12 Tips for Decluttering Your Space

Decluttering can bring a sense of calm and order to your space, especially as the holiday season approaches.

Here are some practical tips to help get organized:

1. Start Small and Set Achievable Goals: Avoid overwhelm by breaking down the decluttering process into manageable steps. Set realistic goals, such as dedicating just 15 minutes a day to tidying up. Begin with a small area—like a single drawer or shelf—and gradually expand to larger spaces as you build momentum and confidence.

2. Use the “One-In, One-Out” Rule: For every new item you bring into your home, make it a rule to remove an old one. This simple habit keeps your space from accumulating unnecessary items and helps maintain a balanced, organized environment.

3. Sort and Categorize with Purpose: Sorting items as you go makes it easier to stay organized and keep track of where everything belongs. Use boxes or bins labeled “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Recycle/Trash” to give each item a clear destination. This method ensures that you can tackle everything in one go without second-guessing.

4. Focus on Essentials and Joy: When deciding what to keep, ask yourself, “Does this item serve a purpose, or does it bring me joy?” If the answer is no, it’s probably time to let it go. Focusing on essentials and things that spark joy can help you make more meaningful decisions about what truly belongs in your home.

5. Digitize Paper Clutter: Free up physical space by scanning or photographing important documents and storing them digitally. Use cloud storage or an external hard drive to keep these files secure and easily accessible. This practice reduces paper clutter and provides a backup in case of loss or damage.

6. Declutter in Layers for Lasting Results: Tackle clutter in layers to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Start with the most obvious items—like broken or rarely used belongings—and gradually work your way through more sentimental or difficult-to-decide items. Revisiting each area multiple times helps you refine your space down to the things you truly need or cherish.

7. Adopt a “Capsule” Mindset for Clothes and Accessories: Build a capsule wardrobe by focusing on versatile, high-quality clothing pieces that you love and regularly wear. Store out-of-season items separately to keep your main closet neat and functional. This approach simplifies decision-making and can make daily routines smoother.

8. Set Up Regular Decluttering Routines: Make decluttering a habit by scheduling quick, regular clean-ups—a few minutes each day or a larger session every month. Consistency prevents clutter from building up over time and helps you maintain a tidy, organized space effortlessly.

9. Involve the Whole Family: Encourage family members to declutter their own spaces and lead by example. Demonstrating the benefits of a tidy, organized home can inspire everyone to participate, making the whole process faster and more enjoyable.

10. Treat Your Space as “Prime Real Estate”: View the most visible and accessible areas of your home as “prime real estate.” Reserve these spaces for the items you use and love the most, and relocate or discard things that aren’t worth taking up valuable room.

11. Embrace Simple Storage Solutions: Use baskets, bins, and clear containers to keep your belongings organized and out of sight. Labeling containers makes it easy to find what you need at a glance, keeping everything in order while reducing visual clutter.

12. Reevaluate Seasonal Items Regularly: After each season, go through holiday decorations, seasonal clothing, and other temporary items to decide what’s worth keeping. Donate, sell, or discard anything you no longer use. This ongoing process will help prevent excess accumulation year after year.

These tips can help you create a cleaner, more peaceful environment and build habits to stay organized in the long term. Happy decluttering!