This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.

Importance to Self-Care

Decluttering is an important part of self-care. I think it’s safe to say that clutter in our homes tends to linger in the back of our minds. Many of us have felt stressed from the accumulation of too much stuff.

You come home and must face the fact that:

…you still have a stack of unopened mail or paperwork that needs to be shredded.

…Or maybe it’s that bookshelf full of junk that you haven’t tackled.

…It’s that bin of old electronics that you have to go through.

…What about that disorganized pantry, the pile of mess under your sink that falls over when you go to grab something you need?

The list goes on, right?

Repeatedly seeing clutter that gives you negative feelings is definitely not healthy.

The thing is, our surroundings have an affect on our energy. If it is full of negativity, we will most likely resort to unhealthy behaviors to cope with those feelings. There is enough frustration in our daily lives, and clutter just adds onto that pile.

Waking up to see the pile of laundry that still needs to be folded can cause us to start our days with raised stress levels. Elevated levels in the stress hormone, cortisol, can affect your immune system, cholesterol, heart, and many others. Cortisol has been called public enemy No. 1…read more about it here.

Our homes should be a place for us to unwind…a place for relaxation.

Benefits of Decluttering

Decluttering can be a freeing experience. It feels great to finally get rid things that aren’t providing any value to your life. You get a surge of happiness from completing a task, especially a long overdue one.

For me, decluttering is therapeutic.

Since I started my decluttering journey, I have really enjoyed the benefits of having less.

We benefit from getting rid of clutter in many ways:

• Stress relief
• Clean up is simpler
• Satisfying
• Gain time
• Find things easier

Declutter. Clean. Organize.

• Decluttering involves getting rid of the things that don’t add value to your life. This can be a mentally exhausting adventure.
• Cleaning includes dusting, vacuuming, mopping etc.
• Organizing is basically sorting things and putting them in their place.

All 3 processes require quite a bit of time so it’s best not to organize or clean while you declutter.

Think of decluttering as a first step towards getting organized.

We should save organization for last. This way, when we set our organization goals, we won’t overspend on organization tools like bins or boxes. Plus, why waste energy on stuff we are planning to get rid of.

Since decluttering is such a time consumer, breaking the process down into mini-tasks tends to work out better.

Tackling Clutter

Looking at everything that needs to be done in your home can leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Let’s not look at it that way…

When we try to take on too much, it can be discouraging because we risk not finishing the task. As with most things, we should break them down into their smaller parts.

Decluttering can be as big or small as you can handle. You can set a goal like, removing 5 items per section. If you have more time, set a goal based on how much time you want.

Decluttering Steps

Here is how I declutter my home (when I have more time):

• Choose a room
• Bring 2 trash bags (label 1-trash, 1-donations)
• Pick a section of the room to work in (clothes, toys, shoes…)
• Place all items in the chosen section in one location (in the middle of the room or on the bed)
• Go through everything, one-by-one, place them as follows:
  • Back where I got them from
  • In one of the two bags (trash or donate)
  • Set aside in a pile of items that belong in another spot
  • Set aside in a pile of items I want to sell
• Once done, remove the donate and trash bags from the home, as follows:
  • Place in the garage if I’m prepping for a yard sale
  • Place them in the trunk of my car ready to be dropped off

I then clean and organize on different days because by the end, I’ve run out of time.

Decluttering with Limited Time (How to Declutter Your Home Quickly)

When you are limited on time, you can declutter your home quickly with mini-tasks like cleaning out a junk drawer or a desk. This way you can focus on one subject at a time and get more done quickly.

If the mini-task you have decided to complete is going to take longer, you can break it down further.

For example, if you are working on your closet, try these mini-tasks:

• Focus on only your clothes and ignore shoes, boxes, etc.
• When you look at your clothes, pick a category to start with, such as:
  • Dresses
  • Jeans
  • T-shirts
• Take out all the items in your closet that fit that category.
• Now you can see exactly how much stuff you have. You can make simple choices.
  • You can see that you have 2 dresses, and both are functional. So, you decide to keep them both.
  • If you have 20 pairs of jeans, you can quickly decide if this is too many and can probably get rid of a few. You probably have a couple of favorites that you wear regularly, and the others may no longer serve a purpose to you.

Breaking it down into mini-tasks makes it easier for you to fit decluttering into your schedule. You can set a timer for 15 or 30 minutes and complete what you can, without feeling too overwhelmed.

Tips to Complete

• Music. Add entertainment by playing music. For tasks like these, I prefer instrumentals over songs with words since they tend to slow me down (I like to sing along). One of my favorite go-to playlists is Downtempo on Pandora.
• Bring Help. When tackling big tasks, ask for help from friends or family when possible. Having others there can help you put things into perspective. It can also take off some of the pressures of being overwhelmed with decision-making.
• Timer. Set a timer for the length of time you plan to spend on the task or mini-task.
• Schedule. You can use the list I created below that breaks many common tasks into 15-30-minute mini-tasks. Or create your own schedule based on what you can complete.
• Bags/Bins. Bring bags and/or bins for sorting items you want to sell, donate, and trash/recycle.
• Donate or Yard Sale. Donating is certainly easier than hosting a yard sale. I recommend donating instead if you don’t have much time or if you think you may take some things back. In that case drop them off as soon as you can or, if possible, ask someone to take them away for you. Some donation centers also come to pick up items you want to donate. Give them a call to see what they take and their pick-up schedules.
• Sell. If you are getting rid of big-ticket items, you can sell them on apps like Facebook Marketplace, Letgo, and OfferUp. Again, if it’s easier, just get rid of it… ASAP. You can ask friends and family if they’d like to have it first

Letting Go

Sentimental items are the hardest ones to think about. So, I would save these items for later.

