How to Declutter Your Home 

We all have that spot (or several) in our homes that could do with a bit of a tidy-up. Whether it’s a kitchen drawer stuffed with odd utensils or a wardrobe overflowing with clothes we haven’t touched in ages, clutter builds up easily and can make our homes feel cramped and chaotic.

Decluttering isn’t just about making things look nice. A clutter-free space can do wonders for your well-being. Benefits include:

• Lowering stress and anxiety
• Boosting focus and productivity
• Creating more space, both physically and mentally
• Bringing a sense of calm and order
• Improving sleep
• Making cleaning and organising easier

This guide will help you clear out your home, and you can make an impact even over a single weekend. It might seem like a big job, but with a little structure, you’ll find it’s manageable and even rewarding.

Before You Begin: Preparing Mentally

Decluttering is more than just clearing stuff out; it’s a shift in mindset. Often, it involves letting go of things with memories or meanings attached. Here’s how to get in the right frame of mind:

• Accept the Mess: Things may look worse before they get better. It’s all part of the process, so embrace it.
• Picture Your Ideal Space: Think about how you’d like each room to look and feel once it’s organised. This can help keep you motivated.
• Find What Keeps You Going: What helps you stay on track? Maybe it’s upbeat music, or regular breaks with a cup of tea. Whatever it is, make it part of your plan.

Plan for Success

Planning before you dive in is key to staying on track and feeling less overwhelmed.

• Make a Schedule: Decide whether you’ll tackle the whole house at once, divide it across the weekend, or focus on a few rooms each day. Breaking it down by area or category, like clothes or kitchen items, can make it more manageable.
• Set a Deadline: A realistic deadline can help keep things moving and prevent the project from stretching out for weeks.
• Gather Supplies: Before you start, gather:
  • Rubbish bags
  • Boxes for donations
  • Boxes or bags for items that belong elsewhere
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Labels and a marker for easy organisation
• Consider Some Help: Having someone else involved can be motivating and give a fresh perspective. A friend, family member, or professional organiser can make it easier—and even a bit more fun.

Once you’re mentally prepared and organised, it’s time to dive in. Remember, you’re not aiming for perfection, just a home that feels more comfortable, spacious, and suits your life as it is today.

Decluttering Rules and Techniques

Deciding which items to keep, donate, or discard can feel overwhelming, especially when sentimental value is involved. However, several practical methods can make the process easier, helping you create a space filled with things that bring you joy or are genuinely useful in your current life.

Here are some tried-and-true decluttering techniques to guide you through each decision. Pick one or a few that work for you:

• The 12/12/12 Rule: A quick way to kickstart decluttering. Find 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to put back in their place. This simple method gets you moving and helps you see immediate results.
• The 90/90 Rule: If you haven’t used an item in the last 90 days and don’t expect to in the next 90, it’s likely time to let it go. This helps you focus on what’s currently relevant to your life.
• The 20/20 Rule: If you can replace an item for under £20 in less than 20 minutes, consider letting it go. This is especially useful for items you rarely use but keep “just in case.”
• The 80/20 Rule: Based on the idea that we use only 20% of our belongings 80% of the time, this rule encourages you to focus on keeping the essential 20% and letting go of the rest.
• The Five-Second Rule: If you can’t remember when you last used something within five seconds, it may be a sign that it’s no longer important.
• The Rule of Five: For a broader view, consider the “five-year rule”: if you haven’t used it in five years, it’s likely safe to part with it.
• The “Ex-Test”: This lighthearted test asks, “Would I contact an ex to come and get this item if they left it behind?” If the answer is no, it might be worth saying goodbye to it.
• The “Moving Test”: Imagine moving to a new home. Would you pack this item and bring it with you? If not, it likely doesn’t hold enough value to keep.
• The “Spark Joy” Test: Made popular by Marie Kondo, this method asks you to hold an item and notice if it “sparks joy.” If it doesn’t bring you a positive feeling, consider letting it go.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself

• Do I actually like it?: Be honest about whether an item genuinely appeals to you. If you don’t like it, there’s little reason to keep it.
• Do I use it regularly?: Focus on items that play an active role in your daily life.
• Could I easily replace it if needed?: If it’s affordable and easy to replace, there’s little need to store it indefinitely.
• Is the space more valuable than the item’s worth?: If an item takes up space but doesn’t add value to your life, consider if having that free space might feel better than keeping it.

