Finding the right decluttering method for your home can be challenging, especially with so many options available. Our expert decluttering team, along with professional organizers, has explored numerous techniques to help you navigate this process effectively.

We've created and tested various methods, including innovative solutions for cluttered spaces, ensuring you have the best tools at your disposal to tackle any mess.

With our practical insights, we've compiled a comprehensive library of 127 decluttering techniques and tips, tailored for all lifestyles and clutter challenges.

Comprehensive Decluttering Methods

Our experience with these techniques has revealed valuable lessons. Remember, there are no strict guidelines; feel free to combine elements from different methods to suit your needs.

General Clutter and Household Tidying

An eclectic bookcase surrounding a doorway into a living room

These strategies are suitable for various areas in your home.

When you notice it's time to declutter, these everyday maintenance tricks can help manage mess effectively:

  1. The Ski-Slope Method – Organize your rooms into zones and use a basket to collect items that need rehoming. This approach prevents overwhelm and keeps clutter manageable.
  2. The SIMPLE Method – This acronym stands for Sort, Identify, Make a home, Put in containers, Label, and Establish a routine. It provides a structured way to maintain organization.
  3. The Didn't Know Method – Ideal for clearing out overflowing cabinets by removing forgotten items before they become problematic.
  4. Week-by-Week Decluttering Method – Focus on one room each week to prevent clutter from escalating, using a planner to stay on track.
  5. The Pile Method – Organize your items into three piles: keep, discard, and maybe, allowing for clearer decision-making.
  6. The Four-Box Method – Set up four containers and make quick decisions about what to keep or discard.
  7. The 'no-more-than-4' Rule – Limit visible items on surfaces to four, reducing visual clutter effectively.
  8. Great-Over-Good Decluttering – Opt for versatile items that serve multiple purposes, eliminating unnecessary duplicates.
  9. The Buy Again Test – Consider if you would repurchase an item, helping you assess its current value.
  10. 3-Box Decluttering Method – Organize items into three categories to simplify the decluttering process.
  11. The Clear-Floor Policy – Focus on clearing floor clutter for an immediate visual impact.
  12. Organize Yourself Healthy – Connect organization with well-being across six pillars: Mind, Time, Home, Social Life, Meal Planning, and Exercise.
  13. Manageable Dumping Grounds – Identify areas where some mess is acceptable to reduce stress.
  14. The Stair Pile Solution – Keep stair clutter at bay with a designated spot for items needing relocation.
  15. Functional Elimination Method – Declutter items that no longer serve a clear purpose.

Serious Clear Outs

Dark mustard painted hallway with original wooden floors, showing a peek of pink kitchen cabinets and dark yellow wallpaper beyond. The kitchen floor has a white and light blue diamond pattern

Use these solutions for substantial decluttering tasks.

If you're determined to declutter and minimize quickly, consider these structured methods:

  1. Minimalist's Packing Party Method – Pack everything as if moving, only unpacking what you regularly use. Items left in boxes after three weeks should be discarded.
  2. One Bag-a-Day Decluttering Method – Empty one bag of clutter daily until your space is clear.
  3. The Move-Out Decluttering Method – Ask yourself what you would take to a new home, discarding everything else.
  4. The 'Out In The Open' Rule – Lay out all belongings to assess what you actually use.
  5. The C.H.A.O.S Method – Embrace the mess by removing everything from the space to evaluate it all at once.
  6. The 30-Day Minimalism Game – Challenge yourself to remove a number of items corresponding to the day of the month.
  7. Swedish Death Cleaning – Prepare your belongings for an easier transition for loved ones after you pass.
  8. Norwegian Life Cleaning – Similar to Swedish death cleaning, this method prompts you to consider the burden your belongings place on others.
  9. The Clutter Coffin Approach – View storage as a 'coffin' for clutter, motivating you to clear these spaces.
  10. The Suitcase Method – Imagine you can only take a suitcase's worth of items. This prompts tough decisions about what really matters.
  11. Vastu Shashtra – Use this design philosophy to declutter and organize your space harmoniously.

For Overwhelmed Individuals

A deep blue bedroom with a red velvet bed, and a dark wood oak side table.

These methods help manage stress while decluttering.

