Feeling stuck in clutter? You’re not alone. 54% of Americans feel overwhelmed by clutter in their homes, and 78% don’t know how to deal with it. Decluttering can feel like an impossible task, but with the right approach, you can change your home and lifestyle. Whether you’re clearing out an entire home or just trying to get one room in order, these strategies will help you get started and stay on track.
1. Use the 4-Box Method
One of the easiest ways to make decisions while decluttering is to use the 4-box method. Grab four bins or boxes and label them:
- Keep – Items you use regularly and love.
- Donate – Items in good condition that you no longer need.
- Trash – Anything broken, expired, or unusable.
- Relocate – Items that belong in another room.
As you go through your space, place each item into one of these categories. The key? No “maybe” pile! Avoid second-guessing yourself by making a firm decision about each item.
2. Break It Down Into Small Tasks
Instead of trying to organize everything at once, focus on one area at a time. This will help you avoid that overwhelming feeling and make it a more manageable project to tackle. Another helpful tip is to set a timer for a specific amount of time so you don’t lose your momentum.
Starting small can look like:
✔ A single-drawer
✔ One shelf in a closet
✔ One category, like shoes or books
Dedicating 20 minutes a day to decluttering versus 2 hours is much more achievable. Small wins lead to big progress. Once you finish a small space, you’ll feel more motivated to keep going!
3. Overcome Decision Fatigue
One of the hardest parts of decluttering is deciding what to keep and what to let go of. If you’re struggling, ask yourself these simple questions:
Do I use this regularly?
Do I truly love it?
Would I buy it again today?
If it’s broken or damaged, will I realistically take the time and spend the money to fix it?
If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go! Trust your gut and remind yourself that clearing out clutter makes space for the things that truly matter. If you need some extra help, check out our free decluttering guide which gives you specific examples of what to declutter in each space of your home.
4. Keep the Momentum Going
Once you’ve sorted everything, take immediate action:
✔ Drop off donations that same day.
✔ Take out the trash or recycling.
✔ Put items back that you decided to keep where they belong.
Now that you’ve accomplished some decluttering, be super intentional with what you bring back into the space! Implementing the “one in, one out” rule will help you stay on top of the inventory without it becoming overwhelming again. Decluttering is a process and a series of small habits, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. The goal is progress, not perfection!
By starting small, making intentional decisions, and following through, you’ll create a more organized, stress-free space in no time.
Ready to get started? Check out our decluttering by space worksheet.
Need more ideas? You can check out our reel where we give 10 things you can easily declutter today.