I get asked all the time for decluttering ideas. The good news is my head is full of them. What I’ve come to realise is that there is a similar pattern with all my clients, even though each case is individual. In other words, there are similar reasons as to why there is clutter. The following ideas are not expressed in any particular order, but hopefully, some, if not all, will help in your quest to become decluttered.
Understand the “why” behind the clutter
The first of my decluttering ideas is that it is important to understand why you have the clutter. Is it a lack of time, a big family to manage, procrastination, overwhelm, or are there deeper-rooted reasons why? Quite often, it’s a culmination of all of the above but understanding the why can help you see that letting go is incredibly healing. Once systems are in place, in theory, you should never feel the need to revert to your old ways. Be mindful that this process could take some time, depending on how much stuff you have, but there is no time like the present to start.
Visualise your end goal
I always ask my clients to envision what a decluttered and organised home looks and feels like to them. I actively encourage them to find magazines or even browse shops that they like the style of, to fully embrace what their end goal is. After all, if you don’t know what you want, how can you create it?
Involve the family
Another idea is to involve the family in your plans. If you suddenly think that it is time to declutter and organise your home, but your family are not playing ball, then you may struggle on your own. My decluttering idea is to make it a family exercise, even if you end up leading by example. Very soon, they will follow suit as they see how important this project is to you.
Make a plan before you start
One of the most crucial decluttering ideas is that you create a list of each category and room you want to declutter. In other words, you need to have a plan. That way, you create bite-sized pieces that you tackle, rather than feeling overwhelmed and therefore demotivated. I suggest my clients use a clipboard so they feel like they are taking charge of their clutter. By categorising, you can decide which area is the easiest to tackle first — and that, in itself, is one of my decluttering ideas.
Start with the easiest wins
Never bite off more than you can chew. The process of decluttering is rather like peeling an onion, it can be done layer by layer. I always suggest starting with the easiest area and/or category. For instance, if you have more unpaired socks across the entire family, but you are not attached to them, pile them all up together. Re-pair them and donate any leftovers. Systematically, work through each category, starting with the easiest areas first. Even working through something as easy as a heap of recycling can give you immediate gratification and the impetus to keep going.
Assign a place for everything
A place for everything and everything in its place is a good slogan and a meaningful one when it comes to decluttering. When I work with clients in a specific room, rather than let various items go immediately, we move said items into the correct room or storage area. For instance, a lone battery on the floor of your living room probably needs to be in a drawer somewhere, not in your living room. It may be that those batteries need sorting on another occasion, but for now, they’re where they belong.
Treat your home as living space, not storage space
You need to look at your home as a living space, not a storage space. Items that take up space in your home but are required should be put into a storage space such as your utility room or garage (if you have one). The only items that belong in the loft are your Christmas decorations, your suitcases, and maybe empty boxes from your home move. Otherwise, it can become another area full of clutter, adding stress as lofts are always difficult to tackle due to limited space and awkward access.
Prepare for the mess before the calm
Decluttering can get worse before it gets better. When tackling a room, take everything out first, then categorise before deciding what stays, what goes, and what belongs elsewhere. Anything surplus to requirements can be discarded, recycled, sold, or moved to the correct room in the house. Once everything is sorted, you’ll have a more organised storage place and can move on to the next area.
Take care of yourself during the process
Decluttering is both physical and emotional. Keep hydrated, take breaks, and look after your energy levels. It’s okay to step away and return later.
Sort and hang your pictures
Pictures that lie around, waiting to be put up, should be gathered together and placed in the room where you’d like them. Never put off hanging pictures — they create a lovely ambience. Left lying on the floor or hidden in a drawer, they only add to clutter.
Get donations out the door
Any items you have already bagged up for charity need to be either stacked in the hallway ready to leave your home or put straight into your car for a drop-off. In many cases, charity shops will collect directly from your home, making your life even easier.
Letting go… ask the right questions
If you struggle to let go, ask yourself: what’s the “just in case” scenario? Often, our attachment to things comes from past experiences, like growing up with little or being taught to keep everything. But if something no longer serves a purpose and is taking up space, it’s okay to let it go. Charities are always grateful for useful donations.
A great question to ask yourself is: if you were moving, would you take this item with you? If the answer is no, it might be time to let it go. Another helpful check: would you buy it again today? Many of us have bought regrettable clothing items, many of which end up on resale apps like Vinted. If it no longer fits your style or mindset, pass it on. Someone else might love it, or a local charity shop would gladly take it off your hands.
Be prepared to donate around 50% of your clutter, with the other 50% either being repositioned or potentially sold.
Imagine a fresh start
Imagine your home empty. Not a stick of furniture, no pictures, no knick-knacks. Now imagine only bringing back items that are beautiful or essential. What would you choose? As humans, we gather so much that isn’t needed. This isn’t about minimalism — it’s about surrounding yourself with things that serve a purpose and bring you joy.
My final idea… declutter to create calm and save costs
Life is for living and clutter causes chaos and hidden costs. Many people repurchase lost items. Decluttering can free up not just space, but time and money too — money that could be better spent on experiences like a holiday.
This is not an exhaustive list of decluttering ideas, but there are enough ideas here to help you through the process and get you on your way to a decluttered, more organised, and calm life.
Beth X