Clutter creeps in before we even realize it. One day your home feels fine, and the next, you’re wondering how the junk drawer turned into a junk cabinet. The key to getting it under control is to take things one space at a time. A room-by-room declutter method makes it easier to manage and helps you see progress without feeling overwhelmed.
Here’s a simple guide to decluttering your home, one room at a time—without stress and without needing to do it all in one weekend.
1. Entryway or Mudroom
This is the first spot you see when you walk in the door, and it often becomes the dumping ground for coats, bags, shoes, and mail. Start by finding a place for each of those items. Hooks work great for hanging up coats and bags, and a small basket or tray can keep keys and mail from spreading all over.
If you’ve got shoes piling up, take a few minutes to sort through them. Keep only what you wear regularly, and donate or store the rest. A bench with hidden storage can work wonders in this area.
2. Kitchen
The kitchen tends to collect clutter fast—old food, unused appliances, and too many mugs.
Declutter by checking your fridge and pantry for anything expired or forgotten. Then take a look at your drawers and cabinets. If you haven’t used that gadget in a year, chances are you don’t need it. Try to keep only the dishes and utensils you actually use, and group items by purpose so everything is easy to find.
3. Living Room
The living room sees a lot of activity, and that usually means clutter. Start by giving everything a home—remotes, chargers, blankets, books.
If your shelves are overflowing, ask yourself which items you truly enjoy seeing every day. Use baskets to help keep things like toys or magazines under control. And don’t be afraid to let go of old decor or furniture that doesn’t fit your current style or needs.
4. Bathroom
Bathrooms are small spaces, but they can get messy in a hurry. Go through all your drawers and cabinets. Get rid of expired medications, dried-out makeup, and empty shampoo bottles. Try to keep your countertops clear except for the items you use every day. Drawer organizers or small bins under the sink can make a big difference when it comes to keeping things tidy.
5. Bedroom
Your bedroom should be a calm, restful space—not a clutter catch-all. Start with your closet. If you haven’t worn something in over a year, it’s probably time to donate it. Clear off your nightstand and dresser tops, leaving only what you actually use or love.
If space is tight, consider using bins under the bed to store out-of-season clothing. And try to make a habit of putting away laundry right away—it helps keep that chair in the corner from turning into a second closet.
6. Kids’ Room
Decluttering a child’s room can be a challenge, but it’s totally doable. Start by going through clothes and toys. If they’ve outgrown it or no longer play with it, donate it. To keep things more manageable, rotate toys so only a few are out at a time, and put the rest in storage.
Use clear bins and labels to make cleanup easier—and get the kids involved! It teaches responsibility and keeps things organized longer.
7. Home Office
Papers, cords, and office supplies can take over quickly. Declutter by shredding documents you don’t need and organizing the rest into folders or trays. Go through drawers and get rid of anything broken, dried out, or unused. The less clutter you have on your desk, the easier it is to focus. If you can, digitize files to free up even more space.
8. Garage or Basement
These spaces often become dumping grounds for things we don’t know where else to put. Declutter by grouping items by category—tools, seasonal decorations, sports gear, etc. Then take a hard look at what you actually use.
If something’s been collecting dust for over a year, it might be time to let it go. Shelving, pegboards, and labeled bins can help you stay organized and keep things off the floor.
A Little Extra Help
If you’re ready to transform your space and embrace a more organized lifestyle, consider trying the Four-Box Method. Start small, perhaps with a single room or area of your home, and gradually work your way through the entire space.
And remember, Today’s Lifestyle Solutions is here to support you every step of the way with our professional organizing and decluttering services. Contact us to learn more!