How do you start to declutter your home?

Diane Miller
by Diane Miller
  6 answers
  • Pamela Pamela on Jan 02, 2019

    hi ! first take a deep breath !!! and i will tell you my method , its not the quickest , but it gets the job done right , with out a lot of pressure . it seems to me every time i went to de clutter a room or closet , i would get interrupted in the middle of my job and wind up shoving everything back ! So i devised a simple way to attack this problem & i did it as part of my new years resolution several years ago . Most important is your mind set , you need to be able to part with things that you dont use regularly , and not to hold onto things just for sentimental reasons , of course , there are exceptions to that ! yes, i held onto 1 or 2 outfits each of my children wore as an infant...No, i donated the shirt i didnt care for that my sister in law gave me , so i could wear it when she came by... OK ,this is my plan clean out 5 areas a week, sometimes i could do it in 1 day, and then i was in the clear for the rest of the week, or i could do more. Instead of doing a whole closet break it into parts , 1 shelf , just the shoes , same thing in the kitchen just do 1 cabinet. By setting it as a small chore , one that takes only a half hour or so, ( and if i get interrupted, i can go back to it )

    You might think holy cow , that will take forever , but surprisingly , it didnt . within about 4 months my house was clean , all my closets , cupboards were neat and organized. It is such a good feeling to know you can find an item 1..2..3.. in the long run you save yourself so much time , clutter just stops you dead in your tracks and prevents you from doing the things you really want to do . Good Luck !!!!!!!

  • Deb K Deb K on Jan 02, 2019

    Hi Diane, I had a room that was so badly cluttered I could only get a few feet into it, I bought some cube storage 9 per unit and went to work, pick a room and sort into donate, recycle and trash, as you get you loads built up, take the time to take the items to their appropriate places. It will start to show right away, the main thing to remember to give yourself a break but don't forget to carry on

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jan 03, 2019

    Agree with Pamela that so often folks set too large of a goal for this task, then get tired, discouraged, etc. and end up never getting it done at all. She is right to set small goals (only the one drawer, only the empty cookie tins, etc., to start with. Sure, even 1/2 hr at a time is just fine.


    If it helps you, set a kitchen timer, and when it rings, it's time for recess!


    Even if you have one small bag to throw out, or donate, you can pat yourself on the back that you have made progress.

  • Oliva Oliva on Jan 08, 2019

    Pitch magazines, saving only articles you will definitely reuse.

    Donate books you'll never read again to your local library or a thrift shop.

    Have your children select several toys to donate to less fortunate children.

    Purge additional linens for bed/bath/kitchen for donation.

    Purge duplicates of tools, for resale or donation.

    Donate or sell lamps you really never use.

    Purge closets of clothing not worn/too small/no longer in style/those youlre tired of and donate or hold a garage sale.

    Purge craft items, extra building materials, extra area rugs or runners, tableware/utensils/coffee mugs, appliances, kitchenware, etc.

    Start with one room and don't move on until it's completely purged. Place donations/resale in one large box, and trash in a large bag, for disposal.

    Get the donations out within the week. Have a garage sale or post for sale within 30 days.

  • P P on Jan 08, 2019

    Take photos of kids art or their favorite toys - then donate or otherwise deaccession the actual item. (Museum speak for pitch or give away) Consider asking family members & any heirs you have to come get their 'inheritance' early!