“I don’t have the time to declutter.” I hear this all the time from my listeners and the hundreds of women in my free Facebook group. The truth is that you can declutter your home in small chunks of time – as little as 15 minutes a day – and I’m here to support you every step of the way!
Here are my top 10 decluttering tips with links to my podcast episodes where you can dive in and learn more!
1. Never start with sentimental items.
When it comes to decluttering, it’s important that you start with the “low-hanging fruit” of the most unemotional, sentimental things you own. I actually recommend that you start with your car! Why? It’s a small, contained space and it’s mostly filled with trash or things that need to be relocated. Other great ideas are your purse/diaper bag, the bathroom, laundry room, or the fridge (moldy leftovers, anyone?)
Podcast episode to dive deeper: Don’t Know Where to Start Decluttering? The Answer May Surprise You
2. Start with your own stuff.
It is tempting to plow through the playroom or start poking around in your spouse’s drawers, but it important that you start with your own things and experience the benefits of decluttering first. Set the example for others, and you may be surprised who follows you!
Podcast episode to dive deeper: “My Husband Doesn’t Want to Get Rid of Anything!” How to Get Your Spouse on Board with Decluttering in 5 Simple Steps
3. Start (super) small.
Decluttering is physically and emotionally draining because of the decision-making involved, so it’s important to start small. Like most things, small steps lead to big progress. Remove one item from your house each day or start with one drawer or shelf. If you need external accountability, find a partner or join my free Facebook group!
Podcast episode to dive deeper: Exhausted and Burnt Out with NO Energy to Declutter as a Busy Mom? You Probably Aren’t Asking Yourself This Simple Question
4. Set a timer.
I love Gretchen Rubin’s ideas like the “One Minute Rule” (“Do any task that can be finished in less than one minute, without delay”) and “Power Hour” (Once a week for one hour, work on a certain project or task). For a drawer or shelf, set the timer for 5, 10, or 15 minutes. In my Facebook group we do bi-weekly declutteirnt challenges that are 15 minutes a day. Make it doable so that you will do it consistently. Consistency builds momentum.
Podcast episode to dive deeper: 5 Decluttering Misconceptions That Are Keeping You Stuck in Overwhelm
5. Ask yourself the right questions.
Decluttering is all about decision-making, which requires us to ask questions as we are deciding whether to keep something or let it go. Here are some to get you started: Have I used it in the last year? Will I realistically use it in the next year? If I were shopping right now, would I buy it? If you’re not sure, put it in a box with a date marked for 30 days from now. Keep it out of sight and don’t open the box for 30 days. If you don’t miss it, let it go.
Podcast episode to dive deeper: Instead of “Does it Spark Joy?” Ask These 4 Questions to Help You Declutter
6. Think of unused items as a blessing to others rather than a poor decision or wasted money.
Through my local Buy Nothing group, I have easily given away excess items to others. I know it is blessing someone and this is my motivation. Have I purchased things I shouldn’t have? Yes. But I let go of that guilt or the feeling I “should” use it so I can give it away to someone who will. Don’t get hung up on selling something because of what you paid for it. You paid the financial price long ago and now you’re paying with your precious time and energy to maintain it. Let it go.
Podcast episode to dive deeper: Stop Holding Onto Stuff Because of What You Paid for It! 3 Tips to Overcome This Common Decluttering Roadblock
7. Give everything a home.
One way to think of clutter is something without a permanent home. At the end of the day, everything should go back to its home and fit easily. Less clutter makes this easier to do. You can also teach your kids that everything has a place when it comes to books, toys, clothing, etc. So much time is wasted looking for lost items – and we have better things to do!
Podcast episode to dive deeper: Stop Wasting Time Looking for Stuff in Your Home! Follow This Simple Rule Instead
8. Try the reverse hanger trick for your closet.
Hang up all your clothing for the season and put the hangers one direction. After you wear something, change the hanger direction. After a month, see what you truly wear and consider decluttering the rest. Most of us wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. If you’re still not sure, box up the unused items and wait another 30 days to see if you miss anything.
Podcast episode to dive deeper: The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide to a Capsule Wardrobe: 5 Steps to Calm Closet Chaos
9. Recognize your clutter “dump zones” and develop a system to clear them.
Is it the kitchen counter? (No I can’t see into your home right now, I promise!) My husband and I have physical inboxes for incoming mail and paperwork, which we process every few days. The dining room table is another big clutter dump zone, so as part of my nightly tidying I remove items from that as well. Daily resets are an excellent way to keep your home clutter-free!
Podcast episode to dive deeper: The One Habit That Keeps Your Home Clutter-Free with Lisa Lizotte from the Habits and Home Show
10. Use the container concept to quickly and efficiently declutter.
This concept is foundational to decluttering success. Pick a physical container such as a box, shelf, bin – take everything out, and then put back what you use and love first. When it’s full, declutter the rest. Or if you can’t bear to part with it, put it in an “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” bin but make sure to put a date on your calendar to revisit it!
Podcast episode to dive deeper: The EASIEST Way to Declutter Any Space in Your Home!
If you want more support on your decluttering journey, check out my free Facebook group or hop on a free 10-minute clarity call to see if working with me may be the best option for you!
Simplify. Find out how.
Subscribe to receive the Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms weekly newsletter and receive my most popular resource, 50 Questions Minimalists Ask. Make sure to look for an e-mail from info@simplebyemmy.com to confirm your subscription!