A cluttered home can feel overwhelming, chaotic, and even stressful. But the good news? Transforming your space into a cleaner, organized sanctuary doesn’t have to be complicated. By breaking the process into manageable steps, you can tackle the task methodically and create a spacious, functional, and peaceful home.

Whether you’re downsizing, reorganizing, or simply looking to give every item in your home a “permanent address,” this guide will walk you through seven easy steps to declutter your home effectively.

Why Decluttering Matters

Before we jump into the steps, let’s talk about why decluttering is worth it. Beyond just improving your home’s appearance, decluttering has several tangible and emotional benefits:

• Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Research shows that physical clutter can increase cortisol levels (aka stress).
• Helps You Save Time: No more searching for misplaced keys or paperwork!
• Frees Up Space: Make way for things that truly matter.
• Creates a More Enjoyable Living Environment: A neat, clutter-free home feels welcoming and peaceful.

Now that you know the “why,” it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get started.

Step 1: Start with a Clear Goal in Mind

It’s easy to feel paralyzed by the sheer volume of clutter in your home, so define exactly what you want to achieve before you do anything. Do you want to create more storage? Is your goal to clear out unused items? Or do you want to make your home more organized and functional?

Pro Tip: Avoid trying to declutter your whole house in one day. Instead, focus on one space at a time (e.g., a closet, a kitchen drawer, or a box in the garage). Setting small, achievable goals will prevent burnout and keep you motivated.

Step 2: Sort by Category, Not Room

You may be tempted to clean room by room, but tackling clutter by category is usually more effective. For instance:

• Start with clothing first. Empty your closets and wardrobes, and go through every piece of clothing.
• Next, move on to books, papers, kitchenware, etc.

Why by category? It helps you see the full extent of the items you own, making it easier to identify extras you don’t need.

Pro Tip: If you own 5 spatulas but only need 2, now’s your chance to downsize!

Step 3: The ‘4-Box Method’

Put some structure into your decluttering with the 4-Box Method. Label four boxes or containers as:

1. Keep
2. Donate
3. Recycle
4. Trash

Go through each item in your chosen space and decide based on the four categories above. Avoid creating a “Maybe“ pile—this often leads to indecision and slows progress.

For items you’re unsure about, ask yourself:

• When was the last time I used this?
• Does this still add value to my life?
• Would I repurchase this today if I didn’t already own it?

Step 4: Follow the ‘One-Year Rule’

A good guideline for most everyday items (especially clothing and gadgets) is the One-Year Rule. You probably don’t need it if you haven’t used it in the past 12 months.

However, make exceptions for sentimental or seasonal items, such as holiday decorations or family heirlooms.

Pro Tip: Label storage bins with the date you packed them. If you haven’t opened them a year later, it’s a clear cue to let those items go.

Step 5: Try the ‘KonMari Method’

Popularized by Marie Kondo, the KonMari Method centers around asking yourself, “Does this spark joy?”. If an item no longer serves a purpose or brings happiness to your life, it’s time to thank it and part ways with it.

While the method focuses on joy, it’s also practical. If something is purely functional but doesn’t excite you (e.g., a spatula or extension cord), keeping it as long as it serves an essential purpose is okay.

Step 6: Organize Like a Pro

Once you’ve sorted your items, it’s time to put everything you plan to return back in its designated place. Here are some tips to help you stay organized:

• Use clear storage bins and label everything so it’s easy to find.
• Maximize vertical space with shelving or stackable bins.
• Create zones within a single space (e.g., assign one shelf in your pantry to snacks and keep pasta on another).
• Store frequently used items in easily accessible spots, while rarely used items can be placed in higher cabinets or at the back of closets.

Pro Tip: Invest in organizing tools like drawer dividers, closet hooks, and stackable containers to maximize your space.

Step 7: Maintain a Clutter-Free Home

Decluttering doesn’t end once you’ve tidied up—it’s ongoing. To keep clutter at bay, adopt these habits:

• One-In-One-Out Rule: Every time you bring something new into your home, get rid of an item you no longer need.
• Regular Declutter Sessions: Set aside 10–15 minutes weekly to tidy up one space.
• Be Mindful When Shopping: Before buying something new, ask yourself whether it truly adds value to your life.

Remember, decluttering isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a space that works for you and makes you feel at ease.

Create a Home You Love Today

Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. With these seven steps, you can methodically clear your space, create a more functional living environment, and even enjoy the process.

If you would like to declutter in hopes to sell your home – give me a call – that is my specialty! Liz Norvelle 928-458-4025