If you often feel overwhelmed while decluttering, these techniques can break tasks into manageable pieces:

  1. The Reverse Advent Calendar – Instead of gaining items, get rid of one each day for a month.
  2. The CORE 4 Method – Focus on four steps: clearing, categorizing, cutting out, and containing to simplify decluttering.
  3. Three-Second Decluttering Rule – If you're uncertain, give yourself three seconds to decide; if it's not a clear 'no,' keep it.
  4. The Five Messes Method – Organize your mess into five categories to streamline decision-making.
  5. Hushing the House – Remove visual clutter that causes you stress, creating a more peaceful environment.
  6. The 1-3-5 Method – Focus on one big task, three medium tasks, and five small tasks for effective decluttering.
  7. The Organizing Triangle – Ensure everything has a designated home and is grouped logically.
  8. Inyo-Onyo – Focus on the benefits of empty space to promote a calming mindset as you declutter.
  9. Post-it Note Decluttering Method – Use colored notes to categorize items as keep, discard, or unsure, helping you visualize decisions.
  10. The Reverse Decluttering Method – Shift your mindset to focus on what you want to keep rather than what to discard.
  11. Decluttering with Health Challenges – Adapt your process to account for physical limitations, pacing yourself to avoid fatigue.
  12. Clear the Corners Method – Invest 45 minutes each day over a weekend to create a significant visual impact.
  13. The STOP Method – After decluttering, practice this method to unwind and reset your space.

Quick Decluttering Techniques

Blue painted living room with curved sofa and vintage accents including heart shaped foot stool and patterned window treatments.

For quick refreshers, try these rapid-fire techniques.

If you're short on time but want to declutter quickly, consider these methods:

  1. The Boundary Method – Set strict limits on storage; anything that doesn't fit gets removed.
  2. Micro-decluttering – Focus on one small area at a time, like a drawer or a shelf, to make a noticeable difference.
  3. Accumulation Decluttering – Identify and clear out items that frequently gather dust to prevent clutter buildup.
  4. The Fork Decluttering Method – Quickly assess items based on their usefulness to simplify your space.
  5. Declutter in 10 Minutes – Dedicate short bursts throughout the day to tackle clutter effectively.
  6. The Time Box Elimination Method – Spend a set amount of time on a designated area to quickly sort and organize.

Building Better Clutter Habits

A white built-in storage bench in entryway with a padded top and cushions. Bags hanging from hooks above.

Develop lasting habits to maintain a clutter-free environment.

Adopting these habits can help you keep clutter at bay in the long run:

  1. One-In-One-Out Method – For every new item you bring in, remove one to keep clutter levels constant.
  2. The One-In-Ten-Out Decluttering Rule – For every new item, declutter ten to significantly reduce your belongings.
  3. Dopamine Decluttering Method – Set small, achievable goals and reward yourself to create positive associations with decluttering.
  4. The Mailbox Decluttering Trick – After receiving a package, declutter an equal amount of items before unpacking.
  5. The Friday 30 – Spend 30 minutes each Friday decluttering to maintain a tidy home.
  6. Incremental Improvement System – Focus on making small, manageable changes over time for lasting results.
  7. The Caterpillar Decluttering Method – Shift your perspective on your belongings to prevent clutter accumulation.
  8. La Limpia – Use this ritual to refresh your home's energy by removing unnecessary items.
  9. FhiFho – This principle encourages you to balance your storage by removing an equal number of items each time you add something new.
  10. Microshifting – Prioritize your free time while still making progress on decluttering tasks.
  11. No-Buy Years – Commit to not purchasing new items for a designated period to focus on decluttering.

For Indecisive Declutterers

Warm bedroom with dark terracotta painted walls and four poster bed with flowing striped yellow and orange curtains. There is a geometric pattern on the headboard and foot board in dark orange, animal print pillows and sage green accents.

Overcome indecision with these strategies to simplify decluttering.

If you struggle with decision-making, these methods can ease the process:

  1. The Outbox Decluttering Method – Designate a box for uncertain items; if not used in a month, consider decluttering.
  2. 90/90 Decluttering Rule – If you haven't used an item in the last 90 days or won't in the next 90, it's time to let it go.
  3. 20/20 Decluttering Rule – If you can replace an item for under $20 and in less than 20 minutes, declutter it.
  4. Sparking Joy Approach – Assess items based on whether they bring you joy; keep those that do.
  5. Didn't Know Decluttering Method – If you didn't remember owning an item, it's likely time to declutter it.
  6. Mottainai – Focus on reducing waste and reusing items mindfully.
  7. Value-Based Decluttering – Evaluate each item based on your personal values to guide your decisions.
  8. The Toddler Decluttering Method – Compare two similar items and keep the one you prefer.
  9. Expiry Decluttering – Assign expiration dates to items to prompt their removal after a certain time.
  10. Personifying Possessions – Imagine each item has its own desires, making it easier to let go of what you don't need.
  11. The Tourist Method – View your home as a guest would, helping to identify clutter more easily.
  12. Decluttering Messiness Types – Identify your messiness style to find the most effective solutions.
  13. Start with Enough – Decide how many of an item you truly need and declutter accordingly.
  14. Netflix Decluttering Shows – Seek inspiration from popular decluttering shows to motivate your efforts.
  15. The Hidden Note Game – Label items with the date of their last use to guide future decluttering decisions.
  16. The Upside-Down Decluttering Method – Turn items upside down and keep only those used within a specified timeframe.

