9 Decluttering Secrets: Start Small, Think Big
Decluttering your home can feel like a monumental task, but with the right approach, you can create a more organized and peaceful space without sacrificing the things you love.
This guide breaks down the process into manageable steps, offering tips, tricks, and hacks to help you declutter effectively while holding on to the items that truly matter.
1. Define Your Why
Before diving into decluttering, take a moment to reflect on your motivation.
Why do you want to declutter?
Whether it’s to reduce stress, create a more functional living space, or prepare for a life transition, understanding your “why” will guide your decision-making and keep you focused.
Hack: Write down your goals for each room and keep them visible during the process.
For example, if your goal is to create a relaxing bedroom, write, “A peaceful retreat for better sleep.”
Having this reminder will keep you inspired when the task feels overwhelming.
Example: If you often lose time searching for important items like keys or documents, your “why” could be to save time and reduce stress.
Every decision you make can then tie back to achieving this specific goal.
2. Start Small: The 10-Minute Declutter
Tackling an entire house can be daunting. Instead, commit to just 10 minutes a day in one small area, such as a single drawer, a shelf, or a countertop.
Starting small builds momentum and makes the task feel manageable.
Tip: Use a timer to keep yourself on track.
It’s easier to start when you know there’s a clear endpoint.
For example, set a timer for 10 minutes to sort through a bathroom drawer.
Decluttering Secrets
Trick: Employ the “one-in, one-out” rule.
For every new item brought into the home, one must go out.
This keeps clutter from piling up again.
For instance, if you buy a new sweater, consider donating an old one you no longer wear.
Bonus Tip: Choose high-impact areas like the entryway or kitchen counter.
These spaces are often cluttered and can immediately make your home feel more organized once addressed.
3. Use the Three-Box Method
When sorting through items, use three boxes labeled: Keep, Donate, and Decide Later.
This method ensures you focus on making decisions instead of just shuffling items around.
Hack: Limit the size of the “Decide Later” box to avoid procrastination.
Consider setting a rule, such as revisiting the box within a week to finalize decisions.
Trick: Add a fourth box labeled Recycle/Trash to streamline the process further.
Decluttering Secrets
Many cluttered items, like old papers or broken gadgets, can be discarded or recycled immediately.
Pro Tip: For every item you place in the “Keep” box, ask yourself why you’re keeping it.
Does it serve a purpose, bring you joy, or hold significant value?
4. Declutter by Categories, Not Rooms
Rather than decluttering one room at a time, try sorting items by categories.
Start with easy-to-declutter categories like clothing or books before moving on to sentimental items, which require more emotional energy.
Tip: Gather all items in a category from around the house in one place.
Seeing everything together helps you realize just how much you have, making it easier to decide what to keep.
Decluttering Secrets
Example: Begin with your wardrobe.
Pull out every piece of clothing from closets, drawers, and laundry piles.
Ask yourself if each piece fits, flatters, and makes you feel confident.
If not, let it go.
Trick: Use the KonMari method of asking, “Does this spark joy?” If an item no longer serves a purpose, thank it for its time and move on.
5. Apply the “80/20 Rule”
The Pareto Principle suggests that we use 20% of our belongings 80% of the time.
Focus on identifying and keeping that 20%, while letting go of items that see little to no use.
Trick: Create a “probation period” for items you’re unsure about. Place them in a box with a date written on it.
If you don’t open the box to use anything within six months, donate it.
Example: If you own 10 coffee mugs but regularly use only your favorite two, consider keeping a maximum of four and donating the rest.
Tip: Be realistic about aspirational items. If you’ve been holding onto a pasta maker but haven’t used it in three years, it might be time to pass it on.
6. Maximize Storage for the Things You Love
Decluttering doesn’t mean throwing everything away.
It’s about creating space for the items that matter most to you.
Use creative storage solutions to organize and display these treasures.
Ideas:
- Use under-bed storage bins for seasonal clothing, keepsakes, or extra linens.
- Invest in attractive baskets or bins to corral smaller items like remote controls or children’s toys.
- Install floating shelves or hooks to keep surfaces clear while showcasing beloved items like family photos or collectibles.
Hack: Store items vertically where possible.
Decluttering Secrets
For instance, stack pans on their sides in the kitchen or use vertical file holders for papers.
Pro Tip: Rotate items like seasonal décor or kids’ toys.
Store out-of-season items and swap them out regularly to keep your space fresh and functional.
7. Adopt a “One Area at a Time” Mindset
Avoid spreading your decluttering efforts too thin.
Focusing on one area ensures you see noticeable progress, which can be a powerful motivator.
Example: If you’re tackling your closet, finish sorting, organizing, and cleaning it before moving on to your dresser.
Tip: Take “before” and “after” photos to visually celebrate your progress.
It’s incredibly satisfying and serves as a reminder of what you’ve accomplished.
Bonus Hack: Keep a small basket in each room labeled “Outbox.”
Anytime you encounter an item you no longer need, place it in the basket.
Once full, donate or discard the items.
8. Honor Sentimental Items Without Hoarding
Sentimental items can be the hardest to declutter.
Instead of keeping everything, choose a few key items that evoke strong memories and find meaningful ways to preserve them.
Decluttering Secrets
Tip: Create a memory box for sentimental items.
Limit its size to avoid accumulating too much.
Hack: Digitize items like old photos, letters, or children’s artwork.
You can keep the memories without taking up physical space.
Trick: Use sentimental items as functional pieces.
For example, turn an old quilt into pillowcases or frame a piece of meaningful fabric as wall art.
Pro Tip: Involve family members in the decision-making process.
They may value items you’re considering parting with, or they can help you reminisce as you declutter.
9. Maintain the Momentum
Once you’ve decluttered, the real challenge is keeping your space organized.
Regular maintenance is essential to prevent clutter from creeping back in.
Tips for Maintenance:
- Schedule a monthly decluttering day to review your spaces and purge unnecessary items.
- Develop daily habits, like tidying up before bed or putting away items after use.
- Be mindful of what you bring into your home. Consider quality over quantity when shopping.
Hack: Create a “holding zone” for new items.
If you don’t use or love something within a set period (e.g., 30 days), return, donate, or repurpose it.
Bonus Tip: Practice gratitude for the items you have.
This mindset can reduce impulsive buying and help you focus on what truly matters.
Decluttering Secrets
Final Thoughts
Decluttering is more than just tidying up; it’s a journey toward creating a home that reflects your values, needs, and personality.
By starting small and thinking big, you can achieve lasting results without sacrificing the items that bring you joy.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection but progress.
Every step you take, no matter how small, is a step toward a more peaceful and intentional living space.
Happy decluttering!
Decluttering Secrets
