Find simplicity in the midst of clutter.
Living in a cluttered space can feel exhausting especially when every item holds emotional value. If you struggle with hoarding or know someone who does, the thought of decluttering might feel overwhelming. However, with the right mindset and a step-by-step approach, you can turn your home into a calm and organized space.
Understanding Why Hoarding Happens
Before getting into decluttering, it's important to understand why people hoard. Many hoarders keep things because of emotional attachments, a fear of needing something later or a sense of security that comes from holding onto items. Recognizing these reasons can help you declutter with more patience and empathy.
Start Small, Aim Big
A common mistake when decluttering is trying to do everything at once. This can feel overwhelming and lead to frustration. Instead, begin with something small—a drawer, a closet or just one corner of a room. Taking small steps helps you stay motivated and lets you see real progress, making the process easier over time.
The One-Box Method
A simple way to keep up with decluttering is the one-box method. Place a box in an easy-to-reach spot, like near the entrance or inside a closet. Whenever you find something you don’t need, like or use, drop it in the box. Once it’s full, donate or discard the items. This keeps clutter from piling up without the stress of doing a big cleanup all at once.
Stop the Clutter at Its Source
Decluttering isn’t just about removing things—it’s also about controlling what comes in. To avoid piling up new clutter, shift your thinking from “Do I want this?” to “Do I need this?” Before buying something, ask yourself, Do I really need it? Will it add long-term value to my life? Being mindful of what you bring home helps keep your space clutter-free.
Cherish the Memories Without the Clutter
Letting go of sentimental items can be hard especially when they hold special memories. While it’s important to value these memories, it’s also essential to ensure they don’t overwhelm your space. Instead of keeping everything, display a few meaningful pieces that bring you joy. You can also pass some items on to family members who will appreciate them, allowing the memories to live on without creating clutter.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
With so many cheap and disposable items available, it’s easy to collect things that don’t last. Instead, focus on quality rather than quantity. Having fewer but well-made items reduces clutter and ensures your space is filled with things that truly serve a purpose. Investing in durable products means fewer replacements, which naturally helps keep new clutter from building up.
Simple Decluttering Tips for Different Areas
- Clothing: If you haven’t worn something in years, it’s probably time to let it go. Go through your wardrobe and donate clothes that don’t fit or that you’ll never wear again.
- Kitchen: Use what’s already in your pantry before buying more. Plan meals around ingredients you have to cut down on food waste and make space.
- Cleaning Supplies: Gather all your cleaning products in one spot. Finish what you have before buying new ones and only get what you really need.
Getting Professional Help
For some hoarders, decluttering alone can feel too overwhelming. In such cases, professional help can make a big difference. If you're in Chicago, looking up “Movers in Chicago” can connect you with experts who understand how to handle sensitive decluttering situations. These professionals not only help with the heavy lifting but also provide support to make the process easier.
Enjoy the Process
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things—it’s a journey of self-growth and mental relief. By taking small steps and understanding the emotional reasons behind the clutter, you can create a home that truly feels like yours—a place where you can relax and enjoy life.
In the end, it’s not about simply throwing things away but about making space for what truly matters. Start small, be patient with yourself and see how both your space and your life change for the better.
Decluttering Made Simple
Decluttering becomes much easier when you focus on what to keep instead of what to get rid of.
Decluttering Tips for Seniors
- Start Small: Focus on one room or area at a time to keep it manageable.
- Sort Items: Group belongings into categories like keep, donate, sell or discard.
- Keep Sentimental Items: Hold onto meaningful things but limit the number to avoid clutter.
- Prioritize Safety: Keep walkways clear and remove anything that could cause trips or falls.
- Get Help: Ask family or friends to assist with heavy lifting and sorting.
Simple Minimalist Decluttering Tips
- Set Clear Goals: Decide what you want to accomplish before you start.
- One-In, One-Out Rule: When you bring something new in, get rid of one item.
- Remove Extras: Keep only what you really need and use.
- Try the 90/90 Rule: If you haven’t used something in the last 90 days and won’t in the next 90, consider letting it go.
- Keep the Essentials: Focus on items that truly add value to your life and let go of the rest.
Easy Decluttering Tips for Clothes
- Sort by Type: Start with one category, like shirts, before moving to others.
- Keep What You Love: If you haven’t worn something in a year, consider donating it.
- Rotate Seasonally: Store clothes that aren’t in season to create more space.
- Try the Hanger Trick: Hang all clothes in one direction, after wearing an item, turn the hanger. After six months, donate anything still facing the original way.
- Donate or Sell: Give away clothes in good condition or sell them online.
Simple Decluttering Tips for Your Bedroom
- Tidy the Nightstand: Keep only essentials like a lamp, book or alarm clock.
- Sort Your Closet: Organize clothes by season and donate what you no longer wear.
- Use Under-Bed Storage: Store less-used items in bins under the bed.
- Keep Surfaces Clear: Avoid clutter on dressers and shelves—stick to a few decorations.
- Make It a Habit: Clean and declutter regularly to keep things under control.
Easy Decluttering Tips for Moving
- Start Early: Begin sorting your stuff at least a month before moving.
- One Room at a Time: Focus on decluttering each room separately.
- Sort & Let Go: Decide what to keep, donate, sell or throw away.
- Label Everything: Mark boxes clearly for donations, items to sell or trash.
- Pack Smart: Only take the things you truly need in your new home.
Simple Decluttering Tips for Your Apartment
- Use Wall Space: Install shelves and hooks to maximize storage.
- Choose Smart Furniture: Pick pieces that also offer storage, like beds with drawers.
- Declutter Often: Make it a habit to clear out unnecessary items every few months.
- Keep Decor Simple: Avoid too many decorations to keep your space open and tidy.
- Organize Small Areas: Use dividers and storage bins to keep drawers and cabinets neat.
Simple Decluttering Tips for Selling Your House
- Remove Personal Items: Take down family photos and personal decorations to make the space feel neutral.
- Tidy Up Closets: Buyers will look inside, so clear out extra items to show plenty of storage.
- Keep It Minimal: Less furniture and decor make rooms look bigger and more inviting.
- Clean & Fix: Make sure everything is clean and in good condition.
- Improve Curb Appeal: Declutter and tidy up the yard to create a great first impression.
Your Home Should Be for Living, Not Just Storing
These simple tips can make decluttering easier, whether you're moving, downsizing or just trying to keep your home more organized.