Decluttering your home can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’ve lived in your home for years and accumulated a lot of belongings. However, decluttering is one of the most effective ways to prepare your home for sale and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Even if you’re not planning to sell, decluttering can create a more peaceful, organized living environment. Here are some practical and actionable decluttering tips to help you get started:
1. Start Small
Begin with a small area like a single drawer, closet, or corner of a room. Focusing on one small space at a time makes the task more manageable and builds momentum for tackling larger areas.
2. Use the Three-Box Method
Label three boxes as Keep, Donate/Sell, and Trash. As you go through each item, decide which box it belongs in. Be honest about whether you truly need or use each item.
3. Declutter Room by Room
Tackle one room at a time to keep the process organized. Start with less sentimental areas like the bathroom or kitchen, and save emotional spaces like the attic or keepsake box for later.
4. Follow the One-Year Rule
If you haven’t used an item in over a year, it’s likely time to let it go. Exceptions can be made for seasonal items or sentimental belongings, but even those should be evaluated carefully.
5. Eliminate Duplicates
Do you have multiple spatulas, scissors, or similar items? Keep only what you regularly use and donate or sell the rest.
6. Digitize Paper Clutter
Sort through old papers, receipts, and manuals. Shred what you don’t need and digitize important documents to save space.
7. Set Decluttering Goals
Set specific goals to stay motivated, such as decluttering for 30 minutes a day or completing one room per weekend. Breaking the task into smaller chunks can prevent overwhelm.
8. Utilize Storage Solutions
Invest in organizational tools like bins, baskets, and shelving to keep the items you’re keeping neat and accessible. Clear containers are especially helpful for visibility.
9. Donate or Sell Unused Items
Take your gently used items to local charities, thrift stores, or online marketplaces. Not only does this free up space, but it also helps others in need.
10. Declutter Closets
Closets are often clutter culprits. Go through your clothing and remove items that no longer fit, are out of style, or you haven’t worn in a year. Organize by season or color to make the space look polished.
11. Clear Surfaces
Countertops, tables, and other flat surfaces should be mostly clear, especially if you’re preparing your home for sale. A few decorative items are fine, but too much clutter can make the space feel smaller.
12. Involve the Family
Get everyone in the household involved in the decluttering process. Assign specific areas to each person to divide the workload and encourage accountability.
13. Hire a Professional Organizer
If you’re overwhelmed or short on time, consider hiring a professional organizer. They can provide expert guidance and help you tackle clutter more efficiently.
14. Declutter Sentimental Items Last
Sentimental belongings can be the hardest to part with. Save these items for last, and when you get to them, keep only the pieces that truly bring you joy or have significant meaning.
15. Maintain Your Progress
Once your home is decluttered, maintain the results by following the “one in, one out” rule: for every new item you bring in, remove one existing item. Regularly revisit and reorganize your spaces.
Bonus Tips for Sellers
If you’re decluttering to prepare your home for sale, focus on these additional areas:
Depersonalize: Remove personal photos, memorabilia, and unique décor to make it easier for buyers to envision themselves in the space.
Create Open Spaces: Rearrange furniture to make rooms feel larger and highlight functionality.
Stage Strategically: Showcase key features of your home by arranging furniture and decor to draw attention to elements like large windows, fireplaces, or built-in storage.
By following these decluttering tips, you can create a home that feels inviting, spacious, and ready for the next chapter—whether it’s for you or a future buyer. Happy decluttering!