Living with clutter is overwhelming—but sometimes, the thought of decluttering feels even worse. And when the solution feels more daunting than the problem, it’s easy to avoid it altogether.
The good news? Decluttering doesn’t have to be a massive, all-at-once project. When you simplify the act of simplifying, it becomes manageable, realistic, and even a little bit joyful. Here are my top tips for decluttering in a way that actually works.
1. Give everything a home
It’s tempting to scroll social media and think your home should look like a minimalist showroom: matching containers, custom labels, and zero mess. But let’s be honest—that doesn’t fit most real lives. Decluttering isn’t about mimicking someone else’s system. It’s about creating one that works for you.
For example, if you always end up with a pile of “worn-but-clean” clothes in your room, embrace it. Get a nice basket and make that pile intentional. No more guilt, no more chaos.
If your entryway collects keys, bags, mail, and wrappers, don’t fight it. Observe what lands there, and build a system around it. Hooks for backpacks, bowls for keys, bins for mail—keep it simple and sustainable.
Decluttering isn’t always about getting rid of things. Sometimes it’s just about giving the things you use a proper home.
2. Create a “Donate Zone” and use it regularly
You don’t have to wait for spring cleaning. Make it a habit to routinely ask yourself: Do I actually use this?
That shirt you skip over every day? That kitchen tool you forgot you had? Place them in a dedicated “donate zone.” A bin in your garage works perfectly. Then, once a month, drop everything off at a local thrift store. Done.
If you’re up for a deeper clean, take it one room—or drawer—at a time. Trying to declutter your entire house in a weekend will burn you out. Start small, finish something, and keep going from there.
3. Let go of useless sentimental items (yes, really)
This one’s hard, especially for the sentimental types. But hear me out.
Not every memory needs a physical item. Go through your keepsakes and ask:
Can this item be repurposed as decor?
Does this actually hold value, or is it just clutter with a memory?
Could a photo of it serve the same emotional purpose?
Limit yourself to one or two memory boxes—whatever’s realistic for your space. Choose to keep what’s meaningful and practical. Everything else? Let it go.
4. Be honest with yourself
You know yourself better than any trend. If that shirt you love the idea of never fits right, it’s time to let it go. If you haven’t touched that hobby in years, you probably won’t tomorrow either.
Use the painter’s tape trick: put a small piece of tape on items you’re unsure about and set a reminder in 3 or 6 months. If the tape is still there when the reminder goes off, it’s time to donate.
Seasonal exceptions apply—but the principle still stands: your home should support your real life, not a fantasy version of it.
The real goal: Peace, not perfection
Decluttering isn’t about achieving Pinterest perfection. It’s about creating a home that works for you. Don’t worry about curated photos or influencer hacks. Chances are, they’re hiding a junk drawer too.
Your goal is more peace, less stress. It’s about knowing what you own, using what you love, and letting go of what no longer serves you. A basket for the clothes you always leave out, a bin for monthly donations, an honest conversation with yourself about what’s actually useful—these little changes add up.
You’re not creating a showroom. You’re building a sanctuary.
