Do you ever feel like no matter how much you tidy up, the mess just creeps back in? Do you wish your home felt lighter, calmer, and more organised, but don’t know where to begin? Because the idea of decluttering feel exhausting before you even start! If you nodded along to these, these simple decluttering hacks are for you.
Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming, all-day task. In fact, with the right strategies, you can tidy up quickly and efficiently, without feeling drained.
Even if you’re short on time or just looking for simple ways to keep your home clutter-free, these seven decluttering hacks will help you create a more organised space with minimal effort.
Let’s get started,
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The 5-Minute Declutter Sprint
One of the easiest ways to stay on top of clutter is to break it down into small, manageable chunks.
Set a timer for just five minutes and choose one small area to focus on, a single drawer, a shelf, or a corner of a room. The key is to work quickly and not overthink every item.
You’ll be surprised how much progress you can make in such a short time!
Doing this regularly can help you maintain a clutter-free space without feeling like you’re dedicating an entire day to cleaning.
Let’s practice this today…
Before heading to bed, set a five-minute timer and declutter your bedside table. Toss old receipts, return stray items to their places, and wipe down the surface. You’ll wake up to a cleaner, more peaceful space.
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The “Trash, Donate, Keep” Rule
Sorting through clutter becomes much easier when you have a simple system. As you declutter, use three designated bins or bags:
- Trash for broken or unusable items.
- Donate for things in good condition that you no longer need.
- Keep for items you still use and love.
This decluttering hack keeps you from simply moving things around instead of actually decluttering.
Once you’re done sorting, immediately throw out the trash, put the donations in your car to drop off, and organise what remains.
Time to test this out!
Going through your wardrobe? If you haven’t worn a piece of clothing in ages and it’s still in great shape, add it to the donation pile and let someone else enjoy it.
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The One-Year Rule
One of the most common reasons clutter builds up is because we keep things “just in case.”
But if you haven’t used or worn something in the past year, chances are you won’t miss it.
A good rule of thumb is:
- If you haven’t worn an item of clothing in a year, donate it.
- If a kitchen gadget has sat unused for a year, pass it along to someone who will use it.
- If you’ve been holding onto old magazines, outdated paperwork, or decorative items that no longer fit your style, it’s time to let them go.
Why not put this into action today?
That fancy ice cream maker you bought on sale two years ago but have never used? It’s probably time to donate it to someone who will actually enjoy homemade ice cream.
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Declutter by Category, Not Room
Instead of tackling one room at a time, try decluttering by category.
This prevents you from shifting clutter from one area to another and helps you see how much of one type of item you actually own.
Categories to consider:
- Clothes
- Books
- Papers and documents
- Kitchen gadgets
- Beauty products
- Sentimental items
For Example, If you start with clothes, gather ALL your clothing from every room, closet, and storage space.
This allows you to see duplicates and make more intentional decisions about what to keep.
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Use the “One In, One Out” Method
A great way to maintain a clutter-free home is to adopt the “one in, one out” rule.
Every time you bring in something new, remove an old item.
- Buy a new pair of shoes? Donate an old pair.
- Got a new book? Pass one along to a friend.
- Bought a new kitchen gadget? Let go of one you no longer use.
This method prevents clutter from creeping back in and ensures your home remains organised over time.
Let’s take a small step and try this today! You bought a new handbag, before you put it away, choose an older bag that you no longer use and donate it.
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Create a “Maybe” Box
Sometimes, it’s hard to decide whether to keep or let go of certain items… Instead of stressing over the decision, use a “Maybe” box.
Place items you’re unsure about inside, label it with a date, and store it out of sight.
If you haven’t needed or thought about those items in a few months, it’s a sign that you can let them go.
You’re hesitant about getting rid of a few kitchen tools. Place them in a “Maybe” box and set a reminder for three months. If you haven’t reached for them, it’s time to donate. Let’s see how this works in practice today!
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Keep Flat Surfaces Clear
Flat surfaces, like tables, countertops, and desks—tend to attract clutter. A simple habit of keeping these areas clear can make your home look instantly tidier.
Tips to keep surfaces clutter-free:
- Have a designated spot for keys, wallets, and mail.
- Return items to their proper place immediately after use.
- Do a quick sweep of surfaces at the end of each day.
Your kitchen counter is covered in mail, grocery bags, and random items. How about we try this out today?
Take two minutes to put things where they belong, and instantly, your space looks neater and more inviting.
Effortless Decluttering, Small Steps for a Tidy Home
Decluttering doesn’t have to be an overwhelming, exhausting process. With these quick and easy hacks, you can tackle clutter in small, manageable steps and maintain a tidy home effortlessly. The key is consistency, regularly decluttering small areas prevents clutter from piling up again.
A clutter-free space isn’t just about aesthetics, it creates a sense of calm, improves focus, and makes daily tasks easier. When your home is organised, you spend less time searching for misplaced items and more time enjoying a stress-free environment.
Plus, decluttering can be surprisingly therapeutic, Yes, you hear it right! It helps you let go of things that no longer serve you, making room for what truly matters.
So, why wait? Start with just one small area today, and you’ll be amazed at how much lighter and more refreshed your space (and mind) feels!
Need more decluttering tips? Check out the rest of our blogs at Your Ducks in a Row.
