13 Easy Tips to Start Decluttering Your Home Today

Many of us like the idea of living a simpler life with less mess, but it can be ever so daunting to go through all the clutter, causing a lot of people anxiety.  It doesn’t have to be hard for you to declutter and bring more organization into your life. A neat and uncluttered house looks nice and gives a sense of peace.

I try to only hold onto things that serve me a purpose and bring a little happiness. During my 15 years as a business owner with a cleaning company, I’d often help others find simple solutions to organizing their home. To make things easier to tackle the clutter and organize your home, I’ve listed some tried and true simple tips to clean up the mess.

By using these techniques, you can easily sort through your stuff and enjoy a much more organized, clean home that you feel good about.

Make a Plan

To start decluttering, it always helps me to come up with a plan first. Take a little time to think and get ready before you dive in. Figure out which areas in your home need work then set goals you can reach. Make a schedule to help you stay focused, so you don’t feel like it’s too much all at once.

Having a clear strategy keeps you going and on the right path, which makes the whole job feel easier to handle. When you get your mind ready and plan ahead of time, you’ll keep up the energy you need to clean up even the messiest spots.

Start Small

Begin with a small area by picking a specific room then focus on one spot such as a drawer or closet. If you’re looking to get inspired and see quick results, pick a small space you use every day. This could be a cabinet in your bathroom or a drawer in your kitchen. When you see a neat area, it’ll push you to keep going.

Put your attention on one room at a time and break down each part step by step. I always make sure I finish the whole room before moving on to another one.

Set a Timer

If you don’t already own a timer, go buy one and use it to help prevent that feeling of being overwhelmed. Setting it for a short time frame makes it feel easier to get started.

When I first started using a timer it was so motivating to see what I could accomplish in such a short time. Get to work cleaning and try not to pay attention to the timer, when it goes off, you’ll have a clean space and be eager to continue.

This method will help keep you motivated and set you up for future success. Start with just 15 or 20 minutes, see how much you can get done in a short time, and slowly increase the time limit.

Sort Things Into Piles

Section your stuff into three piles: things to keep, things to sell, and then things to give away. This will help the process of cleaning your house.  Keep what you use often and like, then sell the stuff that’s still worth something but you don’t need anymore; I use online marketplaces, they are a great way to sell your stuff and pocket a little extra cash. Donate your items that are still in good shape, but you don’t use anymore. These things can go a long way in helping those in need.

Organizing everything into three piles makes it easier to get rid of stuff you don’t need. You’ll also feel good knowing your donations are helping others, and your home will be easier to manage.

Use the 90/90 Rule

You could try The Minimalist 90/90 rule to help clean up your house. Ask yourself: Have you used this thing in the last 90 days? If not, do you think you’ll use it in the next 90 days? If you say no to both, it’s probably time to get rid of it.

This basic rule helps you decide quickly what to keep and what to throw out. By looking at a 6-month window, you can decrease the amount of stuff you have and make a neater less cluttered space. It’s a simple, hands-on way to deal with mess without feeling too much pressure.

Keep Similar Objects Together

Put similar items in one place instead of having them spread out to prevent misplacing them. When you clean up, group things together to make your space more organized. Keeping similar objects together forces you to tidy up your home and simplifies your daily routine.

Keep items near where you’ll use them, so everything is close when you need it. For instance, I make sure that anything office-related gets put away in my office right away to prevent it from piling up elsewhere. If the kid’s toys are taking over the house, try putting them in labeled bins in the playroom.

This method helps keep things in order and cuts down the time you spend looking for stuff.

Keep Flat Surfaces Clear

Clearing flat surfaces has a big impact on keeping your house clean. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about your kitchen counter or your desk — less stuff means a tidier space. Flat areas tend to gather junk so try to keep them empty. It’s okay to leave out a few things you need often but try to cut down on the rest.

I take pride in a clean kitchen island, a place that is notorious for collecting random items. I make a point daily to tidy these items and put them in their appropriate spot.

Use drawers, or containers for papers and random stuff. In the kitchen keep appliances you use a lot on the counters; put away or give away the others. This easy habit helps to maintain a neat and organized area without much effort.

Follow the One-In-One-Out Rule

The “one in, one out” rule helps prevent you from accumulating too much stuff. When you buy yourself something new try tossing out something old that you don’t really need anymore. I love buying myself new clothes, but I make sure I go through my closet first and clear out any items I no longer have a use for.

Anything you bring into the home whether it be a new clothing item or a kitchen gadget, in return sell, donate, or toss something in its place. If you can commit to this rule, it will help keep your home clutter free.

Prevent Piles With Easy Fixes

To avoid mess, stop things from piling up in the first place. If you tend to leave clothes and accessories in a messy pile, try using hooks or a rack to keep them organized. For a quick solution, put a laundry basket or hamper close by so you can throw items in without making such a mess.

I have a large hall tree cabinet by my front door and during the colder months it gets cluttered with hats and mitts. I purchased some cute wicker baskets to place on the top shelf and it helps keep everything neat and organized.

By tweaking how you store and handle your stuff, you’ll keep a neater more organized space without much effort.

Determine Items That Bring You Joy

When you’re tidying up, try Marie Kondo’s advice to keep only the things that make you happy. Think about what puts a smile on your face or adds something to your life. For things you don’t use every day but still mean a lot, like Christmas ornaments or special keepsakes, pack them away and take them out when it’s that time of year.

Concentrating on what you care about will make it easier to clear out clutter and turn your space into something you enjoy more. This way of doing things helps you get rid of stuff you don’t need and fills your home with things that bring you joy.

Declutter With a Garage Sale

Arranging a garage sale is a great way to clear out your home and earn some extra cash. It gives you a chance to look through your stuff and figure out what you need and don’t need. Setting up a sale helps you to organize items, put prices on them, and set them up, which can also motivate you to clear out other areas in the house.

We aim to have a garage sale at least every other summer so it forces us to do some spring cleaning and get rid of the items that are just taking up space. Plus, it feels good to give things you don’t use anymore to people who will find a use for them. This doesn’t just help tidy up your space, but it also lets you put the money you make towards something you need.

Get a Friend’s Input

Getting a friend to lend a hand with decluttering can work wonders. Have them walk around your home with you and highlight things they think you should be tossing out. When you’re unsure about letting go of an item, explain why and get their take on it. Their friendly approach can help you see things differently and keep you on track.

We often hold onto some things out of routine or for sentimental reasons, a friend’s unbiased opinion might be just what you need to get rid of things that don’t serve a purpose anymore. When I ask a friend for help with the larger declutter jobs around the house it turns the daunting task of cleaning into something a lot more fun!

Take Before and After Photos

Taking pictures of your cleaning spree will help you see just how far you’ve come. I am a sucker for a good before-and-after shot! I take a picture of the cluttered area before I start and then another for each area I’ve cleaned.

Looking at the changes you have made will leave you feeling accomplished. These photos also give you something to look back on and remind you what worked and what didn’t. It’s an easy but rewarding way to keep yourself motivated to maintain a tidy home.