Introduction
Decluttering your home can feel like an overwhelming task. The sheer volume of stuff accumulated over months and years can make it hard to know where to start. However, by tackling clutter at the source, you can get ahead of the problem and prevent accumulation in the first place.
As a professional organizer and decluttering expert, I have helped hundreds of clients radically transform their homes by implementing systems and habits to stop clutter before it starts. In this comprehensive guide, I will share my proven approach to attacking clutter proactively and establishing order once and for all.
Eliminate Inflow of Unnecessary Items
The first key strategy is to cut down on the inflow of unnecessary possessions. I always advise clients to take a 30-day break from acquiring new stuff, aside from true essentials like groceries and toiletries. This helps reset your mindset and highlights just how much comes into your home on a regular basis.
Here are some tips to reduce influx:
Curb Impulse Purchases
Many clutter-causing items are bought on a whim without consideration of necessity or space constraints. Get into the habit of asking yourself these questions before buying something new:
- Do I really need this item, or just want it?
- Where will I put it?
- Do I already have something similar that meets this need?
Giving yourself a mandatory waiting period of 24-48 hours for non-essentials can help eliminate impulse buys.
Limit Freebies and Swag
Free promotional items like pens, koozies and tote bags seem harmless, but they add up quickly. Either pass them along immediately or thoughtfully turn them down when offered.
Skip Samples
Although free samples seem appealing, most end up unused and just take up space. Opt out of samples at checkout and with delivery services. Buy travel-size items only as truly needed.
Evaluate Gifts
Talk to your family and friends about your commitment to decluttering. Consider suggesting consumable gifts like food, as well as services or experiences. For material gifts, be choosey about what you accept into your home.
Reduce Catalogues and Junk Mail
Call companies directly to take your name off mailing lists. Sign up for paperless billing and opt out of ads and catalogs at every opportunity.
Establish Clutter “Hotspots”
Certain areas like entryways, kitchen counters and desks tend to attract clutter quickly. Get in the habit of addressing these clutter hotspots daily or weekly as part of your routine.
Clear Entryways
As soon as you return home, put keys, mail and bags away in assigned spots. Never set anything down with the intention to “deal with it later.” Tackle it immediately upon entering.
Process Paperwork ASAP
Letting paperwork like mail and documents pile up is a top cause of clutter. Open envelopes promptly, sorting into ‘action’ and ‘file’ piles. File papers into designated folders right away so they don’t accumulate.
Reset Surfaces Nightly
Kitchen counters, coffee tables, desks – flat surfaces attract clutter like magnets! Make it a daily habit to completely clear them before bed, leaving only essential decor.
Check Drawers and Shelves Weekly
It’s easy for random items to accumulate in drawers, cabinets and shelves over time. Do a quick tidy-up each week to clear out anything that doesn’t belong.
Clean As You Go
In high-traffic spaces like kitchens and family rooms, get in the habit of putting items away as you use them. Set a rule that nothing remains out overnight.
Adopt Preventative Habits
In addition to tackling hotspots, adopting daily and weekly decluttering habits keeps your space constantly tidy.
Do Quick 5-Minute Tidies
Set a timer and quickly tidy and organize a single area like a closet, bathroom drawer or pantry shelf. Do one per day as part of your routine.
Designate a Weekly Decluttering Session
Block off 30-60 minutes per week for an intensive decluttering session. Focus on problem areas and sort through categories like clothing, toys or paperwork.
Purge Before Buying Replacement Items
When something needs replacing, purge other similar items first. For example, donate some older t-shirts before buying new ones.
Choose Multipurpose Items
Opt for items like convertible furniture and reusable storage containers that neatly serve multiple functions and limit clutter.
Follow the “One In, One Out” Rule
For each new item brought into the home, donate, recycle or sell one item. This prevents overload.
Establish Daily and Weekly Cleaning Routines
Regular cleaning paired with decluttering prevents buildup of clutter and mess. Here are some suggested routines:
Daily Tasks
- Make bed
- Wash dishes
- Take out trash and recycling
- Tidy flat surfaces
- Do one load of laundry
Weekly Tasks
- Vacuum
- Mop floors
- Clean bathroom
- Clean kitchen
- Wipe down surfaces
- Declutter problem area
Create Designated Places for Categories
When everything has an assigned spot, you avoid pile-ups and searching for misplaced items.
Keys/Bags/Reusable Bottles
Give these high-traffic items a specific hook, tray or basket right by the entry. Never set them loose.
Clothing and Linens
Use closets, dressers, shelves and under-bed storage to categorize clothing. Designate hampers for dirty laundry.
Shoes
Use shoe racks, cubbies and trays to prevent shoes from landing in disarray around the house.
Office Supplies
Corral supplies in desktop organzers, drawer dividers and storage containers of all sizes to keep paperwork tidy.
Electronics and Cords
Minimize cord chaos by storing chargers in cord keepers and using cable clips to neatly run wires along walls.
Conclusion
Decluttering an entire home in one massive purge can feel overwhelming and unsustainable. By establishing simple habits to tackle clutter at the source, you can stop accumulation and mess before they start. With daily and weekly tidying and cleaning routines, along with mindful management of inflow, clutter simply won’t stand a chance. A decluttered home provides peace, productivity and joy for the whole family – now go make it happen!
