How to get rid of clutter is a challenge faced by many who find their living or workspaces overwhelmed with unnecessary items that disrupt peace of mind and productivity.
Decluttering does not mean simply throwing things away; it’s a thoughtful process of re-evaluating what you own, prioritizing what truly adds value to your life, and creating a harmonious environment that supports your daily activities and mental well-being.
10 Steps for Easier Decluttering
This article presents 10 practical steps to help you get rid of clutter effectively, offering detailed guidance and strategies you can apply to transform your space and life.
Step 1: Understand Why Clutter Accumulates
Before tackling clutter, it’s important to understand why it forms in the first place. People accumulate clutter for several reasons: emotional attachments, busy lifestyles that leave little time for organizing, and the tendency to hold onto items “just in case.” Recognizing these underlying causes can help you adopt a mindset shift from collecting and holding to letting go and simplifying.
Moreover, clutter can result from a lack of proper storage and organizational systems, so understanding where things go wrong helps you develop lasting solutions. By realizing the psychological reasons for clutter, you begin your decluttering journey with clarity and motivation, turning what feels overwhelming into a manageable process.
Step 2: Create a Decluttering Plan — Room by Room
The most effective strategy on how to get rid of clutter is to work systematically, focusing on one room or area at a time. Trying to declutter the entire home at once often leads to burnout and confusion. Start with the spaces that influence your daily life the most, such as the kitchen countertop, your workspace, or wardrobe.
Break down each room into categories like clothes, papers, kitchenware, and miscellaneous items. Sort each category into four piles: “Keep,” “Donate,” “Recycle,” and “Trash.” This clear sorting system eliminates indecision, making the process practical and goal-oriented. Don’t forget to set aside time specifically for decluttering, preferably in manageable chunks that fit your schedule.
Step 3: Set Specific Decluttering Goals and Deadlines
Setting clear goals and deadlines is essential for staying on track. Instead of a vague “I want to declutter,” define specific targets such as “I will clear my bedroom closet within three days” or “I’ll organize the kitchen drawer by Saturday.” These time-bound goals create accountability and prevent procrastination.
Breaking down the decluttering task into smaller, measurable steps also makes the project less daunting. Celebrate your achievements as you complete each goal to maintain motivation. Consistently meeting these deadlines gradually transforms your entire living space while building positive momentum.
Step 4: Use the “One In, One Out” Rule Going Forward
A highly effective strategy to maintain a clutter-free home after your initial decluttering is adopting the “One In, One Out” rule. This simple method means that for every new item you bring into your home, you commit to removing one existing item. This helps prevent clutter from creeping back in and keeps your possessions at a manageable level.
The “One In, One Out” rule works best when you pair like items—for example, if you buy a new shirt, donate or discard an old shirt. This practice encourages mindful purchasing and helps build discipline to resist impulse buys. It’s especially useful once the majority of clutter has been cleared, serving as a maintenance tool that preserves the clean, organized space you have created.
While tempting to delay getting rid of something, the key is to immediately remove an item to avoid “stuff creep.” Many find it helpful to keep new items stored away temporarily until they have removed something similar. This rule not only controls accumulation but transforms your relationship with possessions, nudging you toward more minimalist living.
Step 5: Invest in Smart Storage and Organizing Solutions
Decluttering effectively isn’t just about throwing things away; it also involves giving everything you keep a proper place. Investing in smart storage and organizational tools is crucial to maintaining a clutter-free home long-term.
Consider versatile storage bins, drawer dividers, stackable boxes, and labeled containers to categorize items neatly. Shelves, hooks, and multi-functional furniture help utilize vertical and hidden spaces—ideal for small homes or apartments. Labels and clear containers improve visibility and easy access, reducing the temptation to accumulate redundant items.
Good storage solutions simplify your life by reducing the time spent searching for things and discouraging piling stuff in random places. When everything has a dedicated spot, your home stays clean and tidy, making ongoing decluttering and organization less daunting.
Step 6: Digitize Where Possible to Reduce Physical Clutter
Paper clutter can contribute significantly to the mess around the house or workspace. One of the smartest ways to get rid of clutter is by digitizing documents, receipts, photos, bills, and notes.