For Sentimental Items

red gloss small cabinet with open shelving in an alcove

Handle sentimental belongings with care using these methods.

Dealing with sentimental items can be tough. Here are methods to help you navigate this process:

  1. Lessting – Emphasize simplicity in your life to ease the burden of sentimental belongings.
  2. Discharge Decluttering – Display sentimental items for a time before deciding to keep or let them go.

Closet Clear-Outs

A cream and wood padded closet in a bedroom with a cream rug, wooden sideboard with vase of bright pink flowers, and grey chair.

Use these methods to tackle clothing clutter effectively.

Decluttering your closet can feel daunting. These techniques are designed specifically for clothing:

  1. Capsule Decluttering Method – Only keep items that can be worn in multiple outfits to maintain closet functionality.
  2. Project 333 – Live with just 33 items for three months, assessing usage and relevance after.
  3. The Five Five Rule – Determine if you'll use an item in five years and if it matches five outfits to avoid future clutter.

Making Decluttering Fun

mud room with built-ins and tiled floor

Incorporating fun can reduce stress and enhance productivity.

Make decluttering enjoyable with these engaging techniques:

  1. Scavenger Hunt Decluttering – Create a list of categories to declutter, turning the process into a fun hunt.
  2. The Temptation Method – Pair decluttering with enjoyable activities like listening to music or snacking.
  3. The Floor is Lava – Empty contents of drawers or shelves onto the floor, keeping only what's essential.
  4. 5-Day Clutter Shakedown – A simple method designed for those who find it hard to focus on decluttering.

For Procrastinators

A white door partially ajar showing a storage closet. Blue painted wall with a small red and white border around the door frame.

Don't hide clutter away; tackle it with these procrastination-friendly methods.

If you often find yourself delaying decluttering tasks, these approaches may help:

  1. 10-10-10 Decluttering Challenge – Spend 10 minutes in 10 different spaces, decluttering at least 10 items from each.
  2. The Snowball Decluttering Method – Start with small successes and build momentum as you see progress.
  3. 12-12-12 Decluttering Challenge – Find 12 items to donate, 12 to discard, and 12 to return to their proper places.
  4. The One-Touch Rule – Aim to only touch an item once to return it to its place, preventing procrastination.
  5. The KanBan Organizing Method – Use a visual board to track tasks and progress, providing motivation.
  6. The Desire Path Method – Position organization tools in your clutter zones to catch items as you go.
  7. Visual Clues Trick – Use visual reminders like Post-Its to nudge you toward completing decluttering tasks.
  8. The SPOT Method – Focus on completing one area in a single session for a sense of achievement.
  9. The Overly Inconvenient Method – Place clutter in inconvenient locations to prompt decluttering.

For Busy Individuals

A home office setup with open shelving

Blend decluttering into your busy life with these adaptable methods.

If you're constantly on the go, these techniques can help you regain control of clutter:

  1. 7-Day Declutter Challenge – Dedicate time each day for a week to declutter as much as possible.
  2. The Decluttering Burst Method – Dedicate one hour to remove 100 items from your space.
  3. The 5-Minute Cleaning Challenge – Spend five minutes a day focusing on one area to make gradual improvements.
  4. The 5S Decluttering Approach – Combine sorting, cleaning, and organizing for efficiency.
  5. 'Today's Top Three' – Complete three tasks daily, regardless of size, to stay on top of clutter.
  6. Pick Up and Place – Always return one item to its proper place each time you exit a room.
  7. The 5-Second Rule – Make quick decisions about items in five seconds to keep clutter at bay.
  8. Category Consolidation – Tackle one category at a time for a focused approach.
  9. 30-Day Decluttering Blitz – Focus on specific rooms or categories each day for a more manageable process.
  10. La Bella Figura – Prioritize aesthetics in your home to keep it inviting and clutter-free.
  11. The Decluttering Burst – Aim to remove 100 items in one hour for a quick impact.
  12. Lunch Break Decluttering – Use short breaks for quick decluttering tasks.
  13. Launch Pads – Set up designated areas for items that often get misplaced.
  14. The Roving Junk Drawer – Use a box to gather clutter temporarily for later sorting.