If you have bulky items with sentimental value, see if there is a different way to save the memories or emotional attachments to these items. Can you take photos of the items and place them in a nice box* of keepsakes?

What if you put them in a journal* or an album and, to go a step further, write about them in the journal. Or write a note on the back of the photo.

If you are having a hard time letting go, try to understand what’s holding you back. Sometimes there is something more underneath.

Decluttering Challenge (Declutter Quickly)

I have created a list that breaks tasks down into 15-30-minute sessions. These mini-tasks can easily fit into your schedule. Tackle one mini-tasks each day or do a couple at a time.

1. Office – Desk and Drawers.

   Tidy up your desk by removing items that don’t belong on its surface. Cut down on décor that is taking up desk space. Sort through drawers to get rid of old pens, pencils and other supplies.

2. Office – Storage. 

   If you have a closet in your office or bins/boxes, go through them and get rid of old software and old or broken electronics (like laptops, cords, etc.).

3. Office – Bookshelves and Supplies. 

   Sort through your bookshelves to find books you no longer need and donate them. Look through supplies and discard any dried out items or excess supplies.

4. Paperwork and Mail. 

   Take the time to sort your paperwork and mail in appropriate piles: recycle, trash, and shred. And if you have a shredder, shred away. Otherwise, hand tear or scissor away.

5. Junk Drawer. 

   Remove non-working pens and pencils, dull scissors, old receipts and coupons, and old batteries.

6. Kitchen – Cabinets. 

   Go through your dishes and remove extra cups, mugs, bowls, and plates. Get rid of old plastic containers and lids (also throw out any non-matching lids). Cut down on the number of water bottles and coffee tumblers.

7. Kitchen – Refrigerator and Freezer.

   Throw out expired food and empty out containers that have overstayed their welcome. Go through your bottles of sauces and condiments and throw out any that you don’t plan on using. Get rid of frost-bitten items in the freezer.

8. Kitchen – Pantry. 

   Again, throw out expired food. Work on it one shelf at a time. Take all items on that shelf out and filter through. If possible, donate any items that are not expired but you don’t plan to use.

9. Kitchen – Counters and Table. 

   Remove any papers and items that have made their way onto your kitchen counters and table. Go through the papers to see what needs to be trashed/recycled, shredded, or put away. (Note: If the same items keep making their way to these areas, keep that in mind for when you start to organize. There may be an alternate way to store these.)

10. Kitchen – Appliances. 

    Find ways to store some of your less used appliances. Throw out or recycle any that are broken (you know the ones you were planning to get fixed). Are there some that you can donate? If you rarely use your waffle maker or griddle anymore, you may consider selling or donating them.

11. Kitchen – Under Sink. 

    Go through and get rid of cleaning supplies that you don’t plan to use. Store your plastic grocery bags in one location. If you have too many, recycle them.

12. Entry and Laundry Rooms. 

    In your entryway/laundry room (if your laundry room serves as an entry), put shoes where they belong and get rid of some, if necessary. Throw out old items that may have gathered in your laundry room like old pillows or sheets. Empty the dryer and laundry basket and fold the clean clothes. Throw away empty detergent bottles and lint from the dryer. Put away loose change.

13. Coat Closet. 

    Discard/donate any coats or jackets you no longer use or need. Sort through shoes if they are stored here. If your coat closet is also used for other items like games or movies…sort through them.

14. Coffee and End Tables & Media Console. 

    Remove any old magazines you haven’t read and piles of paper/mail. Sort through them and put them where they belong. Clear away anything that doesn’t belong on your media console.

15. Medicine Cabinets.

    Take everything out and place them on the counter. Remove any first aid items that are expired. Throw out expired medications, lotions that have passed their prime, etc. If you can, try storing medicines somewhere other than the bathroom.

16. Linen Closets. 

    Sort through your linen closets and pare down to the essentials. You should only need 2-3 towels per person, and a few extras for pets and other things. 3 sets of sheets should be enough for each bed. If you can work with less, go for it.

17. Bathroom – Under Sink. 

    Take everything out from under your bathroom sinks. Perform a smell check on lotions. Get rid of hair products that didn’t work out for you.

18. Bathroom – Counters and Upper Cabinets. 

    Clear counter tops of any clutter. Get rid of décor that no longer serves a purpose. If you have any upper cabinets, sort through them just as you did for under the sink.

