Last weekend, I finally faced the mountain of “stuff” that had been slowly taking over my guest room. What started as a “I’ll just put this here temporarily” situation had evolved into what my kids lovingly called “the room of doom.” Sound familiar?
If you’re anything like me, you know that clutter isn’t just about the physical items piling up – it’s the mental weight they carry. Every time I walked past that room, I felt a twinge of anxiety. Every unopened box was basically a to-do list I was avoiding.
But here’s the truth I discovered: decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need to channel your inner Marie Kondo and transform your entire house in one weekend. Small, consistent steps really do add up to significant change. Here’s how to make it happen:
Start With Your Why
Before diving in, take a moment to think about why you want to declutter. Is it to:
- Feel calmer in your space?
- Spend less time cleaning?
- Find things more easily?
- Make room for activities you love?
When I get stuck in the “but I might need this someday” loop, reconnecting with my why helps me push through. For me, it’s about creating space for my family to actually live rather than just store things.
Begin Where It Bothers You Most
Forget the standard advice about starting with the easiest area. Instead, tackle the space that’s causing you the most daily friction:
- Is it the kitchen counter where you can never find space to cook?
- The entryway that greets you with chaos every time you come home?
- Your desk where work gets buried under papers?
I started with our bathroom counter – a small space with big impact. That single-drawer cleanup gave me a daily boost of calm that motivated me to keep going.
The 15-Minute Method
Commit to just 15 minutes of decluttering at a time. It’s long enough to make progress but short enough that your brain doesn’t freak out. I set a timer on my phone and focus completely for those 15 minutes.
Some days, when the momentum kicks in, I’ll keep going. Other days, I stop at exactly 15 minutes – and that’s perfectly okay.
The Four-Box Technique
For each area you tackle, set up four destinations:
- Keep (items that belong in this space)
- Relocate (items that belong elsewhere in your home)
- Release (donate/sell/recycle)
- Trash (items beyond repair or use)
The key is to handle each item only once. Make a decision and move on – dwelling too long on each thing will drain your energy fast.
Ask Better Questions
Instead of the popular “Does it spark joy?” question (which can be surprisingly unhelpful for practical items), I ask:
- Have I used this in the past year?
- Would I buy this again today?
- Am I keeping this out of guilt or obligation?
- Is this worth the space it’s taking in my home?
- If this broke, would I replace it?
Create Simple Systems
The secret to maintaining your newly decluttered spaces is having intuitive systems:
- Store items where you actually use them
- Make sure everyday items are easily accessible
- Label containers (yes, it sounds obsessive, but it really helps everyone put things back)
- Create “catch-all” baskets that you process weekly
In our house, we have a “doesn’t belong downstairs” basket at the bottom of the stairs. Items go in throughout the day, and whoever heads upstairs takes the basket along.
The One-In-One-Out Rule
This simple habit has saved my home from recluttering: For every new item that comes in, something must go out.
This works especially well for categories where I tend to over-accumulate: books, kitchen gadgets, kids’ toys, and clothing. It forces me to consider each purchase more carefully.
Digital Decluttering Counts Too
Don’t forget that digital clutter can be just as mentally taxing:
- Unsubscribe from email newsletters you never read
- Delete apps you don’t use
- Clear your desktop of random files
- Organize your photos into simple albums
I spent an hour deleting thousands of old emails, and the relief was surprisingly powerful.
Be Kind to Yourself
Decluttering isn’t just about the stuff – it’s about facing habits, memories, hopes, and sometimes regrets. Be patient with yourself when you hit emotional roadblocks.
Some items will be easy to release; others might take multiple passes before you’re ready to let go. That’s not weakness – it’s being human.
Celebrate Progress (No Matter How Small)
Take “before and after” photos of spaces you declutter. When motivation wanes, looking back at what you’ve already accomplished provides a powerful boost.
I keep a photo album on my phone called “Space Transformations” that reminds me how far we’ve come when I’m feeling overwhelmed by what’s left to do.
Remember: It’s a Journey, Not a Destination
Your home didn’t accumulate clutter overnight, and it won’t be totally decluttered in a day. The goal isn’t perfect minimalism (unless that’s your thing!), but a home that supports rather than stresses you.
I’ve been on this journey for months now, and while we still have our messy moments, the difference in how our home feels is like night and day. There’s more laughter, more impromptu dance parties in the living room, and way less frantic searching for lost items.
Your decluttered home is possible – one drawer, one decision, one 15-minute session at a time.
What space will you start with today?
