Feeling like your home is starting to feel a bit cluttered? Breaking it down into manageable stages is key to making real progress.
Start with one room or even one zone within a room—like kitchen cabinets, for example.
Finish each space before moving on to the next. Trust me, it’ll keep you from feeling like you’re in over your head.
Decluttering Like a Pro
Before you dive into the deep end, set up a few containers or bags to sort items:
- Put away: Things that belong somewhere else.
- Fix/mend: Items that need a little TLC, like a shirt missing a button.
- Recycle: Things made of recyclable materials.
- Trash: Time to toss anything that’s broken or unusable.
- Donate: Good condition items that could help someone else.
Handy Decluttering Rules to Remember
Here are a few fun rules to make it easier to part with your stuff:
- 12/12/12 Rule: Find 12 things to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to return to their proper spot.
- 20/20 Rule: If you can replace something for $20 or less and in under 20 minutes, it’s safe to let it go.
- 80/20 Rule: You only use 20% of your stuff 80% of the time. The other 80%? Store it or toss it.
- Five-Second Rule: Can’t remember the last time you used that item in your hand? If it takes more than five seconds to recall, it’s time to say goodbye.
Decluttering Room by Room
Now, let’s break it down space by space.
The Bathroom
Start with the medicine cabinet—throw out expired meds, old makeup, and half-used products. Move on to drawers and cabinets, then the shower area.
Keep only what you use regularly.
The Bedroom
First things first—make your bed! It instantly makes the room feel less chaotic. Then, tackle your nightstands, dresser tops, and drawers. Anything that doesn’t belong in the bedroom goes into your “put away” bin.
For your closet, sort by clothing type, so it’s easier to decide what stays and what goes.
The Closet
Here’s a challenge—pull out all your jeans at once and decide what you’ll keep. Do this for every clothing category. Then, sort the piles: Organize, launder, repair, or donate.
The Entryway
Even if you don’t have a formal mudroom, your entryway could probably use a little love. Declutter tables, drawers, and your hall closet. Make sure you have a spot for your keys and anything you need when heading out the door.
The Kitchen
This room sees a lot of action, so it can get cluttered fast. Start with your pantry and cabinets. Go zone by zone—cutting boards, utensils, and bakeware. Only keep what you actually use!
The Living Room
Since it’s a high-traffic area, the living room tends to accumulate stuff quickly. Focus on permanent storage solutions for items like remote controls, books, and magazines. Declutter shelves, side tables, and consoles. Don’t forget to assess toys, games, and electronics.
What to Do With the Clutter
You’ve sorted everything, and now it’s time to decide where it goes:
- Donate: Gently used items can be given to charity or friends.
- Sell: For anything in good condition, consider selling online or in a yard sale.
- Recycle: Check local recycling guidelines for electronics and other recyclables.
- Trash: For anything that’s too far gone to donate or recycle.