Whether you’re moving, decluttering, or have a huge organizational project ahead of you, we’ve got you covered with our top 10 decluttering tips!
Here are 10 top tips for decluttering your home effectively:
1. Start Small
Begin with one drawer, shelf, or corner. Small wins build momentum and prevent overwhelm.
2. Use the Four-Box Method
Label boxes: Keep, Donate, Trash, Relocate. Touch every item and sort accordingly.
3. Set a Timer
Work in short bursts (e.g., 15–30 minutes). This keeps the task manageable and helps maintain focus.
4. Declutter by Category, Not Location
Tackle categories like clothes, books, or kitchen gadgets instead of going room by room. This helps you see duplicates and excess more clearly.
5. Follow the One-Year Rule
If you haven’t used it in the past year, consider letting it go—especially for clothes, kitchen items, and décor.
6. Be Honest About Sentimental Items
Keep a few meaningful pieces, but don’t let guilt force you to keep everything. Take photos to preserve the memory.
7. Digitize When Possible
Scan old documents, photos, or kids’ artwork to reduce physical clutter while preserving the memory.
8. Create a “Maybe” Box
Unsure about something? Store it out of sight for 30 days. If you don’t miss it, donate or toss it.
9. Set Limits
Give yourself space limits: one shelf for mugs, one box for craft supplies, etc. Once it’s full, something has to go before adding more.
10. Establish Daily Habits
Spend 5–10 minutes a day putting things back, tidying up surfaces, and staying on top of clutter before it builds again.