You walk into your house and immediately feel a sense of overwhelming.
Piles of mail, clothes you haven’t worn in years, and that “junk drawer” that somehow took over the entire kitchen.
Sound familiar?
Here’s what I want you to know: Creating a peaceful home isn’t about ruthless tossing or living in some stark space.
It’s about carefully choosing what stays so your home wraps around you like a favourite sweater – comfortable, comforting, and completely yours.
Let’s divert to how to declutter your home, one step at a time!
15 Painless Ways to Declutter Your Home (And Keep It That Way)
1. Start Small to Avoid Overwhelm
Trying to declutter your entire home in one day is exhausting and discouraging.
Instead, begin with something manageable—a single drawer, a shelf, or even just your purse.
Small victories build momentum and confidence.
Example: Clear out your nightstand first. Just that one clean surface will give you a sense of accomplishment.
2. The Magic Question: “Do I Love or Use This?”
Hold each item and ask yourself honestly: Have I used this in the past year? If an item isn’t helpful or doesn’t spark joy (thanks, Marie Kondo!), it’s likely just taking up space.
Tip: Be honest—just because you might use something “someday” doesn’t mean you need to keep it now.
3. Try the 20/20 Rule for Tough Decisions
Struggling to let go? If you could repurchase it for less than $20 and find it in 20 minutes, you don’t need to keep it.
Someone else might get way more use out of it than you are!
You’ll likely never miss it—and someone else might genuinely need it.
Example: That extra phone charger? Cheap and easy to rebuy if you ever need it.
Related Blog: How to Fold Clothes to Save Space (Like a Pro!)
4. Give Every Item a “Home”
Clutter often occurs when things lack a designated spot.
Assign a specific place for keys, shoes, mail—even those random cords.
No more frantic searches!
Tip: Use drawer dividers, hooks, or labeled bins to make it foolproof.
5. Use the “One In, One Out” Rule
Whenever you welcome something new into your home, say goodbye to something old.
It’s like giving your space room to breathe while keeping only what truly matters to you.
This helps prevent clutter from creeping back in and encourages you to be more mindful about your purchases.
For every new item you get home (a shirt, a kitchen gadget), remove one similar item.
Bonus: It makes you more mindful about purchases—do you need that new thing?
6. Clear Flat Surfaces First
Kitchen counters, coffee tables, and nightstands attract clutter like magnets.
Start by clearing these areas—it instantly makes your home feel cleaner and more spacious.
Tip: Keep only daily essentials on counters (like a coffee maker) and stash the rest.
7. Sort with the Four-Box Method
Label four boxes: Keep, Donate, Trash, Relocate. As you declutter, assign each item to a box.
Why it works: It forces quick decisions. As you declutter, assign items to:
- Keep (things you use/love)
- Donate/Sell (good condition but not needed)
- Trash/Recycle (broken or useless)
- Relocate (belongs in another room)
- No more overthinking!
8. Digital Decluttering Counts Too
Let’s be real – staring at 5,000 unread emails can tie your stomach in knots just like a jam-packed closet.
Your brain notices digital chaos just as much as that overflowing junk drawer!
- Unsubscribe from annoying emails
- Delete blurry photos and duplicates
- Organize files into clear folders
9. Set a Timer for Quick Wins
Even 10 minutes a day makes a difference.
Set a timer and tackle one small area—a bathroom drawer, your purse, or that pile of receipts. Progress adds up fast.
Try this: Set a timer and race to fill one trash bag—you’ll be shocked at how much you can do.
10. Stop the Paper Avalanche
Junk mail, old bills, and school papers pile up fast.
Go digital where possible, and use a simple filing system for what you need to keep.
Solutions:
- Go paperless for bills
- Use a shredder for sensitive docs
- Designate one spot for incoming papers
11. Declutter by Category, Not Just Room
Instead of randomly cleaning, focus on one category at a time (clothes, books, kitchen gadgets).
You’ll spot duplicates and make faster decisions.
Example: Gather all your coffee mugs from every room—you’ll realize you have 20, but you only need 5.
12. The 90/90 Rule for Forgotten Items
If you haven’t used something in the last 90 days and don’t plan to in the next 90, it’s safe to let it go.
Exception: Seasonal items (like holiday decor) get a pass.
13. Make Donating Easy
Keep a donation bin in your closet or garage for easy access.
Whenever you find something you no longer need, toss it in—no guilt, progress.
Pro tip: Schedule monthly drop-offs to prevent the bin from overflowing.
14. Ask, “Would I repurchase this?”
It removes sentimental guilt. If you wouldn’t repurchase an item today, it’s okay to donate it.
The exam wouldn’t be from 2008? If it’s not sour style anymore, let it go.
15. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Decluttering is a process, not a one-time event.
A slightly tidier home can reduce stress and make daily life smoother.
Remember: You’re creating a home that serves you, not a Pinterest-perfect showroom.
Your Home Should Feel Like a Sanctuary
Decluttering isn’t about having less—it’s about making room for what truly matters.
Whether you take baby steps or dive into a weekend purge, every little bit helps.
What’s the first area you’re tackling? (I started with my sock drawer… and let’s say, I had way too many single socks.) Happy decluttering!
