5 Simple Decluttering Techniques

Here is the ultimate guide for decluttering your home and reclaiming your space! In a world where our lives are often cluttered with distractions, our physical spaces should provide us with a haven of peace and tranquility. However, clutter has a sneaky way of accumulating, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and suffocated in our own homes. But fear not! With these five simple decluttering techniques, you’ll be well on your way to creating a peaceful and spacious home that sparks joy and calm in your everyday life.

Step 1 Tackle the Spaces: Decluttering 101

Have you ever walked into a room and felt instantly stressed because of the mess? We’ve all been there! Whether it’s the living room, bedroom, or kitchen. It can be overwhelming but you start by choosing one space it’s the perfect way to kick off your decluttering journey.

Let’s say you choose the kitchen. What are some trouble space? It could be as small as the junk drawer, or cooking utensil drawer. Or you could look at a bigger space like the pantry. Start by identifying the trouble spots where clutter tends to accumulate. 

If it’s the cooking utensil drawer pull everything out and group like items together. If you have 15 wooden spoons or 4 ladle’s choose the ones you use over and over then the rest. If you’re anything like me I have my favorites that I use and look for whenever I’m cooking. Be intentional with your choosing and don’t keep more than you need. Because we are unique and individual humans we have different needs.  For example, there was a time I never had enough tongs so I purchased more. When servings or preparing food I may use more than someone else but I wished I had more so I purchased what I needed. But when it comes to wooden spoons I had way more than I would ever use.  

After you have the drawer empty and the items edited take just a second and wipe out the empty drawer. Return the items you are intentionally keeping and donate the rest.  

Having organization items helps in the decluttering process.  This gorgeous bamboo silverware organizer not only looks beautiful but it makes organization easy.  

If you’re working on your pantry follow the same process. Pull everything out discard any outdated items. Put like items together. Using storage containers takes your pantry organization to a whole new level. See the whole process to pantry organization. Throwing away outdated items and things you don’t need in your pantry will get your well on your way to feeling less chaotic.  

Pro tip: After you pull everything out you can visually see what you have and how much space it is going to take. You can then invest in some stylish dividers or bins that will help you keep things organized.  This not only helps in decluttering but also adds a touch of aesthetic appeal to your space. Pretty and function is my favorite.  

Here are some great clear storage bins and baskets. 

Remember it’s the small steps that make a big difference over time.  

Step 2 Conquer the Chaos in your Closet: Say Goodbye to Wardrobe Woes

Raise your hand if your closet has ever been the bane of your existence! It’s time to bid farewell to the overstuffed, chaotic mess that makes finding your favorite shirt feel like a quest.

Start by pulling out everything from your closet and categorizing items into three piles: keep, donate, and discard. If items no longer fit it is time to let them go. Even if you have a goal to loose some weight. It’s discouraging to see items that no longer fit your body or your needs.  

Once you’ve sorted through your clothing, make use of space-saving hangers, organizers, and dividers to maximize the space in your closet. You’ll be amazed at how much a well-organized closet can streamline your daily routine and simplify your life. Invest in cute baskets for belts and scarves.  

Are you someone who has a closet stuffed with clothes or are you more minimalistic in your approach to your closet? When you pull everything out and you see the space you have to work with you will be more intentional with your decisions.   

Luckily I have more space than clothing, because I side with minimalism and too much stuff makes me anxious. So these gorgeous bamboo hangers work for us. They look pretty but take up a little more room that space saving hangers.  

      

Pro Tip: Make your clothes earn a spot in your closet. If you aren’t loving an article of clothing let it go and pass it on to someone else. Before it goes back into the closet consciously decide that you will love that article of clothing that boosts your confidence because you look amazing wearing it.  

Step 3 Crack Down on Chaotic Counters: Kitchen Magic Unleashed

The kitchen, the heart of every home, can easily become a battleground of clutter if not properly managed. Tackle the kitchen by starting with the kitchen counters.  Clear up the clutter by throwing away unnecessary items or find a home for the things that you want but are taking up precious real estate on your counters. 

Create zones that look pretty and create a more functional kitchen when preparing and cooking meals. I wrote a whole blog post about the magic of a clutter free kitchen counter, check it out here. Creating zones and systems will go a long way in helping you crack down on chaotic kitchen counters. They become a dumping ground that easily takes over if you don’t have systems in place.  

You system could be going though all the after school paperwork in the evening or having a place for all paper that comes in.  

Creating cooking zones helps with the flow and look of your kitchen. Is there something you use often and it would be convenient to have it handy. Like oils, salt and pepper, vinegars etc.  

Pro Tip: Less is more. You will love a clutter free kitchen counter

Step 4 Bid Adieu to Common Clutter Spots: Conquering the Paper Avalanche

Ah, the never-ending battle against paper clutter! From bills to receipts to old magazines, paper seems to have a mind of its own, replicating itself at lightning speed. Combat this clutter by setting up a designated paper management system. Invest in a reliable filing cabinet, label folders clearly, and go digital wherever possible. There are people going paper free, that doesn’t seem attainable for me but there are a lot of ways to minimize the paper coming into the home. Containers for your desk to hold the papers you need on hand. 

Embrace the liberating feeling of a clutter-free desk and revel in the newfound productivity that comes with it.

Pro Tip: Create systems to organize your papers.

Step 5 Letting Go: The Art of Minimalism and Emotional Detachment

As you declutter your home, don’t forget to declutter your mind and heart too. Letting go of items with sentimental value can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of the decluttering process. Embrace the principles of minimalism and the art of emotional detachment. Focus on the joy that comes from living with less and cherish the newfound freedom that accompanies a clutter-free lifestyle. Remember, it’s not about how much you own, but how much joy and peace your belongings bring to your life. 

That doesn’t mean you can’t keep some special items. But if we kept every drawing or letter our children give to us we’d be drowning in stuff. Even items from your childhood or loved ones. Remember you don’t have to keep it all.  

Something to think about: Keeping stuff doesn’t equal love

Conclusion: One Step at a Time

Congratulations on taking the first step towards a clutter-free and serene living space! By implementing these five simple decluttering techniques, you’re well on your way to creating a home that not only looks organized but also feels like a sanctuary. Remember, decluttering is not just about creating physical space; it’s about fostering a sense of mental clarity and emotional well-being. So go ahead, declutter with purpose, and enjoy the peace and tranquility that comes with a tidy and organized home.

Remember it’s the SMALL STEPS.