Scan important papers and store them securely in cloud storage or on your computer with organized folders. Many banking and utility companies allow e-statements, which reduce the need for physical copies. Digital photo albums save space while keeping cherished memories accessible.
Digitizing declutters physical spaces and makes retrieving information faster and more convenient. It also encourages a mindset of minimalism by shifting towards a more eco-friendly, paperless lifestyle.
Step 7: Avoid Multitasking During Decluttering Sessions
When learning how to get rid of clutter effectively, focusing all your attention on one task at a time is critical. Multitasking during decluttering sessions often leads to reduced productivity, increased stress, and incomplete tasks. Instead of hopping between rooms or items, set a timer and devote that focused period to a single area or category.
Distractions such as smartphones, TV, or unrelated chores can interrupt your flow. Consider turning off notifications or finding a quiet space dedicated solely to decluttering. Concentrated effort ensures quicker progress and a more satisfying outcome.
Step 8: Seek Support or Professional Help if Needed
Clutter can sometimes reflect emotional attachments or deeper organizational challenges that are hard to tackle alone. If you find the process overwhelming, consider inviting a trusted friend or family member to help. An outside perspective can reduce emotional bias and encourage decisive action.
For more serious cases or hoarding tendencies, a professional organizer or therapist specializing in decluttering might be the best resource. Their expertise provides structure, emotional support, and effective strategies that keep you motivated towards lasting change.
Step 9: Maintain a Regular Cleaning and Decluttering Routine
Decluttering is not a one-time event but a lifestyle change. To prevent clutter from returning, establish regular cleaning and decluttering routines—such as a weekly tidy-up or a seasonal review of belongings.
Scheduled maintenance prevents build-up, keeps areas organized, and reinforces habits that support a clutter-free home. Over time, these routines become automatic, making decluttering less of a chore and more of a natural part of your day.
Step 10: Enjoy the Benefits of a Clutter-Free Environment
After putting in the effort to rid your space of clutter, take time to enjoy the rewards. A clean, tidy environment contributes to improved mental clarity, reduced stress, and increased productivity. Spaces feel larger, more welcoming, and more functional.
Reflecting on how to get rid of clutter has transformed your surroundings and mindset. Celebrate your accomplishments and spread positivity by inspiring others to declutter their lives too. Remember, living clutter-free is an ongoing journey leading to greater well-being.
Decluttering Tips and Tricks
This list can serve as a quick reference guide or checklist for anyone starting their decluttering journey.
| Tip/Trick | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Create a “starting zone” | Pick a small area like a countertop or shelf to clear first. Making one spot clutter-free motivates further decluttering. |
| Sort items into categories | Use clear piles or boxes: Keep, Donate, Recycle, Trash. Seeing your decisions physically helps reduce indecision. |
| Designate “drop zones” | Instead of leaving stuff on tables or counters, assign specific “drop zones” like bins or trays for incoming mail, keys, or gadgets. |
| Clear flat surfaces regularly | Flat surfaces catch clutter easily. Dust and clear these areas multiple times a week to prevent buildup. |
| Use a “maybe” box | For items you’re unsure about, place them in a box and review after 6 months. If unused, donate or discard without regret. |
| Limit sentimental items | Avoid holding onto items “just for memories.” Take photos for remembrance and let go of physical clutter. |
| Avoid multitasking | Focus on one decluttering task at a time to increase effectiveness and prevent overwhelm. |
| Set timers for decluttering | Work in short, timed bursts (e.g., 20-30 minutes) to stay focused without fatigue, making decluttering less exhausting. |
| Assign homes for every item | Everything should have a designated spot. Returning items immediately after use prevents clutter return. |
| Declutter frequently | Regularly revisit your space to keep clutter from accumulating again. Small ongoing efforts prevent big messes. |
| Digitize papers and photos | Convert physical documents and pictures to digital form to reduce paper clutter and improve organization. |
| Ask for help if needed | Invite friends, family, or professionals to assist with overwhelming clutter or emotional attachment issues. |
| Avoid “just in case” purchases | Only buy items you truly need and have space for, to prevent new clutter accumulation. |
| Be mindful with gifts | Consider the impact of gifts on your space; prioritize experiences or consumables over things. |
This table provides actionable, easy-to-understand tips to apply while decluttering belongings, improving both efficiency and retention of clutter-free habits.