If your place is starting to look like a storage unit explosion, and you’re spending more time searching for your keys than actually using them, it’s time to face the music: you need to declutter. And no, shoving everything into a closet and calling it “organized” doesn’t count. The good news? You don’t have to tackle it all at once—baby steps are totally acceptable. Whether you’re a minimalist-in-training or just trying to reclaim your sanity (and your coffee table), these golden rules will help you cut through the chaos like a Marie Kondo protégé.
1.Get Rid of Duplicates (Because One is Enough)
how many spatulas does one person really need? If you’ve got duplicates lurking in your drawers (looking at you, mismatched Tupperware lids), it’s time to Marie Kondo the extras. Keep the best version of each item and say goodbye to the rest. Donate, recycle, or toss ‘em—just don’t let them keep hogging space. Pro tip: If you haven’t used the backup in six months, you probably never will.
2.If It’s Been a Year, It’s Time to Disappear
That juicer you swore you’d use every morning? The “someday” pile of clothes that never sees daylight? If you haven’t touched it in a year, it’s officially dead weight. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, but so is walking into a room that doesn’t look like a thrift store threw up in it. Be ruthless. Your future self will thank you when they’re not tripping over last year’s regrets.
3.Digitize the Sentimental Stuff (But Keep the Memories)
We get it—throwing away your kid’s first macaroni art feels like a crime against motherhood. But if your attic looks like a museum of “remember when,” it’s time to snap some pics and let go. Digital storage is your friend. Scan old letters, photograph keepsakes, and store them in the cloud. That way, you can revisit the nostalgia without needing a forklift to move boxes every time you redecorate.
4.Guilt-Free Goodbyes (Yes, Even Aunt Betty’s Sweater)
Holding onto things out of guilt is like emotional clutter with interest. That sweater your aunt knitted? The expensive dress that still has tags? If they’re not serving you, they’re just taking up mental (and physical) real estate. Donate them to someone who’ll actually wear them, or repurpose the fabric. Aunt Betty would want you to be happy, not buried under a mountain of yarn.
5.Put Things Back—Like, Immediately
Clutter doesn’t happen overnight; it’s death by a thousand “I’ll put it away later”s. Train yourself to return items to their homes right after use. Keys go on the hook. Shoes go in the rack. That random pile of mail? Not a decor choice. The less you procrastinate, the less you’ll have to marathon-clean later.
6.Everything Needs a Home (No, the Floor Doesn’t Count)
If your belongings are nomadic, it’s time to assign them a permanent address. Invest in bins, baskets, and drawer dividers. Under-bed storage? Gold. Over-the-door organizers? Genius. And no, “that one corner” is not a valid storage solution. The goal is to open a drawer without risking an avalanche.
7.Sell, Donate, or Toss—But Don’t Just Hoard
Before trashing something, ask: Can I sell this? (Facebook Marketplace is your friend.) Would someone I know want it? (Your cousin might adopt that barely-used air fryer.) Can it be donated? (Goodwill receipts = tax deductions.) If all else fails, recycle or trash it. The goal is to move things out, not rearrange your hoard.
8.Would You Buy It Again? If Not, Why Keep It?
That questionable decor from your college days? The gadget that seemed cool but now collects dust? If you wouldn’t buy it today, it’s time to let it go. Your tastes change—your space should reflect who you are now, not who you were in 2012.
9.Closed Storage = Instant Zen
Open shelves look great on Pinterest, but if you’re not a naturally tidy person, they’re just display cases for chaos. Opt for furniture with doors or drawers—out of sight, out of mind. A cabinet can hide a multitude of sins (and mismatched mugs).
10.Under-the-Bed: The Forgotten Goldmine
That cavern under your bed isn’t just for dust bunnies and lost socks. Slide in rolling bins or vacuum-sealed bags for off-season clothes, extra linens, or hobby supplies. Bonus: It’s a great spot to stash holiday decorations so they’re not living rent-free in your hallway closet.
11.Go Vertical (Because Walls Are Storage Too)
Floor space is limited; wall space is limitless. Floating shelves, pegboards, and tall bookcases maximize storage without eating up square footage. Even your doors can work overtime with hooks or hanging organizers. The higher you go, the more room you free up below.
12.Stop the Inflow (Or at Least Slow It Down)
Decluttering is pointless if you keep bringing in more stuff. Try a 30-day no-spend challenge or adopt the “one in, one out” rule. Before buying, ask: Do I need this, or do I just want it? Your wallet (and your clutter-free future) will thank you.
Decluttering isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Start small, celebrate the wins (even if it’s just one drawer), and remember: the goal is a home that feels good, not a showroom. Now go forth and conquer that junk drawer. You’ve got this.
