by-room checklist to help you focus and concentrate on your efforts.

Room	Focus Areas	What to Discard
Kitchen	Counters, pantry, “junk” drawer	Expired food, duplicate gadgets, mismatched lids
Bathroom	Medicine cabinet, under-sink storage	Expired medication, old makeup, half-used toiletries
Bedroom	Nightstands, dresser tops, closet	Clothes that don’t fit/flatter, old magazines, unusable chargers
Living Room	Coffee tables, shelves, media consoles	Unused decor, old remote controls, stacks of paperwork
Entryway	Drop zones, coat closets	Out-of-season gear, broken umbrellas, junk mail

As you go through each room, remember to focus on one area at a time. For example, when I started with my kitchen, I tackled the counters first. It felt so satisfying to clear away all the clutter and make space for a fresh start. Don’t rush through it—take your time, and don’t forget to celebrate each small victory along the way.

Maintaining a Decluttered Home

Decluttering your home isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle. To keep things organized, you need to develop a few habits that will help you stay on top of things.

Daily Reset: Keep Your Space Tidy

I like to spend 10-20 minutes every evening returning items to their “homes” and clearing flat surfaces, like kitchen counters. It only takes a few minutes but helps prevent clutter from building up. The idea is to maintain your decluttered space with small, consistent actions.

One-Touch Rule: Handle It Immediately

The One-Touch Rule is simple: When you pick up an item (like mail or keys), deal with it immediately. This prevents you from putting things down “to deal with later,” which is how clutter often builds up in the first place. To my surprise, I’ve found that clutter affects the brain. This habit alone has helped me keep things tidy and organized.

Seasonal Sweeps: Check Seasonal Items

Every few months, perform a deeper declutter of seasonal items—clothes, decorations, holiday gear, etc. Take a look at what you still use and value, and donate or toss anything you no longer need. Doing this at least twice a year will ensure that your home stays clutter-free and that you’re not holding onto things that have outlived their usefulness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Long Does It Take to Declutter My Home?

The time it takes to declutter your home depends on how much clutter you have and how many rooms you’re working on. If you’re tackling your entire home, it may take several weeks. But don’t worry! By focusing on one room or area at a time, you’ll make steady progress. The key is to keep at it and not get discouraged.

2. Should I Keep Everything That Has Sentimental Value?

It’s tough, but sentimental items should be evaluated carefully. Does the item truly bring joy or serve a purpose, or is it just taking up space? Consider keeping the ones that hold significant emotional value, but let go of anything that you no longer feel connected to. You can also take pictures of sentimental items and then part with them, allowing you to preserve the memory without keeping the physical clutter.

3. How Do I Avoid Accumulating More Clutter?

To prevent future clutter, try the One-In, One-Out rule. For every new item you bring into your home, donate or discard something similar. This will help you maintain the decluttered environment you’ve worked so hard to create.

Decluttering Is a Journey, Not a Destination

And there you have it—your guide on how to declutter your home and keep it organized. Decluttering isn’t a one-time event; it’s a habit you build over time. Remember, the key is to take it one step at a time, use simple strategies, and develop consistent habits that prevent clutter from creeping back in. 

Soon enough, you’ll have a peaceful, organized home that supports a clear and focused mind. So go ahead, take that first step, and enjoy the process. Happy decluttering!