Getting overwhelmed by clutter is common, but a full home declutter can help create the peaceful environment we all crave. By methodically clearing out unused items room-by-room, you can make space for what really matters. Here’s how I tackle a whole house declutter.
Why Declutter?
Clutter accumulation happens gradually, until one day you realize your home feels chaotic and stressful. A cluttered environment can negatively impact your mood and productivity. Decluttering helps:
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Create a calmer home environment: Less visual noise helps you feel more relaxed and focused.
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Save time: You won’t waste as much time searching for lost items.
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Appreciate belongings: With less clutter, you can actually see and use the items you love.
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Focus on priorities: Life feels simpler when your surroundings contain only the essentials.
Prep For a Successful Declutter
Tackling the entire house may seem daunting, but these preparation tips will set you up for success:
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Schedule time. Block off hours or full days so you can fully focus.
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Start with a manageable space. Declutter one room or zone first to build momentum.
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Gather supplies. Have garbage bags, boxes, and organizing tools on hand.
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Establish decluttering guidelines. Decide what you want to accomplish in each space.
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Enlist help from others in your household. Decluttering together saves time and prevents clutter from returning.
Declutter Room-by-Room
Systematically working through your home room-by-room is an efficient approach. Here’s how to tackle each space:
Living Spaces
Focus on removing unused items and organizing high-traffic areas like:
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Living room: Eliminate clutter like magazines, extra furniture, and unused decor.
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Family room: Clear out toys, games, and media items that are no longer used.
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Dining room: Remove dishware and table linens that are rarely or never used.
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Entryway: Toss old coats, shoes, and items that don’t belong. Organize with baskets and hooks.
Bedrooms
Edit wardrobes and furnishings in bedrooms:
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Clothing: Be ruthless. Toss or donate anything you haven’t worn in over a year.
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Furniture: Remove unnecessary chairs, shelves, and accent tables that create clutter.
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Nightstands: Keep only essentials like lamp, book, water, and charging station.
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Under the bed: Use this prime storage space for out-of-season clothing or bedding.
Bathrooms
Pare down to the bare essentials in bathrooms:
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Medicine cabinet: Toss expired medications and items you don’t use regularly.
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Under the sink: Only keep one of each cleaning product plus extra toilet paper and towels.
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Showers and tubs: Remove shampoos and soaps no one uses.
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Linen closets: Store neatly folded towels and toiletries you use daily. Donate extras.
Kitchen
Kitchens tend to accumulate unused gadgets and dishes. Follow these tips:
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Junk drawers: Completely empty and reorganize with dividing trays. Toss broken, unused items.
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Pantry: Check expiration dates and donate unopened foods you won’t use. Organize with bins and labels.
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Cabinets and drawers: If you have multiples of one device or dish, keep only what you regularly use.
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Under the sink: Keep only cleaning supplies you use. Discard unused bottles.
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Small appliances: For gadgets you rarely use, ask yourself: Could I live without this if I had to?
Garage and Basement
These storage spaces tend to become disorganized dumping grounds.
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Garage: Discard or donate unused tools, gear, and sporting goods. Use shelving, racks, and bins to organize what remains.
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Basement: Eliminate boxes of old files, paper records, and other items you don’t really need to keep.
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Seasonal items: Store off-season sporting equipment, holiday decorations, and clothing in orderly labeled bins.
Maintain a Decluttered Home
Once you’ve done a thorough declutter, adopting new habits can help you maintain order long-term:
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Institute a “one in, one out” rule for new items. If something new comes in, something old goes out.
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Give items a “holding period” before purchasing. Wait 24 hours before buying new gadgets or clothes.
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Designate mail and paperwork sorting spots. Deal with it right away instead of letting it pile up.
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Put things back where they belong after using them. Don’t let clutter accumulate.
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Review problem areas monthly. Identify what’s starting to accumulate and clear it out.
The benefits of decluttering are enormous. An organized, serene home allows you to feel more content, focused, and engaged with the people and activities you value most. Use these decluttering tips to clear your space and enjoy the peaceful environment you deserve.
