Looking to reduce the amount of clutter in your home but feeling daunted by the process? If you need help figuring out how to clear out your home and create a decluttered space, we have what you need to succeed. Although this process can seem stressful, the right approach can make a world of difference. Discover how you can achieve the best decluttering results possible with our guide.

 

10 Steps to Declutter Your Space

Every home accumulates clutter over time. Unfortunately, this can be stressful, as it typically results in disorganization. Want to eliminate clutter and feel organized in your space? These 10 steps will help you achieve this goal.

  • Make a Game Plan

Before you start the decluttering process, create a plan that outlines what you want to achieve. You can also specify what you want to accomplish in each area of your home. This will keep you focused as you work and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. Set clear, specific goals, such as which rooms to tackle first. For instance, decide if you want to free up closet space, reduce kitchen items, or organize your home office. Setting small goals will make the process feel more manageable, especially if you’re dealing with a larger home or extensive clutter.

  • Tackle a Little at a Time

Decluttering doesn’t have to happen (and likely couldn’t happen) in a day. Try focusing on small areas at a time to make the task easier. One tactic is to set aside 15 to 30 minutes each day to work on one drawer, shelf, or corner of a room. If you have more time, you can extend your sessions, but remember that consistent progress is more important than overextending yourself. Working at a steady pace will prevent burnout as you tackle the decluttering process.

  • Start with Closets

Closets often become catch-all spaces for unused or out-of-season items, making them a good starting point. Remove clothing that doesn’t fit, that you no longer like, or that you simply don’t wear anymore. Other items commonly stored in closets include linens, towels, and seasonal decor, so take time to sort through these belongings accordingly. Clearing out closets can free up space for items that may currently be cluttering other areas of your home, so handling this before other aspects of the decluttering process can give you more space to store other items.

  • Categorize Items

As you sort through your home, divide items into categories: donate, sell, trash, and keep. Creating piles or sorting these categories into boxes or containers will allow you to handle them more efficiently as you go.

  • Use the 6 Month Rule…

A helpful guideline when decluttering is the 6-month rule: if you haven’t used an item in the past six months and don’t foresee yourself using it in the next six months, you likely don’t need it. While some items may be exceptions, the 6-month rule can be an effective way to assess the usefulness of most items in your home. 

  • And the 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 rule states that we typically use only 20% of our belongings 80% of the time. This principle can help you identify items that have little use and may be better off donated or thrown away. For instance, we often have favorite clothing items that we wear repeatedly, while other pieces sit unworn. Similarly, consider how frequently you use belongings such as kitchen appliances or decorative items. Applying this rule can help you reduce excess clutter and focus on the things that you truly enjoy or that serve a practical purpose.

  • Give Everything a Spot

One common reason clutter accumulates is that items don’t have designated storage spaces. For example, set up a drawer or basket for miscellaneous items like keys, wallets, and chargers. Organize shelves for books, create a designated area for mail, and make space for cleaning supplies in a hall closet. Giving everything a spot makes it easier to put things away, reducing the risk of clutter creeping back.

  • Opt for Storage Solutions

Many homes lack sufficient storage space, which can present difficulties as you sort through your home. Should you opt to get rid of items you really want or need just because you don’t have space in your home? If you’re in this predicament, renting a storage unit can be the ideal solution. This is especially useful for seasonal items, as a storage unit can offer a dedicated place to keep these belongings without them cluttering your home.

  • Ask for Help

Decluttering can be an exhausting process, especially when dealing with items of sentimental value. Consider asking for help from a friend or family member who can offer a different perspective. Another person may be able to help you decide whether to keep or let go of an item, especially if you’re feeling attached to things you rarely use. A neutral perspective can sometimes make the process faster and less emotionally taxing. If you’re tackling a significant amount of clutter, you might even want to consider hiring a professional organizer.

  • Declutter Periodically

Decluttering isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process. If you periodically declutter your space, you can prevent clutter from building up again. Try setting aside time once a season to sort through items that you may no longer want or need. Regularly purging unused or unwanted belongings will help you maintain an organized space over the long term and prevent the need for a major overhaul. By making decluttering part of your routine, you’ll find that keeping your home in order takes less effort.

 

Successfully Reduce Clutter in Your Home

By following these simple steps, you can achieve a clutter-free home in no time. Looking for storage space to help you with your decluttering process? Trust Austin Moving & Storage, your reliable source of secure storage units on Long Island. Our storage facility offers climate-controlled units with comprehensive fire and theft prevention systems, so you can rest assured that your belongings are safe with us. Request a free quote online or call us today to learn more!