10 Ways to Declutter Your Home for a Fresh Start

Posted by Val Malnar on November 22, 2024

Anyone else feeling the need to declutter these days? I feel like ever since we moved from Ontario to Florida, I've been really aware of the times when my space feels cluttered - probably because I'm working out of my bedroom at the moment. The home we're renting while our house is being built is a good size, but it has VERY little storage. Which means the oversized primary bedroom is now also my office and a closet.....eeek!

For me, clutter = overwhelm. A clean, organized space not only lifts my mood but it makes me feel more productive. If you're feeling overwhelmed in your home, it might be time to considering decluttering.

So with that in mind, here are 10 Ways to Declutter Your Home to create a space that feels peaceful and inspiring.

1. START WITH A PLAN
Decluttering works best when you approach it with a plan. Decide which areas need the most attention, what order to tackle them in and set an achievable timeline. Following the plan and seeing progress will keep you motivated so you can easily complete the task.

declutter your home by starting with a plan

2. GET RID OF OLD JUNK
In many households, there are inevitably some items that are old, torn, broken or simply don't get used anymore. It could be pots and pans, toys, tools, who knows. Whatever it is, the quicker you can remove them from your house, the better. If you don't have time or you're too attached to the items in your home that you need to get rid of, consider hiring a junk removal company to help you. It'll be less stressful for you and you'll have the added assurance that they've donated or disposed of the things you no longer need in a responsible manner.

3. USE THE FOUR-BOX METHOD
Set up four boxes (or areas) labeled Keep, Donate, Recycle and Trash. As you sort through items, assign each to one of these categories. Try not to get too sentimental—focus on keeping things that truly serve a purpose or brings you joy. Again, you might want to use a company to take the items to the recycling center or dump for you.

4. INVOKE THE 10-MINUTE RULE
Not sure where to begin? Start small. Spend 10 minutes decluttering a drawer, a shelf, or a single cabinet. These quick wins make a big difference and help you build momentum for larger tasks.

5. CLEAR SURFACES
Once you’ve tackled a few smaller tasks, shift your focus to surfaces like countertops, shelves, mantle, etc. A clutter-free surface instantly makes your home feel more organized.

6. ADOPT A ROOM BY ROOM APPROACH
To stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed, focus on one room at a time. You can start with the largest space to make a noticeable impact or begin with smaller rooms to feel accomplished more quickly.

7. PURGE YOUR CLOSET
Your wardrobe likely has clothes you don’t wear anymore. If it hasn’t been worn in a year (and isn’t a seasonal or special occasion piece), it’s time to donate it. I'm pretty sure (actually 'certain') that I still have jeans in my closet from my twenties that I keep vowing that I'll fit back into one day that have been collecting dust for almost two decades. Find a suitable Op-Shop near you to donate any clothing you're prepared to let go of.

8. PARE DOWN KITCHEN ITEMS
Overflowing cabinets and drawers can make the kitchen feel chaotic. Declutter by getting rid of duplicate items, mismatched containers and tools you don’t use anymore. While you’re at it, sort through your pantry to toss expired items or plan meals around older staples.

9. GO DIGITAL WITH PHOTOS AND DOCUMENTS
Stacks of papers and boxes of old photos take up space and can feel overwhelming. Scan them and store digital copies in the cloud. Not only will this declutter your home, but you’ll also have a secure backup of precious memories and important files.

10. INCORPORATE SMART STORAGE SOLUTIONS
Once you've decluttered, give everything you’re keeping a designated spot. Utilize smart storage solutions like under-bed containers, stackable bins or floating shelves. Keeping items tidy and accessible makes maintaining a clutter-free home much easier.

Smart Storage Solution to Declutter Your Home

Decluttering your home is about creating a space that supports your lifestyle and brings you joy. Take it step by step and before you know it, your home will feel lighter, brighter and clutter-free.

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