A Few Simple Tips to Declutter Your Home
Getting started is the hardest part
Wondering how to turn your home into a relaxing refuge?
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Is your home a chaotic mess?
Join the club. Walking into a cluttered house can weigh heavily on your mind. A messy living space creates visual noise, increases stress, and makes everyday tasks more frustrating. But the idea of decluttering your entire home can feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve lived in the same place for years.
The good news? You don’t have to tackle it all at once. With a few focused strategies and a fresh mindset, you can reduce (or remove!) the overwhelming clutter and create an environment that feels more open, peaceful, and functional.
Here are a few practical, bite-sized tips to help you clear out your home, one step at a time.
Start Small and Stay Focused - Decluttering your entire house in a single weekend may sound appealing, but it often leads to mental burnout. Instead, choose one workable area to begin—a drawer, a shelf, or your kitchen counter. Fight the urge to walk away and just do it, starting with small items. Be sure to complete that area before moving on. Finishing one task gives you a sense of accomplishment, and the momentum to keep going.
Set a Timer – It’s important to set boundaries so you stay engaged in the task. Give yourself 15 to 30 minutes per session. You’ll be surprised how much you can get done when you train yourself to focus on the job. A timer helps keep you on track, and prevents the process from evolving into frustration or overload.
Use the Four-Box Method – Assemble and label four boxes: Keep, Donate, Trash, and Relocate. As you go through your stuff, put each one in the appropriate box. This method helps you make quick decisions without second-guessing yourself. Be honest—if you haven’t used it or worn it in a year, chances are you won’t miss it.
Be Ruthless in the Closet - Clothing can accumulate quickly. Go through your dressers and closet with a fresh eye and ask yourself:
*Does this still fit?
*Have I worn it in the last year?
*Would I buy it again today?
If the answer is no to any of the above, it’s time to let it go. Donate items in good condition and recycle or repurpose others. In addition to accomplishing your goal, it feels good to give!
Clear Flat Surfaces Daily - Flat surfaces (like countertops, dressers, and tables) are magnets for clutter. Make it a habit to clear them once a day. This small act creates instant visual calm and makes your home feel more open and spacious.
Create a “Maybe” Box - Having trouble parting with certain things? Put them in a “Maybe” box, label it with today’s date, seal it, and store out of sight. If you don’t open the box or need anything from it in six months, donate the contents without looking inside. It helps reduce emotional attachment without pressure.
Hold Off on Buying Storage Options Until You Declutter - It’s tempting to run out and buy bins, baskets, or organizers. But doing that before you start can lead to simply rearranging your clutter in a different way. First decide what you’re keeping—then invest in storage that fits your streamlined needs.
Embrace the One-In, One-Out Rule - To prevent clutter from building back up (as it naturally does), adopt a simple rule: For every new item you bring into your home, one must go out. This keeps your space balanced and forces you to be more intentional with future purchases.
A few final thoughts …
Decluttering isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a space that nourishes and enhances a positive life and mindset. By taking small, consistent steps, you can transform your home into a more peaceful, purposeful place—one drawer, one corner, one room at a time.
In health & happiness,
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Jill Reid is the author of Real Life, Discover Your Personal Truth, Life in Small Doses, and Please God, Make Me A Writer. Her books, videos, and newsletter explore life, relationships, self-improvement, health, and personal success strategies for working through the challenges of everyday life.
