13 Decluttering Tips Inspired by Professional Organizers

Decluttering your home can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it becomes much more manageable and even enjoyable. Professional organizers have mastered the art of making spaces functional, stress-free, and aesthetically pleasing. Here are 13 decluttering tips inspired by professional organizers to help you create a neat and harmonious environment without feeling overwhelmed.

Start Small with One Drawer

Professional organizers often recommend starting with a single small space, like one drawer. Tackling a smaller area first helps build momentum and makes the overall process less intimidating. This small victory can give you the confidence to tackle bigger areas and helps create an immediate sense of accomplishment. Tackling a smaller area first helps you build momentum and makes the overall process feel less intimidating. Pick a cluttered drawer, empty it out, and only return items you use or love.

Sort by Category, Not Location

Instead of decluttering room by room, try sorting items by category. This method helps you see the full extent of what you own in each category, making it easier to declutter effectively. By dealing with all similar items at once, you can make more informed decisions about what to keep and what to let go. For example, gather all the books in your home or all the kitchen gadgets. This way, you can easily spot duplicates and reduce the overall volume of items. Sorting by category provides a clearer picture of what you truly have.

Follow the “One In, One Out” Rule

A great way to keep clutter in check is by following the “one in, one out” rule. This ensures that the number of items in your home remains stable rather than constantly growing. It’s a simple habit that becomes second nature over time, helping you maintain an organized space effortlessly. Every time you bring something new into your home, make it a habit to donate or discard a similar item. This keeps your belongings from accumulating over time and helps maintain a balance.

Use the Four-Box Method

The four-box method is a simple yet effective way to declutter any space. This method forces you to think critically about each item and decide its true value in your life. By categorizing everything immediately, it prevents items from lingering around in piles, and helps you quickly reduce clutter. Label four boxes as “Keep,” “Donate,” “Trash,” and “Relocate.” As you go through your items, put each one into the appropriate box. This method helps you make quick decisions about each item and prevents things from piling up again.

Declutter Ruthlessly, Sentimental Later

When decluttering, focus on the practical items first and leave sentimental items for last. Sentimental items often require more emotional energy, which can slow down the process. By clearing out practical items first, you’ll create a clean space that makes it easier to approach sentimental belongings thoughtfully. It’s much harder to decide about items that carry emotional weight, so getting through the practical stuff first makes it easier to deal with sentimental belongings afterward.

The 12-12-12 Challenge

This is a fun exercise to get the whole family involved. It helps create immediate and visible progress, which can be a great motivator. Plus, it turns decluttering into a game, making it more enjoyable and less like a chore for everyone. Find 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to put back in their proper place. It creates a quick decluttering boost and is especially helpful if you feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Visualize the End Goal

Before you start, visualize what you want your space to look like. A clear image of the end goal will help guide your decisions as you declutter. Whether you imagine an organized kitchen or a clutter-free living room, keeping this vision in mind helps you stay focused and motivated. Having a clear vision will motivate you to keep going, whether it’s a tidy kitchen countertop or an uncluttered bedroom. Professional organizers often stress the importance of knowing your “why”—it helps you stay focused.

Designate a “Clutter Basket”

Place a basket in a central spot in your home to collect items that are out of place. This helps prevent clutter from accumulating in various spots and keeps it all contained in one area. Regularly emptying the basket ensures that everything finds its proper place, keeping your space tidy. Once a day or once a week, empty the basket and return everything to its rightful spot. This keeps clutter from building up in common areas and ensures everything finds its way back home.

Set a Timer for 15 Minutes

Decluttering can be exhausting, so working in manageable chunks is important. Fifteen minutes is long enough to make a noticeable difference but short enough to not feel overwhelming. You can repeat this exercise as often as you like, taking breaks to avoid burnout. Set a timer for 15 minutes and focus on decluttering just one area. You’ll be surprised how much you can get done in a short burst, and it’s much easier to get started when you know there’s a set end time.

Use Clear Storage Containers

Clear storage containers allow you to see what you have without opening each box. This not only saves time but also helps you visually manage your inventory. Clear containers make it easy to find what you need quickly and reduce the likelihood of items getting lost in storage. This helps prevent buying duplicates and makes finding items easier. Professional organizers favor clear bins for their practicality and ability to make stored items more accessible.

Adopt a Minimalist Mindset

Decluttering is easier if you adjust your mindset toward minimalism. By asking yourself if an item genuinely adds value, you can make more conscious choices about what stays and what goes. This approach helps you focus on quality rather than quantity, making your space more meaningful and less cluttered. Ask yourself whether each item adds value to your life or just takes up space. Thinking like a minimalist makes it easier to let go of things you don’t truly need or use.

Create Zones for Similar Items

Assign specific zones for similar items. This helps reduce the time spent looking for things because you’ll always know where to find them. By grouping similar items together, maintaining an organized space becomes much easier, and it also helps identify excess or duplicate items. For instance, keep all office supplies in one drawer or cabinet. This way, everything has a designated place, and it’s easier to maintain order because you’ll know exactly where to put things away.

Celebrate Small Wins

Decluttering is a process, and it’s important to celebrate small wins along the way. Acknowledging your progress can motivate you and make the task less daunting. Small celebrations, like enjoying a favorite treat or taking a relaxing break, can encourage you to continue tackling larger projects. Whether it’s finally organizing that messy closet or decluttering your bathroom counter, take a moment to acknowledge your progress. Small victories build confidence and keep you motivated to tackle bigger projects.

Wrapping Up Your Decluttering Journey

Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you break it down into manageable steps and use strategies from professional organizers. With these tips, you can create a space that’s organized, functional, and a joy to live in. Start small, stay consistent, and remember to celebrate each step forward.