19. Kid’s Bedroom – Dressers. 

    Check dresser drawers for clothes that no longer fit or are worn out and donate or trash them. If some of the clothes will be hand me downs, move them into a bin or bag to store somewhere else.

20. Kid’s Bedroom – Nightstand and Desk. 

    Clear the tops of these areas and go through the drawers.

21. Kid’s Bedroom – Toys & Under Bed. 

    Sort through any outgrown toys and don’t forget to check under the bed.

22. Kid’s Closet – Clothes.

    Sort through clothes by clothing type. Take out all jeans and make decisions on those. Then move on to the next category.

23. Kid’s Closet – Shoes, Boxes/Bins. 

    If shoes are stored here, sort through them by type as well. Check boxes and bins.

24. Master Bedroom – Dressers. 

    Clear the tops of dressers. Check drawers for items that no longer fit or are worn out and donate or trash them.

25. Master Bedroom – Nightstands. 

    Remove items that don’t belong on the tops of your nightstands and go through the drawers.

26. Master Bedroom – Under Bed.

    Whatever you have under your bed, sort through and declutter. Get rid of clothing that you don’t need, can’t fit, or is outdated. If you don’t store anything under your bed…bravo! In the past I had so many clothes that I actually stored them in clothing bags under my bed.

27. Master Closet – Clothes. 

    Go through your closet by clothing type just as in the Kid’s Closet section. Organize your clothing by category and make decisions.

28. Master Closet – Shoes. 

    Same concept as going through clothes. Select a category like boots or sneakers and pare down.

29. Master Closet – Shelves. 

    Look through all the items you have on your closet shelves or floor. Sort through boxes and bins.

30. Game Room/Extra Room.

    Get rid of any old items like games or gaming consoles you don’t use anymore. Remove unused cords/cables. Donate or sell unused game tables such as a pool table or an air hockey table. Clear away clutter from surfaces and return items that don’t belong to their rightful place.

31. Craft Supplies. 

    Go through your craft supplies and get rid of forgotten items. If you are not going to take up beading again, donate or sell. If you have moved on from knitting or jewelry making, donate or sell. It may help to go through your supplies by category.

32. School Supplies and Papers.

    Get rid of broken pencils and crayons and dried up pens. Recycle or donate half used notebooks that still haven’t been reused. Recycle old schoolwork. Discard excess items that you don’t need.

33. Jewelry & Makeup. 

    Go through your jewelry to cut down. Check for expired/old makeup and skincare products.

34. Purse/Backpack & Wallet. 

    Go through your purse or backpack to get rid of trash, old receipts and coupons, food wrappers, too much loose change, etc. Empty your wallet of old receipts, business cards, and appointment cards.

35. Travel Items. 

    Cut down on any travel items that you may have accumulated. Have you updated your old suitcases or travel bags? What about the excess in neck pillows because you forgot to bring the one you had? Or all those little toiletries you brought back from your hotel that you never ended up using?

36. Memories/Sentimental – Photos. 

    Try going through your photo collection. Take some time to place them in albums or get rid of any you don’t need. If possible cut down to only one box full of photos and come back to it later.

37. Memories/Sentimental – Cards and Papers. 

    Are those old Holiday cards still serving a purpose to you? Can you cut down to one box or container?

38. Memories/Sentimental – Other Items. 

    If you have items that take up a lot of room, is there a possibility of keeping photos of them instead or at least some of them?

39. Garage/Basement/Attic – Décor, Donations, Trash. 

    Go through your home and holiday décor. If you are storing donations, take the time to drop them off or call donation centers to pick them up. Get rid of any trash.

40. Garage/Basement/Attic – Tools: Gardening, Painting, Yard. 

    Go through your tools and find items you don’t need or won’t ever use again.

41. Garage/Basement/Attic – Furniture, Games, Sports. 

    Donate or sell any furniture you have stored but aren’t using. Declutter any games and sports equipment.

42. Yard – Furniture, Grill, Toys. 

    Take a look in your yard and get rid of items you don’t use. If the grill is never used and has rusted, discard. Check your yard furniture; get rid of them if they are broken. Might be time to throw out that old worn out swing set.

Bonus:

1. Car – Glove and Arm-Rest Compartments. 

   Sort through your glove and arm-rest compartments. Remove old registration and insurance cards, mail, receipts, and any other trash hanging around. Throw out old charging cables and other junk.

2. Car – Trunk, Under Seats, Seat & Side Pockets. 

   Check your trunk for old car cleaning equipment and trash. Check under the seats and in side pockets. Look in behind the seat pockets for items that don’t belong.

Decluttering – A Continuous Cycle

We accumulate so much, so adding decluttering to our routine is essential.

We must continuously evaluate the things we have – what do we use it for? Is it necessary?

…otherwise things can get out of hand. One of the things I have a hard time controlling is paperwork and mail. It’s such a boring task. But I understand it needs to be done and I do have a system in place – Aaaand for the most part I follow it.

As you declutter, you will see just how much you have based on what you remove from your life.

It’s a reminder to cut back and really think about what we want to bring into our homes.

We should show our homes love so that we can enjoy living in a space that makes us happy.