Decluttering Tips: How to Declutter Your Home Quickly and Easily

simplify life Oct 24, 2023
Decluttering Tips image of woman organizing clothing

When it comes to decluttering your home, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are so many areas of the home that seem like they need attention, not to mention caring for children! But don't worry, I'm here to help. I'm going to give you tips on how to declutter your home quickly and easily. I'll also provide advice on what to declutter first and where to start in your house. Be sure to read on for all the information you need to get started decluttering your home!

Decluttering Tips to get Started

If you haven't done any decluttering before, you may be wondering how to get started. Seriously though, just start. It may seem like you need to do something else first, but really you don't. Often we tend to overthink things, which keeps us from even starting. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Start small. Find one flat surface and set a timer for 15 minutes. By starting with an obvious location, you'll quickly see some results and feel motivated to keep going.
  • Get 3 boxes . . . or 2 boxes and a trash bag. One is for donating, one for things that are in the wrong area, and the other for trash. It's amazing how much trash tends to collect, especially with children!
  • Ask key questions. By asking yourself some basic questions, you can decide what to do with the item.
  • If you have time, set a timer for an hour or two and tackle one room at a time, starting with the easiest ones first. This way you won't get overwhelmed by having too many rooms left over after decluttering just one!
  • Set aside time each day for decluttering. It's hard to find time in our busy lives, but if you set aside even 15-20 minutes each day, you will be able to make some headway and then keep things under control. However, if you can, try to set aside extra time the first week so you can make some great strides while you're excited about it.
 

Declutter Your Home

Now that you know how to at least get started, I'd love to give you some more decluttering tips for your home. By working steadily on your home, it won't take long at all to make great progress. Trust me, the hard work is worth the peaceful home you will get at the end.

Make a plan

Decide what areas of your home need the most attention and make a plan for how you will tackle them. This way, you won't be wasting time trying to figure out what to do next. I recommend starting in areas of the home where you spend the most time. Kitchen? Living room? Family room?

Take before and after pictures

Be sure to take before and after pictures so you can see your progress. This will also help keep you motivated to declutter your home. Don't just stop with one room!

Start small

Start small and work your way up to bigger projects (e.g., go through one drawer or shelf at a time). This will help keep you from getting overwhelmed by the task at hand!

Spread it out

Don't try tackling everything in one day – take breaks when needed so that you are fresh enough to stay motivated! Even if you only work for 15 minutes each day, you will make progress. Stick with it!

Have a home for everything

Make sure everything has a home! Use containers, labels, and shelves to keep things organized. This will help prevent clutter from building up again! Are kids excited too? Get them involved in decluttering their rooms – they'll feel like they're part of the process while learning how important it is to keep things neat.

Reward yourself

Be sure to think of some type of reward for when you're finished. You could even do smaller rewards along the way. It's so much work, so a reward will be something to look forward to. It could be something small like a favorite treat or something more extensive like a meal out with your husband or a friend.

Where to Start Decluttering

Where is the best place to start decluttering? At first glance, it may seem like there is no good place to start when it comes to decluttering your home. However, there are a few places that are more important than others. As I've said previously, I usually recommend a flat surface in a main area of the house. If you need more suggestions, check these out.

  • The kitchen is usually one of the first areas to get cluttered, so start here. Declutter your countertops by getting rid of unused appliances, pots and pans, and utensils. Store less frequently used items in cupboards or pantries instead.
  • The living room is often the busiest room in the house and it can be difficult to keep it tidy. Declutter by getting rid of any unnecessary furniture and decorations. If you don't have enough space for all your things, consider storing some items in another room or even in storage. Remember, the less knick-knacks and decor you have, the less to clean around!
  • As moms with children, the play area can easily become a disaster zone! I have many tips on decluttering toys, but to get started, get rid of anything broken or not played with. Whether your toys have a dedicated room or area in your living room or a bedroom, this area can get out of control so quickly!

Related: How to Organize Kids' Toys: Top Tricks

  • The bedrooms are another key area to focus on as it's where we tend to store a lot of our clothes and other belongings. Start by going through your closet and getting rid of anything you haven't worn in the past year. If you don't have enough storage space for all your clothes, consider investing in some good-quality storage solutions in your garage for off-season clothing. When going through kids' clothing, get rid of anything that no longer fits. They grow so fast!
  • Once you're finished with the above, don't forget about decluttering the other areas of your home such as the bathrooms, closets, office area (if you have one), laundry room, and garage.

How to Declutter Your Home Fast

If you're looking for a quick way to declutter your home, here are a few tips:

  • Tackle one area at a time. This will help ensure that you're not overwhelmed by the task and that everything gets done properly.
  • Set a timer for each area and work until the timer goes off. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked.
  • Ask for help from family members or friends. If everyone pitches in, then the task will be completed much more quickly!
  • Hire a professional cleaner if you're finding it difficult to declutter on your own and you have the resources. Not only will they take care of all the cleaning for you, but they can also give you some tips on how to keep your home tidy in the future. Plus, it's one less thing for you to worry about!

Declutter Your Home Checklist

Now that I've given you some of my best tips to get started, feel free to download this free declutter your home checklist to help you in your journey. Having a checklist will help you know what you need to work on next as well as keep you motivated as you check things off.

declutter your home checklist image

So there you have it – some tips on how to declutter your home quickly and easily! Follow these tips and you'll be able to get your home looking neat and tidy in no time. Even if you're overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering, the best thing you can do is just start . . . like right now! Happy decluttering!

You may also find these helpful:

Creating a Peaceful Home to Enjoy

How to Organize Kids Toys: Tip Tricks

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