Start with a Quick Purge
The fastest way to jump-start decluttering is to go room by room, focusing on the easy stuff first. Grab a trash bag and a donation box, then start collecting items you no longer need or use. This could be anything from old magazines, broken gadgets, or that pair of shoes you’ve forgotten about in the back of your closet. Don’t overthink it—if you haven’t used it in a while and it’s not sentimental, it’s probably time to let it go. A quick purge can give you that initial momentum you need to keep going.
Tackle One Small Area at a Time
Trying to declutter your entire home in one go can feel overwhelming. Instead, focus on smaller areas like a single drawer, a bookshelf, or even just your coffee table. The key here is to break it down into manageable chunks, so you don’t burn out. You might be surprised at how freeing it feels just to clean out your junk drawer! Plus, small wins will motivate you to tackle bigger projects. Remember, every little bit counts toward making your home feel lighter.
Sort Items into “Keep, Donate, Trash”
One of the simplest ways to stay organized during the decluttering process is by using the “keep, donate, trash” method. As you go through your belongings, ask yourself: Do I love this? Do I use this? If the answer is yes, it goes into the “keep” pile. If it’s still in good condition but no longer serves you, toss it into the donation pile. And if it’s broken or beyond repair, straight to the trash it goes. This strategy helps you stay focused and keeps the decision-making process quick and simple.
Use the 12-12-12 Rule
The 12-12-12 rule is a fun and easy way to quickly get rid of clutter. The idea is to find 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to return to their proper place. It turns decluttering into a game and makes it feel a lot less overwhelming. This method is especially helpful if you’ve got kids or family members involved—they can join in the hunt for items! Plus, you’ll be surprised how much space you free up by the time you hit your last set of 12.
Clear Countertops and Surfaces
One of the quickest ways to make your home look instantly tidier is to clear off your countertops, tables, and other surfaces. Clutter has a sneaky way of piling up in these areas—mail, random keys, magazines, or last night’s leftovers. Start by wiping down your kitchen counters, clearing off your bathroom vanity, and making your coffee table more minimal. Not only will this give your home a cleaner appearance, but it also makes it easier to keep clean in the long run.
Apply the One-Year Rule
If you’re stuck deciding whether to keep or toss an item, try the one-year rule: If you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s time to let it go. This works well for everything from clothes and shoes to kitchen gadgets and craft supplies. The idea is that if you haven’t reached for it in 12 months, you likely won’t miss it. Be honest with yourself during this process—sometimes we hold onto things out of guilt or the fear we “might need them someday,” but chances are, you won’t.
Maximize Storage Space
Maximizing storage is a game-changer when it comes to decluttering. Look for underutilized areas in your home like under the bed, on top of shelves, or inside your closet doors. Invest in storage bins, baskets, or even hanging organizers to make the most of these spaces. The more intentional you are with storage, the easier it is to keep your home clutter-free. This way, everything has a home, making cleanup much faster and more manageable in the future.
Set a Timer for 15-Minute Declutter Sessions
One of the best tricks for decluttering when you’re short on time is to set a timer. Pick a room or area, set your timer for 15 minutes, and work as quickly as you can. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish in such a short burst of time! Doing this regularly—even just once a day—can lead to huge progress over time. Plus, it’s an easy way to fit decluttering into your daily routine without feeling overwhelmed. And let’s face it, 15 minutes goes by in a flash.
Go Digital with Paperwork
Paper clutter is one of the most common culprits when it comes to a messy home. From old bills to manuals and paperwork, it can pile up quickly. The good news? You can go digital! Scan important documents and store them on your computer or cloud storage. Shred or recycle any unnecessary paper you’ve been holding onto. Not only does this free up physical space, but it also makes it easier to access documents without digging through piles of paper.
