Decluttering – it’s a word we associate with a sense of order, cleanliness and peace. But for many of us, the very thought of tackling clutter in our homes can be overwhelming and often gets pushed to the bottom of our to-do list.
However, there are simple strategies in place that can help us declutter our homes effectively and efficiently. In this guide, we will take a step-by-step approach to decluttering, so you can achieve a tidy and organized home in no time.
Why Declutter Anyway?
Before we dive into the steps of decluttering, let’s understand why it’s worthwhile. Clutter not only takes up physical space in our homes but also mental space in our minds. According to research, it can cause stress, anxiety and even affect our overall well-being.
Decluttering has numerous benefits such as:
- Improved focus and productivity
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- More space for new items
- Better organization
- Aesthetically pleasing living space
So without further ado, let’s get started on the ultimate decluttering guide!
Step 1: Start with One Area
Instead of randomly going through different areas of your home, it’s best to focus on one area at a time. This doesn’t even have to be a room – your closet, kitchen counter or desk can be a good place to start.
After picking a good spot, do the following:
- Remove everything from the space so you can see exactly what you own.
- Decide what you want to keep—only items you love, need, and use regularly.
- Sort into categories (e.g., shirts, pants, accessories for a wardrobe). This makes it easier to return them in an organised way.
Once you know what to keep, you can discard, sell, or donate the rest. Alternatively, you can store your items in a storage unit if your house’s space is limited. Self storage in London, for example, has seen demand grow in recent years as more and more people declutter their homes.
Step 2: Use Creative Decluttering Methods
Decluttering can be mind-numbing at the best of times. To ensure you don’t lose motivation, you can try some of the following decluttering challenges:
- The 12-12-12 Challenge – Find 12 things to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to return to their rightful place.
- The One-Item-a-Day Rule – Remove one item daily (or more) to see long-term impact.
- The Trash Bag Sprint – Fill a bag as fast as possible with items to donate or discard.
- The Four-Box Method – Label boxes: Trash, Donate, Keep, Relocate, and sort every item.
These aren’t exactly traditional methods but are still very useful! If you’re a creative person, you can find even more interesting challenges online or come up with your own. The goal is to make decluttering fun and exciting instead of boring.
Step 3: Keep the Momentum Going
Decluttering is an on-going process, meaning you’ll probably have to declutter for as long as you own things. To keep the momentum going, perform the following:
- Set a timer for 15-30 minutes a day to declutter in short, focused bursts.
- Take before-and-after photos to see your progress and stay motivated.
- Ask a friend for input—they can help you make tough decisions on what to let go of.
- View your home as a guest to notice clutter you’ve become blind to.
These are just a few examples, but the key is to find what works for you and stick with it. Remember, decluttering is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort.
Step 4: Move to the Next Area
Once you’ve successfully decluttered one space, it’s time to keep the momentum going. The key to long-term success is to systematically work through your home, one area at a time. Rather than jumping randomly from room to room, follow a structured approach to ensure steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.
How to Choose the Next Area
Prioritising the right space can make a big difference in both motivation and efficiency. Here’s how to decide where to go next:
- Focus on high-traffic areas first, like the kitchen, bedroom, or living room.
- Tackle problem areas that cause frustration like a junk drawer or entryway, handle it next.
- Start with the easiest spaces such as a single drawer before tackling an entire room.
- Choose areas where decluttering will have the biggest practical impact, such as a cluttered office desk or an overflowing bathroom cabinet.
Step 5: Set a Decluttering Schedule
As mentioned, decluttering is a part of your routine since it’s an on-going process. While your schedule depends on how quickly clutter accumulates in your home, it’s essential to have a set decluttering schedule. For example:
- Daily: Spend 5-10 minutes tidying up.
- Weekly: Focus on one area, like a drawer or cupboard.
- Monthly: Tackle a bigger project, like your wardrobe or pantry.
- Seasonally: Do a full declutter of your home.
Having a decluttering schedule can help you stay on top of clutter and prevent it from becoming overwhelming.
Step 6: Don’t Bring in More Clutter
Now that you’ve worked hard to declutter your home, it’s important to maintain the progress by being mindful of what you bring into your space. Before making a purchase, ask yourself:
- Do I really need this?
- Will this item add value to my life?
- Do I have space for this item?
By taking a moment to reflect before buying something new, you can prevent unnecessary clutter from entering your home. Additionally, consider implementing a “one in, one out” rule where for every new item brought in, one old item must be donated or discarded.
Decluttering Takes Time—But It’s Worth It
It requires discipline, but breaking it into small tasks makes it manageable. The more you declutter, the easier it gets, and the clearer your space—and mind—will feel.
Beyond just creating a tidy home, decluttering brings a sense of freedom and control over your environment. You’ll spend less time cleaning, searching for misplaced items, and feeling overwhelmed by clutter. Instead, you’ll enjoy a space that feels open, functional, and truly yours. With each item you let go of, you’re making room for what really matters—whether that’s more time, peace of mind, or simply a home that reflects the best version of you.
Ready to start? Pick an area, set a timer, and begin today!