Learn how to declutter your home and say goodbye to the mess forever with these six easy life-changing tips. From the kitchen to the closet and everything in between. Trust us—your life and your home will never be the same!
Have you ever walked into a room to do a task only to be so overwhelmed by clutter that you couldn't even get the job done? Yeah, we've been there. Not only does clutter make it difficult for our minds to focus, but it can even become a physical hindrance to our everyday tasks, causing us to be less productive and more stressed. No bueno!
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So, you know you need to declutter but you just don't know where to start? No worries—that's what we're here for! Whether you're starting from TLC's Hoarders status or you just have a few pieces laying around without a home, tackle that clutter today. We'll teach you how to declutter with these six useful tips and turn that mountain into a molehill in the blink of an eye. Let's do this!
WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW HOW TO DECLUTTER YOUR HOME
Learning how to declutter your home is about more than just making things look nice. It can increase your productivity and even save you money, too! With less stuff lying around, you'll be able to free up brain space to get the important things done without worrying about the clutter. You may even come across something you forgot you had and no longer need to buy. Money-saving score!
MAKE A PLAN
The first thing you need to do before decluttering your home is to make a plan. Yep, that's right, we're going back to the basics for this one!
Learning how to declutter can be an overwhelming process, especially if you're a little bit sentimental. (*Raising hand slowly…) In your declutter plan, break the work into sections by categories of stuff. This way you are able to keep like things together and get things organized after the decluttering is done!
HOW TO DECLUTTER PAPER EXCESS
It's time to get rid of paper clutter! Magazines, school papers, receipts, books, and any other paper you have lying around the house. Toss what you don't need and scan the rest to make a digital copy that won't crowd your space! If you do need to keep your paper copies, invest in a collapsible filing box that you can keep things organized in.
PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS
If you're like us, personal care products are like pieces of confetti tossed all over our bathroom cabinets and drawers. They just seem to be everywhere—many of them never even get touched! Well, purge away, friend. If you haven't used it in the last year, that's a good indicator you never will and you should give it to someone who will. In the words of Elsa the ice queen… Let it go… Let it go! 😉
For the items you do use, keep things clutter-free and organized with some basic compartmentalized containers for the countertop or under the sink. If it's your shower that needs a good decluttering, get everything in its place with an affordable tiered corner caddy. You'll be surprised what some cute apothecary jars and plastic containers will do for a space. Check out more awesome bathroom organization tips in this post!
HOW TO DECLUTTER ELECTRICAL CORDS
Yeah, we don't know what that cord goes to either… Obviously, if you no longer have the device your stray cord belongs to, go ahead and toss that sucker. Otherwise, store your random cords in a cord storage container and you'll never lose the camera charger again! If you're feeling extra organized, label those bad boys with a cheap handheld label maker.
CLOTHES AND SHOES
Do you still have clothes from 2003? Trust us on this one… They can go! Out with the old to make space for the new. Freeing up that closet space can make more room for the things that matter to you. Plus, isn't it just so calming when you reach into an organized closet in the morning? Ahhh yes. Yes, it is.
HOME DECOR
Do you still have boxes of stuff from the ghosts of houses past? You know, curtains, candles, frames, 10,000 vases… If it doesn't have a place in your current home, say sayonara! Maybe even make a little extra dough by selling the extras online. Keep your faves in one consolidated area so you never forget what you have.
HOW TO DECLUTTER THE KITCHEN AND PANTRY
Four spatulas? Three tongs? Two blenders? Unless you're cooking for an army, clear up some space by consolidating your kitchen gadget collection. From appliances to utensils to dishware, decluttering your kitchen and pantry will give you much-needed space for the items you actually do need like your Crock-Pot or Instant Pot!
Don't forget to check out our post on how to organize your pantry to get rid of the clutter in there, too!
KID TOYS
Anyone else feel like your house is a toy store sometimes? Yup. It's okay to ask your kids to donate some of their things! Get them involved and go through the toys together. Not only will you clear up some clutter, but you'll also be teaching them a valuable life lesson in the process. Parenting win!
OUR BEST DECLUTTERING TIPS
Okay, now that you have some categories to get you started, let's get on to more decluttering tips!
START WITH THE TRASH
No, we aren't talking literal trash. At least we hope it's not… Start by going through each category mentioned above and tossing anything you don't use that isn't of any value to anyone. This may include out-of-date magazines, school papers, old receipts, your favorite sandals that broke last summer, or even expired makeup. Here's a rule of thumb: If you don't use it and nobody else will want it, throw it out!
ASK FOR HELP
If you are the type of gal that tends to hold on to things… ask for help! There's no shame in that game. Having a second opinion can help you by confirming that those sneakers are so last season or that the clunky electric apple peeler you use once a year probably isn't a valuable use of space. Sometimes a little friendly nudge from someone you trust is all you need!
LET GO OF THE SENTIMENTAL
One of the hardest parts of learning how to declutter is deciding what to do with the sentimental stuff. Maybe it was a gift you received from your mom last year, an old pair of baby shoes, or a box full of your kids' artwork. (Check out these awesome tips for decluttering kids' schoolwork here!) Either way, it's taking up precious space in your closet floor and it needs a place to call home!
When you're going through sentimental items, remember that you shouldn't feel guilty for keeping something you truly love! If you decide it isn't serving you in this season but you just can't let it go, store it away in a tote until another season of life.
HOW TO DECLUTTER – PURGE THE DUPLICATES
Wait, how many mugs do you have?? Pare them down to your favorites and say hasta la vista baby to the rest! If you just can't seem to part with your mug collection, consider storing the excess safely in a tote until you have a bigger space for them. The point isn't to give away all your favorite things, it's to clear up space in your home for increased efficiency and productivity!
TAKE IT IN BITES – SET A TIMER
Learning how to declutter your home can be a suuuuper overwhelming task. To risk overstimulation and overwhelm, set a timer and stop decluttering when your time is up. Maybe you work for 30 minutes a day or maybe you work 15. Either way, baby steps can accomplish more than you know! After all, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!
Now that you have the tools you need, it's time to get to work. With these helpful tips, you'll learn how to declutter your home easy peasy and keep it that way!
Do you have any clever decluttering tips? Share with us in the comments below!
Did you know we have a super helpful Productivity Boot Camp program? Thousands of Freebs have been able to overhaul their productivity and decrease their workload because of it. It's all online and you can work through it at your own pace!
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Want more awesome productivity tips and tricks? Check out these posts, too!
- Check out these clever productivity products that will seriously change your life!
- Learn all about our cleaning zones and how to get the kids involved to help!
- Don't forget about the car! Get our best car hacks and know what to always have on hand!
Happy decluttering!
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