Simple Decluttering Tips to Get You Started

Are you looking for the easiest and quickest way to a clutter-free home? Good news, you’re in the right place—I can help you get there.

After downsizing from a larger house to a much smaller one, I found I had no choice but to clear the clutter. I had boxes in all the bedrooms, my closets, drawers, and cupboards were full of stuff I didn’t use, and the things that I did need, I couldn’t find. I couldn’t even get the car in the garage because it was full of furniture that wouldn’t fit in the house. Sound familiar?

I can hear you now: “What if I need it one day?” I said exactly the same. Chances are, you won’t. And holding onto things “just in case” is most likely why you’re reading this page right now!

Bright and airy minimalist living room with natural light, simple furniture, and thoughtful decor — a perfect example of effective decluttering tips.

I decided to write these pages when I was fed up with the clutter in my house. After much trial and error, I found these simple decluttering tips made it easier and more fun. On this page, you’ll find links to articles that can quickly get you started on the right path.

Speaking of being quick, I’ll get right to it.

Just Get Started

The number one tip is to just get started. I promise you, whichever method you choose, you’ll feel a lot better once you’re actually doing something. I spent way too long (a year) procrastinating and learning to live with the clutter. You don’t have to, read on to see how you can make the change today.

⚠️ Mistake to Avoid: Waiting too long to begin. I spent a whole year procrastinating and learning to live with the clutter. Don’t let that be you—start small today.

You don’t have to tackle it all at once—read on to see how you can make the change today.

Decluttering Tips for Beginners

This article gives you some great tips if you’re just starting out. I’ve included simple steps on how to clear your clutter based on my own experiences after downsizing.

🧠 Pro Tip: Set SMART goals and use a decision-making flowchart to guide your process. It keeps you focused and intentional as you declutter.

With downloadable checklists and straightforward guidance, it should be all you need to get started.

15-Minute Declutter Blitz

I found the easiest way to get started is to set a timer for 15 minutes and jump right in.

A hand holding a stopwatch to represent a fast and focused 15-minute decluttering session.

💡 Try This: Start with one small area—a single drawer, shelf, or even one of those boxes you have lying around—and give yourself just 15 minutes. It builds momentum without the overwhelm.

When I started, I focused on an area of my house that I didn’t use that often. This way, if I couldn’t get much done in that 15 minutes, I could walk away and leave it until I wanted to do it again.

The goal is to quickly sort through items and make decisions: keep, donate, sell, or toss. Don’t overthink it—go with your first instinct.

✅ Checklist Tip: Use three labeled containers—Keep, Donate, Sell—and a black bag for toss items. Putting “toss” items straight in a black bag stops you from second-guessing.

You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in such a short time! I found this method was perfect for when I was short on time and prevented me from being overwhelmed. It also motivated me to continue.

Simple Decluttering Rules

Like a more structured approach? Then you might benefit from following one (or two) of these rules.

Below is a quick overview of each Rule. You’ll find links to pages about each and how I applied them to my house.

Decluttering Rules Noticeboard with postit notes of rules and todos

12/12/12 Rule – This method encourages you to find 12 items to throw away, donate, and return to their proper places.

🧠 Pro Tip: Great for quick wins! You’ll see visible progress in just minutes, which can motivate you to keep going.

You can find a detailed breakdown of exactly how I followed this technique when clearing out my guest bedroom here. I found it was a good choice if you want a quick and easy way to make progress and see immediate results.

90/90 Rule – This method helps you evaluate items based on their recent and future usefulness. You can find more information here on exactly how to implement this Rule. The goal here is to identify items that are just taking up space without adding value to your life.

🧠 Pro Tip: If you haven’t used it in the last 90 days and don’t plan to in the next 90, let it go—it’s just taking up space.

20/20 Rule – Let go of items you can replace for under $20 and within 20 minutes. Simply put, this method focuses on letting go of items that are easily replaceable for under $20 and within 20 minutes of travel. Are you a daily Amazon buyer? (Yeah, me too). This may be a good place for you to start as it works best if you have many items that are easily replaceable and don’t hold significant value.

One-In-One-Out Rule – For every new item you acquire, one must be removed. Once I was on a roll, I adopted this simple technique. It’s exactly as it says. For every new item you acquire, one must be removed. This is good if you’ve already made some

💡 Try This: Use the One-In-One-Out Rule to prevent clutter from creeping back in once you’ve made progress.

Decluttering Tips for Beginners (Revisited)

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “This all sounds great, but I’m a bit overwhelmed. Where do I even begin?” Don’t worry.

On this page, I take it one step at a time to ensure you really understand what you want to achieve… and how to get there.

🧠 Pro Tip:Decluttering is about progress, not perfection. As I like to say, “Don’t let perfection get in the way of progress.”

Decluttering Checklist

Don’t you just love the feeling you get when you check something off your list?

✅ Checklist Tip: Use printable checklists to stay focused and on track. Marking off completed tasks gives you a boost and helps keep momentum.

That’s why I’ve created detailed decluttering checklists you can download and use. They guide you through the process step-by-step and help you concentrate on one area at a time.

Think of it as your personal roadmap to a more organized and peaceful space.

Printable declutter checklist with step-by-step instructions for organizing and simplifying your home.

Where to Put All That Stuff

Got a lot of clutter you need to keep? Here are some solutions on how to deal with the immediate problem of having too much stuff while keeping your home looking tidy.

🧠 Pro Tip: Use vertical shelves, under-bed storage, or clear bins so you can store more without adding visual clutter.

In this article, I share practical and efficient ways to store the items you choose to keep.

Decluttering Mindset

Still looking for motivation? Think about why you wanted to get rid of clutter in the first place. Did you want to get your home more organized? Are you exploring minimalism? Whatever your reason for starting, make sure you focus on that! A positive mindset will go a long way to helping you succeed.

⚠️ Mistake to Avoid: Trying to declutter your entire house in one go. It’s exhausting and discouraging. Trust me, I’ve tried.

Whether your reason is to explore minimalism or just to feel more peaceful at home, keep that in focus.

Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff; it’s about creating a more intentional and fulfilling life. A positive mindset is key to making the process successful and enjoyable. By understanding the psychological aspects of decluttering, you can overcome emotional hurdles, set realistic goals, and stay motivated throughout the journey.

Overcoming Emotional Attachment

Unfortunately, decluttering often involves letting go of items with sentimental value.

⚠️ Mistake to Avoid: Starting with sentimental items. It’s emotionally draining and can halt your momentum.

I know firsthand that this one is tough. That’s why I created a dedicated guide just for this. My best advice? Save sentimental items for last and focus on easier wins first.

Setting Realistic Goals

Don’t try to be superhuman. You’re not going to declutter an entire house in one day.

🧠 Pro Tip: Focus on one area at a time. Use checklists to break big tasks into manageable steps—and actually stick to them.

I hope these decluttering tips help you get started on clearing the clutter in your home. You don’t need to pick just one method—all of these tips can work together or on their own. The key is to find what fits you best and start moving forward.