Other Decluttering Tips

• The “Touch Once” Rule: Handle each item only once, and make a decision immediately about whether to keep, donate, throw away, or relocate it. This helps prevent clutter from piling up.
• The Four-Box Method: Label four boxes as “Trash,” “Give Away,” “Keep,” and “Relocate.” As you sort through your items, place each one in the appropriate box, making the decision-making process clear and efficient.
• The “Maybe” Box: For items you’re unsure about, place them in a “maybe” box and store it out of sight for six months. If you don’t need or think about the items during that time, they’re likely safe to let go.

By using these practical rules and asking yourself the right questions, you can make decisions with greater ease and transform your home into a more organised, functional, and enjoyable space.

Managing Sentimental Items

Letting go of sentimental items is often one of the hardest parts of decluttering. These objects can carry a lot of emotional weight, representing special memories, people, or times in our lives. But keeping too many of them can create clutter and make it difficult to enjoy a peaceful, organised space. Striking a balance between respecting our memories and maintaining a functional home is key.

Here are a few thoughtful strategies to help you make decisions about sentimental items:

• Create a “Memory Box”: Set aside a designated box for your most meaningful items. Keeping the box limited in size forces you to be selective, choosing only the things that are truly special to you.
• Take Photos: Before letting go of a sentimental item, take a photo of it. This way, you keep the memory without needing to keep the physical object. You could create a digital album or a scrapbook specifically for these photos, giving you a way to revisit these memories without cluttering your space.
• Repurpose Items: Find a new use for sentimental items, turning them into something practical or decorative. For example, an old t-shirt with a meaningful logo could be part of a quilt or tote bag, or a piece of fabric from a loved one’s clothing could be framed as a keepsake.
• Remember: Memories Aren’t Objects: Our memories exist in our minds, not in the items themselves. Letting go of an object doesn’t mean losing the memory. For items with particularly strong memories, consider writing down your thoughts or stories about the item. This can help you feel connected to the memory while freeing yourself from the need to keep the physical object.

Decluttering Your Home Room by Room

With your decluttering methods chosen and strategies for letting go in place, it’s time to move room by room through your home. Start small—like a single drawer or shelf—to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Top Tip: Avoid pulling everything out without a clear plan. Sorting a mountain of items all at once can quickly become stressful. Here’s a breakdown to help you get started in each room:

Bathroom

• Medicine Cabinet: Discard expired medication, makeup, and skincare.
• Drawers and Cabinets: Remove anything you no longer use.
• Shower and Sink Area: Declutter shampoo, soap, and other products that are half-used or expired.

Bedroom

• Start with the Bed: Making the bed instantly gives a sense of order.
• Nightstands: Clear these of anything unnecessary.
• Dressers and Tops of Furniture: Tidy up surfaces and put away clothes.
• Drawers and Closets: Remove anything unworn or unneeded.
• Desk or Vanity Table: Clear these spaces to create a more peaceful room.

Closets and Clothing

• Sort by Clothing Type: Group jeans, t-shirts, etc., to make decisions easier.
• Separate Bags for Donations, Laundering, or Repairs: Keep a system going for items you decide to part with or need to fix.

Entryway, Mudroom, and Foyer

These areas easily collect clutter from other rooms.

• Designate Spots: Keep keys, mail, and shoes organised by giving each a specific spot.

Kitchen

• Organise by Category or Zone: Choose to declutter by item type (cutting boards, glassware) or by location (pantry, cabinets).
• Evaluate Each Item: Only keep what you regularly use and enjoy.

Living Room

This shared space can be tough to keep tidy.

• Assign Storage Spaces: Have places for things like remotes, magazines, and toys.
• Tackle Large Furniture First: Work through bookcases and consoles, then move to smaller surfaces like the coffee table.

Kids’ Spaces

Children often outgrow toys and clothes quickly.

• Regularly Review Toys and Clothing: Donate or store items no longer needed.

Laundry Room

• Keep it Laundry-Focused: Relocate anything unrelated to laundry.
• Use Bins and Baskets: Organise cleaning supplies to keep things in order.

Decluttering is an ongoing process, and you may need to revisit these rooms regularly. By taking it step-by-step, you can create a home that’s easy to enjoy and maintain.

