Simplifying Home Organization: Tips and Tricks for Decluttering

September 9, 2023

pictures of organized home storage on a granite countertop

*Updated April 14th, 2025

Let’s be honest—when your home’s a mess, it’s hard to feel relaxed. Clutter seems to pile up out of nowhere, and suddenly every surface is covered, drawers are overflowing, and you’re left wondering how it got this bad. And it’s not just about the stuff—it’s about how that stuff makes you feel. A cluttered space can totally drain your energy, mess with your focus, and even ramp up your stress levels.

The good news? Decluttering doesn’t have to be a massive, overwhelming chore. With a few simple strategies and a little consistency, you can take back control of your space—and your peace of mind. In this article, we’ll walk you through practical, easy-to-follow tips to help you clear the clutter, stay organized, and create a home that feels calm, functional, and totally you. Whether you’re tackling one drawer or the whole house, we’ve got your back. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Decluttering Process

Before you start tossing things in trash bags and reorganizing shelves, it’s a good idea to take a step back and get clear on what this process actually looks like. Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff—it’s about reclaiming your space and your peace of mind.

Start by walking through your home and taking note of the areas that feel chaotic or just not working for you. Is it the hallway closet bursting at the seams? That junk drawer you can barely close? Or maybe your kitchen counters are always covered in random things that don’t belong there. Make a list, and don’t worry if it’s long—this is just your starting point.

Also, acknowledge how clutter is really making you feel. Is it adding to your stress? Making it harder to focus? Keeping you from inviting friends over? Once you recognize the emotional weight of clutter, it becomes easier to stay motivated as you go.

And most importantly—set realistic goals. You’re not going to organize your entire house in a day, and that’s totally okay. Break it down into small, doable chunks. Maybe it’s one drawer today, the hallway closet next weekend. Small wins add up fast.

Getting Started: Preparing for Decluttering

Now that you’ve scoped out the situation, it’s time to prep. Before diving in, make sure you’ve got your decluttering supplies ready to go. You’ll want things like:

  • Boxes or bins for items you’re keeping but need to store

  • Trash bags for actual garbage

  • A donation box for anything still in good shape but no longer serving you

Once you’ve got your supplies, take a few minutes to create a basic plan and timeline. You don’t need to overthink it—just jot down a few areas you want to tackle and when you want to get to them. Having a plan keeps you from jumping from room to room and losing steam halfway through.

Next, identify your “hot spots”—the areas that drive you the most nuts. Maybe it’s the entryway where shoes and bags pile up, or your bedroom that no longer feels restful because of all the clutter. Start with these spaces first so you can feel an instant sense of accomplishment and keep the momentum going.

The Four-Step Decluttering Method

Before you dive headfirst into decluttering every inch of your home, it helps to follow a simple, repeatable process. That way, you’re not just getting rid of stuff—you’re setting yourself up for long-term success. Here’s a four-step method that keeps things manageable and actually enjoyable (yes, really!). Let’s walk through it:

Step 1: Sort

Start by sorting your belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. Ask yourself if each item holds genuine utility or sentimental value. If not, consider letting it go.

Step 2: Organize

Invest in storage solutions and organization tools that meet your needs. Design your space in a functional and visually appealing way, with designated areas for specific items. This makes it easier to maintain organization in the long run.

Step 3: Clean

Cleaning as you declutter ensures your home remains hygienic and fresh. Regular maintenance prevents clutter from accumulating again and fosters a peaceful environment.

Step 4: Maintain

Establishing decluttering habits is key to preventing future build-ups of clutter. Regularly reassess belongings and declutter periodically to keep a clutter-free home.

Room-by-Room Decluttering Tips

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to put your decluttering game plan into action—one room at a time. Tackling your whole house all at once can feel overwhelming, so breaking it down makes things way more manageable (and way less stressful). Here are some quick, practical tips to help you declutter each room without losing your mind in the process:

1. Decluttering the Bedroom

Streamline your wardrobe by donating or selling clothes you no longer wear. Use storage solutions like drawer dividers and hanging organizers for personal items and accessories.

2. Decluttering the Kitchen

Sort through kitchenware and utensils, discarding duplicates and items that no longer serve a purpose. Organize your pantry and food storage to avoid expired or forgotten items.

3. Decluttering the Living Room

Create an inviting and clutter-free space by removing unnecessary items. Manage entertainment and electronic devices with cable organizers and smart storage solutions.

4. Decluttering the Bathroom

Organize toiletries and personal care products in bins or containers. Keep the bathroom clean and functional by getting rid of expired or unused items.

5. Decluttering the Home Office

Organize paperwork and office supplies with filing cabinets and desk organizers. Design an efficient workspace that promotes productivity and creativity.

Dealing with Sentimental Items

Let’s be real—letting go of sentimental stuff is tough. Whether it’s your kid’s first drawing, grandma’s dishes, or a box of old concert tickets, these things hold memories. But that doesn’t mean you need to keep everything. Try taking photos of items that mean something to you but don’t serve a real purpose anymore. You can even create a digital memory album or a small scrapbook for special pieces. Keep a few truly meaningful items, and find creative ways to honor the rest without letting them take over your space.

Decluttering Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Decluttering isn’t always easy—and that’s totally normal. It can feel overwhelming, emotional, or just plain boring. One way to make it easier? Get someone else involved. Invite a friend over, or tackle the project as a family. Turn on some music, set a timer, and make it a challenge.

Sustainable Decluttering Practices

Decluttering doesn’t have to mean tossing everything in the trash. Try to donate gently used items to local shelters or charities, recycle what you can, and offer items to friends or neighbors who might need them. Apps like Buy Nothing or Facebook Marketplace make giving stuff away easy and impactful. And once you’ve cleared things out, consider being a little more mindful moving forward. Buy less, choose well, and only bring things into your home that you really love or need. It’s better for your space—and the planet.

Maintaining a Clutter-Free Lifestyle

Decluttering isn’t a one-time event—it’s more like a mindset shift. Get in the habit of doing quick tidy-ups regularly, and do a little purge every few months to keep clutter from creeping back in. Try the “one in, one out” rule—if you buy something new, get rid of something old. Embracing a bit of minimalism can also help you feel more content with what you have instead of constantly chasing more. A clutter-free home doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to feel calm, functional, and like a space you truly enjoy being in.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering your home isn’t just about making things look nice (though that’s a great bonus)—it’s about creating a space that feels good to live in. A clutter-free home can seriously boost your mood, lower stress levels, and give you that sense of calm you’ve been craving. When your space feels organized, it’s so much easier to think clearly, relax, and enjoy your time at home.

The tips and steps in this guide are here to help you get started, stay on track, and make real progress—whether you’re clearing out a single junk drawer or tackling an entire room. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and it definitely doesn’t have to happen all at once. Just take it one step at a time and celebrate those small wins along the way.

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