Team Decluttering

Kids room paint ideas yellow bedroom with bunk beds

Teamwork makes decluttering tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Whether decluttering with kids or housemates, these methods foster collaboration:

  1. Städdag Swedish Method – Gather everyone together for simultaneous decluttering efforts, fostering teamwork.
  2. The German 'Kehrwoche' Tradition – Share decluttering responsibilities evenly among household members.
  3. Family Bonding – Involve family in decluttering to teach values and make it a collective experience.

Preventing Clutter

A small round glass kitchen dining table in front of a banquette bench, with two red velvet chairs tucked beneath. In a large window at the end of a narrow kitchen.

Proactively manage clutter by preventing it from accumulating.

These strategies help you avoid clutter before it starts:

  1. The ETC Method – Before purchasing, ask key questions to ensure new items serve a purpose.
  2. Nate Berkus' 3 Commandments – Focus on organization tools and assigning homes to prevent future clutter.
  3. Clutter Creep – Identify potential clutter sources and take preventive measures.
  4. Lost & Found Decluttering Method – Create logical homes for items to prevent clutter accumulation.
  5. One in, Two Out – For every new item, declutter two to maintain balance.
  6. The Threshold Test – Assess whether new items are welcome in your home before bringing them in.

Decluttering for Neurodivergent Minds

A kitchen with paneled white walls, green cabinetry, and wooden island, marble countertops, and brass hardware

These strategies aid focus and clarity during decluttering.

  1. The Butterfly Method – A flexible approach that allows movement between tasks while maintaining focus on small areas.
  2. The Power-Hour Split – Divide an hour into smaller sections, tackling specific tasks to reset a room.
  3. Dopamine Pairing Rule – Link tasks with rewards to motivate and simplify chores.
  4. Domino Decluttering Method – Gradually work up to larger tasks, using progress as motivation.
  5. Morning Pages – Write down thoughts to clear your mind and visualize tasks.

Age-Related Decluttering

Dark living room with patterned rug, green sofa with cushions, framed minimalist painting, partial black bookshelf to the left, footstool, wooden floors.

Focus on decluttering items relevant to your current stage of life.

Decluttering during significant life milestones can provide a fresh start. Here are items to consider letting go of as you age:

  1. Things to Declutter at 40 – Insights from a decluttering expert on what to let go of during this decade.
  2. Things to Declutter at 50 – A professional organizer shares key items to target for decluttering.
  3. Things to Declutter at 60 – Guidance on what to keep and let go of as you enter this new phase.
  4. Things to Declutter at 70 – Lessons learned from decluttering during later life.
  5. Things to Declutter at 80 – Valuable insights for decluttering for yourself or loved ones in their 80s.

Seasonal Decluttering

A Christmas tree decorated with red and white baubles in a cream entryway, beside set of stairs with a Christmas garland. A small poodle dog lays next to presents beneath the tree.

Focus on specific decluttering tasks during different seasons to maintain order.

  1. Black Moon Decluttering – Use the rare occurrence of a black moon as an opportunity to refresh your space.
  2. January Home Reset – Seven essential tasks to kick off the year with a tidy home.
  3. 5-Day New Year Decluttering Challenge – Dedicate the first five days of January to reset your spaces gradually.
  4. Zodiac Decluttering – Utilize astrology to guide your seasonal decluttering efforts.

FAQs

What's the best website to sell stuff?

Online marketplaces like eBay and Vinted are excellent for selling items, with local platforms like Facebook Marketplace also effective for community sales. Always be cautious when sharing personal information.

What's the best charity to donate used items to?

Top charities for donations include The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and Goodwill, offering pickup services for larger items. Animal shelters and schools also appreciate donations of usable supplies.

Can you declutter your house in one day?

While it's possible to declutter in a day, it's not advisable due to the potential for burnout. A more sustainable approach involves breaking tasks into manageable segments over time.

Once you've chosen your ideal decluttering method, consider what to do with the items you're parting with to avoid clutter piles. After decluttering, try the STOP method to relax and ease any feelings of resentment.