Finding New Homes for Unwanted Items

Once you’ve sorted through your belongings and decided what to let go of, it’s important to remove these items quickly to prevent them from becoming clutter again. Here are some effective ways to rehome unwanted items:

Donate

• Donating items is a great way to clear space while helping others. Look into local charities, donation centres, and refugee organisations that accept clothing, furniture, household items, or other belongings you’re parting with. You could also consider giving items to friends or family who may need them.

Sell

• If you have items in good condition that others might buy, try selling them on platforms like eBay, Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, or specialised clothing sites like Poshmark and ThreadUp.
• If you have a lot of items, a garage sale can be a good way to make quick sales locally.

Recycle

• Before tossing items, check local recycling options for materials like electronics, textiles, and furniture. Many councils offer services for recycling electronics or bulky items, and some companies specialise in textile recycling.
• If you have large items you can’t transport yourself, contact your council or a home clearance service to see if they offer bulky waste collection services.

Trash

• For items that can’t be donated, sold, or recycled, dispose of them in appropriate waste bins or containers. For large-scale clear-outs, renting a skip or dumpster may help with managing a larger volume of trash.

The key is to take prompt action once you decide to let go of an item. Putting donations or sale items in your car immediately can make it easy to drop them off when you’re out. Taking these steps right away helps prevent items from piling up again and keeps your home clutter-free.

After Decluttering: Systems To Keep Clutter Free

After decluttering, the next step is to organise what remains and set up systems that keep your home tidy. Here are some practical tips to organise different areas of your home effectively:

• Invest in Storage: Use stackable drawers, baskets, boxes, under-bed storage, and over-the-door organisers. Choosing storage that suits your space and lifestyle will help keep things organised and within reach.
• Set Up Zones for Activities or Items: Within each room, create zones for specific activities or types of belongings. This approach makes it easier to locate what you need and keeps similar items together.
• Use Labels for Easy Organisation: Label drawers, boxes, baskets, and shelves. Labels make it simple to find what you’re looking for and help keep everything in its place.
• Use Walls and Higher Shelving: Add shelves, hooks, and wall-mounted organisers to make use of vertical space. This can be especially useful in smaller rooms or spaces with limited floor area.
• Set Up an Entryway Station: Dedicate a space near the entryway for keys, wallets, mail, and other essentials. This landing strip helps prevent these items from scattering around the house.
• Put Things Away Immediately: Deal with items as soon as you touch them. File papers, put things back in their spot, or toss junk mail right away. This small habit can make a big difference in preventing clutter buildup.

Maintaining Your Clutter-Free Space

Keeping your home clutter-free requires ongoing effort, but with a few simple routines, you can maintain the order and peace you’ve worked hard to create. Here are some effective strategies to help prevent clutter from building up again:

• Block out time for decluttering sessions, just like any other important appointment. You could do a monthly deep clean, a weekly tidy-up, or dedicate 15 minutes each day to keep on top of a specific area.
• Notice small habits that lead to clutter, like piling up mail or leaving clothes on chairs. Make a habit of dealing with these items immediately, which can prevent clutter from accumulating in the first place.
• For every new item you bring into your home, commit to removing two others. This keeps your belongings in check and ensures that new things don’t overwhelm your space.
• Periodically go through your belongings and ask if each item is still used or loved. If it’s no longer needed, consider donating, selling, or discarding it.
• Resist the urge to buy more storage containers or increase storage space. Limited storage forces you to stay selective about what you keep, which helps prevent unnecessary accumulation.
• Take time to recognise the work you’ve put into creating and maintaining a clutter-free home. Treat yourself with a small reward, whether it’s a special meal, a new plant, or simply enjoying the calm of your tidy space.

Embracing the Freedom of a Clutter-Free Life

Decluttering goes beyond tidy surfaces and neatly organised drawers. A clutter-free home creates a sense of calm, reduces stress, and makes everyday life smoother and more productive.

Remember that decluttering is an ongoing process. Each small step counts, whether it’s clearing a single countertop, organising a drawer, or finally letting go of a sentimental item. Celebrate these moments as they bring you closer to a simpler, more peaceful space.

By surrounding yourself only with items that you truly love, use, and find meaningful, you’re creating room for what matters most—more time, more energy, and a clearer mind. Decluttering isn’t just about removing things; it’s about reclaiming your life to focus on what aligns with your values and aspirations.