Here are quick and easy steps to declutter your home quickly. It can become overwhelming when our belongings overtake a space but with these steps, you can take back what is yours and generate an organized living space of peace and purpose in the place you call home.
- Grab Three Containers: Acquire three boxes or bags and label them as “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” and “Trash.”
- Set a Timer: Dedicate 30 minutes to decluttering by setting a timer. This time block will keep you focused and prevent overwhelm.
- Start with a Small Area: Begin with a manageable area, like a single drawer or a small section of a room.
- Declutter Your Home One Item at a Time: Assess each item quickly and decide whether to keep, donate/sell, or discard. Trust your instincts, and if you’re indecisive, set it aside for later.
- Clear Surfaces: Concentrate on flat surfaces like countertops and tables. Remove items that don’t belong or serve a purpose.
- Deal with Paper Clutter: Sort through mail, magazines, children’s school papers, and documents. Recycle or shred unnecessary items and organize the rest.
- Shoes: Quickly go through your shoes, donating or selling ones you no longer need.
- Declutter the Clothes: Go drawer by drawer or small sections of your closet within a 30-minute timeframe. Keep items for another time if you’re unsure. This is one of the spaces that might take longer, so plan to come back at another time to continue decluttering your home.
- Toys and Games: Declutter kids’ toys and games. Donate or discard items no longer used. If you plan to keep certain items for later projects or grandbabies, limit yourself to a certain amount of tote(s) for these items.
- Check Expiration Dates: In the kitchen, check for expired food items and dispose of them.
- Put Away Out-of-Place Items: Return items to their designated spots.
- At the End of 30 Minutes: Take out the trash and place the donation bag in your car for drop-off. Some donation drop-offs, have a donation paper, which may then be used at the end of year on your taxes (consult local staff at drop-off and/or your personal accountant for further details). If you like to hold garage sales, place items in your designated spot for another day of labeling and further sorting.
- Accountability: Set a date to host a fun night where participants bring items to exchange. Donate leftover items to a local shelter or community center or send them off in other ways that fit best you in your area.
- Overall: With these quick and easy steps to declutter your home, you’re on track to a more organized haven. Repeat the process multiple times or throughout the month for a thorough decluttering. Best of luck on your decluttering journey.
