What if you lost everything you owned—what’s the one thing you’d truly miss?
Now that’s not just a dramatic question; it’s a powerful one. Before you start clearing out drawers and bins, it’s important to ask yourself what really matters. What kind of space do you want to create? How do you want your home to feel once the clutter is gone?
Decluttering isn’t just about tossing things in a donation pile—it’s a full-body, full-mind experience. And like any great transformation, it starts from within.
Ask yourself:
Why am I doing this? What do I want my space to reflect? What’s no longer serving me?
Your “why” is your anchor. It’s what will keep you going when decision fatigue kicks in or when you find yourself deep in nostalgia over a sweater you haven’t worn since 2015.
The truth is, decluttering can shift the way you live in your space. It’s more than just a tidy home—it’s the clarity, calm, and confidence that come with it. And yes, you might just find things you forgot you ever had.
Why Decluttering Matters
Decluttering is about creating an environment that makes you feel good. Studies have shown that cluttered homes can increase stress levels and even lead to anxiety or depression. In contrast, a tidy, well-organized space has been linked to improved mood, better focus, and greater overall life satisfaction.
According to a study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, individuals who described their homes as “cluttered” or “unfinished” were more likely to feel fatigued and stressed than those who described their homes as “restorative.” That’s not just coincidence—it’s science.
Decluttering can benefit your wallet. A cluttered home often leads to accidental double purchases—you know, like that time you bought another measuring cup because the original was buried in the back of a drawer. But as your space clears, you naturally become a more intentional shopper. You begin to see what you have and only bring in what you actually need.
It’s not just about tidying up—it’s about stepping into a new way of living that feels lighter and clearer.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before diving into the sorting and tossing, get yourself set up for success. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Four Boxes or Bins: One for “Keep,” one for “Donate/Sell, one for “Trash,” and one for “Put Away.”
- A Label Maker or Sticky Notes: It helps you stay organized and avoid confusion mid-process.
- Cleaning Supplies: Because once that shelf is empty, you’re going to want to give it a good wipe-down.
- A Playlist or Podcast: Trust me—it makes the whole process more enjoyable.
Optional but helpful: a comfy outfit, snacks, and maybe a friend to keep you company or keep you honest.
Decluttering Tips
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The trick: Don’t try to do it all at once. Choose a method that works for you and your lifestyle, then run with it. Here are a few of my favorite ways to make the process manageable, realistic, and a little fun.
1. The 4-Box Method
Simple, effective, and perfect for beginners. Grab four boxes or bags and label them:
- Keep—Items you love and use regularly.
- Put Away—Things that are in the wrong place and need to be returned to their proper home.
- Storage—seasonal items or keepsakes you don’t need right now but still want to hold onto.
- Trash/Donate—Anything broken, expired, or no longer serving a purpose.
This method creates clear decisions and cuts through the “maybe” clutter.
2. Room-by-Room Reset
If your whole home needs love, break it down into rooms. Focus on one room at a time and don’t move on until it’s complete.
- Kitchen: Toss containers with no lids, expired foods, old spices, and duplicate gadgets.
- Bedroom: The closet is usually the biggest culprit. Tackle it in zones—start with shoes, then tops, then pants. Ask yourself: Would I buy this today?
- Bathroom: Check for expired products, samples you never use, and broken tools.
- Living Room: Clear out old magazines, remote controls you no longer use, and excess decor that doesn’t work for the space anymore.
Trying to do everything in one weekend will leave you burnt out. Instead, chip away at it room by room; small progress is still progress.
3. 20 Minutes a Day
This is the minimalist’s secret weapon. Set a timer for 20 minutes and pick a small area: A single drawer, one shelf, or your entryway table
It doesn’t sound like much, but done daily? Total game-changer.
4. The KonMari Method (Declutter by Category)
Marie Kondo’s approach is all about intentionality. Instead of going room by room, you declutter by category: Clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous), and sentimental items
Hold each item and ask, Does this spark joy? If not, thank it and let it go. This method lets you see the full picture before making decisions—and it works especially well for clothing and personal items.
5. Use a Decluttering Checklist
This one’s my go-to when I’m feeling indecisive. A checklist removes the guesswork and helps you move with purpose. Start with a premade list or create your own with categories, print it, save it to your phone, or stick it on the fridge. Having a roadmap helps you stay focused and reduces overwhelm.
How to Maintain a Clutter-Free Home
Decluttering isn’t a one-and-done kind of thing. Clutter has a sneaky way of creeping back in as life happens. To keep your space feeling fresh and functional, decluttering needs to become part of your lifestyle—not just a random spring-cleaning frenzy.
Here’s how to make it a sustainable habit:
1. Develop a System That Works for You
Now that your home feels the way you envisioned—light, airy, and intentional—it’s time to protect that energy.
- Set aside time every other weekend (or whatever works for you) to do a quick reset.
- Place donation bins or baskets in key areas of your home—closet, entryway, laundry room. That way, when something no longer serves you, you already have a home for it. No fuss, no stress.
2. The “One In, One Out” Rule
This one’s a classic for a reason. Whenever you bring something new into your home, let something else go. Bought a new throw pillow? One old one has to go. Picked up another mug? Release one you never reach for.
It sounds simple, but it teaches you to be more intentional about your purchases and keeps clutter from piling up in the background.
3. Create a Realistic Schedule
You don’t have to go full-on organizer mode overnight. Start small. Try 15 minutes a week—set a timer and pick one small area. Once that feels like second nature, graduate to a monthly 1–2 hour deep refresh.
Building the habit slowly is key. Consistency beats intensity every single time.
4. Don’t Forget the Nooks and Crannies
Those tiny corners and drawers? Yeah… they’re clutter magnets.
Make it a point to check in on the little zones—junk drawers, under the sink, and the top of your dresser. Keep only what you actually use. A quick tidy-up in forgotten corners can do wonders for your peace of mind.
5. Keep Surfaces Clear and Intentional
Flat surfaces tend to collect clutter like it’s their job. Use trays or baskets to group items together neatly. Be mindful of visual clutter—too many tiny decor pieces can make a space feel chaotic.
After you’re done styling a surface, pause… and remove one item. It’s a simple trick that helps refine your space and keeps things feeling fresh.
How to Dispose of Things After Decluttering
Now that you’ve sorted through your stuff, the big question is: What do I do with it all?
Here are a few smart and feel-good ways to let go:
- Sell it—Apps like Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp make it super easy to sell pre-loved clothes, furniture, and electronics. A little extra cash never hurts.
- Donate it—There are tons of organizations that accept gently used items—from shelters to local charities. Some even offer free pickups.
- Gift or swap—Got a friend who’s been eyeing that throw blanket? Offer it up! Hosting a mini swap meet can be fun too.
- Garage sale it—If you’ve got a lot to clear and want to make it a thing, host a garage sale. Make it cute, put on some music, and sip lemonade while you send your things off to new homes.
Whatever you choose, try to be mindful and intentional. The goal isn’t just to throw things out—it’s to give them a new life or home where they’ll be useful again.
Decluttering isn’t a one-weekend wonder—it’s a lifelong practice. But the beauty is, you can start this weekend. One drawer at a time.
Even as someone who considers themselves a neat freak, I can tell you—clutter still sneaks in. Things just… appear (I swear they multiply on their own). And if you’re not careful, you’ll look around one day wondering how it all got there. That’s why you’ve got to keep showing up and keep creating space.
You deserve a home that feels light, calm, and aligned with who you are—not just visually, but emotionally too. And decluttering is your gateway.