Decluttering your home can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By breaking the process into manageable steps, you can transform your space into a stress-free haven.
Whether you want to maximise space, improve organisation, or simply enjoy a more minimalist lifestyle, this guide has you covered.
Why is decluttering your home important?
Decluttering is more than just tidying up - it’s about improving your quality of life and setting yourself up for a more organised space. Here’s why it matters:
Reducing clutter reduces stress
A cluttered environment often leads to a cluttered mind. When your home is messy, it can feel overwhelming and hard to relax.
Decluttering helps create a calm and peaceful atmosphere, giving you a better sense of control over your surroundings.
More living space
By getting rid of unnecessary items, you can create more room to enjoy your home. Clearing out overstuffed wardrobes and packed storage spaces means more space to move, breathe, and enjoy the things you truly value.
Improves organisation
When everything has a proper home, it’s easier to find what you need.
A decluttered home means less time spent searching for misplaced items like remote controls, everyday items, or baking supplies.
Top decluttering tips
The best way to declutter your home is to approach it methodically. These helpful tips will guide you through the process:
Break down the decluttering process by room
Tackling your entire home at once can feel overwhelming. Instead, take it one room at a time, focusing on specific areas like the kitchen cabinets, bathroom sink, or laundry room.
- Kitchen: Clear out expired foods and spices, any takeaway containers, and chipped or mismatched dishes
- Bedrooms: Start with clothes that don't fit, odd socks, and accessories you don't wear
- Bathrooms: Rid your cupboards of expired or unwanted toiletries, old medications, and any excess packaging from products
- Living room: Get rid of those random cables, games with missing pieces, and décor you don't love
- Kids' spaces: Remove any damaged books and toys, incomplete toy sets, or things your kids have outgrown
- Utility room/laundry room: Throw away unused cleaning supplies
Invest in storage solutions
To maximise space, consider using stackable drawers, storage containers, or vertical space options like shelves and hanging rods.
Matching hangers can also create a uniform look in closets.
Set a stopping point
It’s easy to get carried away when decluttering your home. But setting a stopping point is key to avoiding burnout.
Whether it's a drawer, a cabinet, or a single room, choose an achievable target for each session. This way, you can gradually tackle the decluttering process without feeling overwhelmed.
Break up your decluttering checklist into manageable chunks, and before you know it, you’ll have maximised space in every room.
Don't feel guilty
It’s common to feel guilty when letting go of items, especially if they have sentimental value or were gifted to you. But holding on to unwanted items that no longer serve you or your home just adds to the clutter.
If you’re struggling with guilt, consider donating clothes or selling items instead of tossing them out. Knowing they’ll go to a good home can make the process feel more rewarding and less stressful. Plus, you’ll free up storage space and feel lighter for it!
Declutter regularly
Decluttering your home isn’t a one-time job. To maintain an organised space, it’s important to declutter regularly.
A quick sweep of your home each month will prevent it from accumulating. Regular decluttering also ensures that only the items you use and love are stored in your home, making it easier to keep everything in its proper place.
How to declutter your house room by room
The kitchen
The kitchen can quickly accumulate clutter, from outdated food items to unused gadgets. To create a more functional and organised cooking space, follow these tips:
- Clear out expired foods: Check expiration dates on baking supplies, spices, and tinned goods. Toss anything expired or unused.
- Declutter small appliances: Get rid of any small appliances or utensils you don’t use.
- Sort kitchen cabinets: Empty each cabinet and categorise items. Use drawer organisers or glass jars for easy access and organisation.
- Reduce takeaway containers: Recycle mismatched lids and stained containers.
The bathroom
Bathrooms are often filled with products we rarely use, making them prime candidates for decluttering. These steps will help you streamline your bathroom and create a more relaxing space:
- Purge old products: Check for expired skincare, medications, and toiletries.
- Tidy the bathroom sink: Store everyday items in easily accessible bins or trays.
- Maximise storage space: Use stackable drawers or over-the-toilet shelving to create extra space.
The bedroom
Your bedroom should be a peaceful retreat, not a storage space for everything. Here’s how to reclaim your sleep sanctuary:
- Go through your closet: Donate anything you haven’t worn in the last year.
- Clear the bedside tables: Remove old books, loose change, or random papers piling up.
- Organise small items: Use drawer dividers for jewellery or accessories so everything’s easy to find.
The living room
The living room is the heart of your home and where clutter can easily pile up with all sorts of items. Keep it neat and tidy by focusing on these areas:
- Untangle cables: Get rid of old chargers or cables that don’t work.
- Tidy the toys: If you’ve got kids, it’s a great time to donate toys they don’t play with anymore.
- Organise entertainment items: Sort out DVDs, games, and remotes so everything has its place.
Kids' spaces
Kids’ rooms can quickly become chaotic with toys, clothes, and books. Help your child maintain order by following these simple steps:
- Declutter regularly: Kids grow fast, so go through toys, clothes, and books every few months to make sure they’re still being used.
- Label storage bins: Label boxes for things like shoes, toys, and books so kids can easily put things away themselves.
Laundry rooms
Laundry rooms often get neglected, turning them into storage areas for cleaning supplies, old towels, and other household items. Here's how to tidy up your laundry space:
- Simplify cleaning supplies: Get rid of products you no longer use or that are expired.
- Invest in laundry baskets: To make laundry day easier, set up separate baskets for darks, lights, and delicates.
- Use vertical space: Install a few shelves for extra cleaning supplies or to keep things off the floor.
How you know it's time to declutter your home
Decluttering isn't always something we think about regularly, but there are clear signs that it's time to start the process. If you notice any of the following, it might be a good time to clear out the clutter and simplify your space.
You're moving or downsizing
Moving is often the perfect opportunity to assess what you truly need and let go of items that no longer serve you. Whether you’re relocating to a smaller space or just preparing for a fresh start, decluttering makes the process easier.
It’s a chance to evaluate all your belongings and decide what’s worth keeping for the next chapter of your life.
You want to make life easier
If you’re constantly hunting for items, feeling stressed by the clutter around you, or just tired of things piling up, decluttering can help simplify your life.
A tidy space makes it easier to find what you need, reduces stress, and promotes a sense of calm. When everything has its place, daily tasks and routines become much smoother.
You're going minimalist
Embracing a minimalist lifestyle is all about surrounding yourself with only what you truly need and love. Decluttering is a key first step in simplifying your space and mindset.
If you’re looking to reduce excess and create a more intentional, clutter-free environment, decluttering helps you achieve that minimalist goal while also making your space feel more open and inviting.
Tackling clutter? Let JustFix help you transform your space
Decluttering is a great way to create a cleaner, more organised home, but sometimes you need a little extra help with repairs or improvements along the way.
JustFix can assist with everything from fixing white goods like cookers and washing machines to assembling storage solutions that will help keep your space tidy.
Whether it's installing shelves, mounting TVs, or putting together furniture, we’ve got the professional handypeople to help you make your home more functional and clutter-free.
For more help around the house, read our handy guides on why your house might be cold and how to fix it, simple boiler maintenance tips, and more.
FAQs
What is the 20/20 rule for decluttering?
The 20/20 rule helps you decide what to keep and what to let go. If an item can be replaced for under £20 and in less than 20 minutes, it’s okay to get rid of it. This rule helps you make quick decisions without feeling guilty.
What should I remove first when decluttering?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small. First, pick a drawer or shelf to declutter. Once that’s done, move on to bigger areas. Starting small helps you feel less stressed and gives you a sense of progress.
