10 Simple Decluttering Tips That Will Transform Your Home

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Need decluttering tips? Does your home feel like it’s bursting at the seams? You’re not alone.

Tackling clutter can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to break the bank!

These 10 incredibly simple decluttering tips will show you how to reclaim your space, simplify your life, and save money in the process. Get ready to feel lighter, more organised, and in control—without spending a fortune.

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The Morning My Apartment Decluttered My Soul (Well, Almost)

Last winter, I woke up to a scene that felt straight out of a sitcom—except it wasn’t funny at the time. The heater was blasting like it was auditioning for a wind tunnel, and I could barely wiggle out of my duvet burrito without tripping over the mountain of “totally useful” stuff I had piled in the corner.

My mission? Find my left slipper.

Spoiler: I didn’t.

Instead, I unearthed an unopened box of Christmas lights from 2019, a random collection of coupons for some reason, and a single wool sock that definitely wasn’t mine. It hit me like the cold draft sneaking through the window—I needed to declutter.

Like, yesterday.

That morning, I sat there in my mismatched pyjamas, surrounded by chaos. I promised myself that I’d regain control. I realised it wasn’t just about finding my slipper; it was about finding my peace of mind.

That day, I made a plan to simplify my life, one awkward corner at a time.

The moral of the story? Don’t wait for your apartment to stage a passive-aggressive intervention. Start decluttering before your clutter turns into a winter survival sport!

With that being said, here are my 10 incredibly simply decluttering tips.

10 Incredibly Simple Decluttering Tips

Here’s how to completely declutter your home without losing your mind in the process.

Start Small with a Declutter Basket:

Instead of trying to organise an entire room, grab a declutter basket and take small steps. Walk through your home, adding items you no longer use, need, or love.

Once the basket is full, sort the items into three categories: donate, recycle, or toss.

This method keeps your decluttering manageable and shows immediate progress, which is perfect for anyone searching for budget-friendly decluttering tips or simple organising solutions.

Use the “One In, One Out” Rule:

This simple rule ensures you avoid future clutter. For every new item you bring into your home, remove one you no longer need.

For example, if you buy a new shirt, donate or toss an old one. By sticking to this, you’ll maintain balance and keep clutter from piling up—essential for maintaining a tidy home on a budget.

It’s a popular decluttering idea for busy households and helps promote minimalist organising habits.

Declutter by Category, Not Location:

The easiest way to see how much you own is to gather similar items together, regardless of where they’re stored. Instead of tackling the living room or kitchen, start with categories like books or clothes.

For example, gather every piece of clothing you own, then decide what to keep or discard. This practical decluttering strategy is inspired by the KonMari method and works wonders for avoiding duplicates and staying organised.

Repurpose Storage Solutions You Already Have:

Before heading to the store, look around your home for items you can reuse as storage solutions. Old shoe boxes, mason jars, or baskets can be used to organise drawers, counters, or shelves.

Reusing items not only saves money but also keeps your home tidy and functional.

For instance, mason jars can hold craft supplies or pantry items. This makes them ideal for anyone searching for budget-friendly storage solutions.

Set a Timer for Quick Declutter Sessions:

Decluttering doesn’t have to take hours. Set a timer for 15 or 30 minutes and focus on one area, like a single drawer or shelf.

This technique is great for building momentum and prevents burnout. Small, focused sessions are perfect for those looking for quick decluttering tips or organising ideas that don’t take all day.

The “Maybe” Box for Difficult Decisions:

Not sure whether to keep or toss an item? Create a “maybe” box and revisit it in three to six months.

Label the box with a date and store it somewhere out of sight. If you don’t use or miss the items in that time, it’s a sign you can let them go.

This approach takes the stress out of decluttering and is ideal for organising on a budget.

Sell What You Can to Fund Your Decluttering Goals:

Turn clutter into cash by selling items you no longer need. Use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or local car boot sales to find buyers.

The money you earn can be used to purchase storage solutions or fund other household projects. This strategy combines decluttering with financial benefits, which makes it a win-win for your wallet and your space.

Implement a Daily Decluttering Habit:

Spend just five minutes each day decluttering small areas, like a single drawer or a corner of your room.

For example, sort through a stack of papers while waiting for dinner to cook.

This habit ensures your home stays tidy without overwhelming effort and is perfect for those seeking simple decluttering tips for busy lives.

Get the Whole Family Involved:

Make decluttering a team effort by assigning tasks to each family member. For instance, kids can go through their toys, while adults tackle the garage or wardrobes.

Turning it into a game—such as seeing who can collect the most items to donate—makes it fun and productive. This tip is especially helpful for family-friendly decluttering ideas.

Donate Thoughtfully to Declutter with Purpose:

As you declutter, set aside items to donate to charities, shelters, or community groups. Look for places that need specific items, like women’s shelters for clothes or local churches for kitchenware.

Knowing your belongings will help others makes it easier to let go, aligning with biblical principles of generosity and reducing waste.

FAQs: Additional Decluttering Tips That Work!

In addition to what I spoke about above, here are two frequently asked questions I wanted to answer. I hope these additional tips help you to declutter with ease.

What Should I Remove First When Decluttering?

Start with easy, low-sentiment items to build momentum. These might include:

Expired food or medicine
Broken items that you can’t or won’t repair
Duplicate items (e.g., multiple spatulas, socks with holes)

Once you’ve tackled the “low-hanging fruit,” move on to more challenging areas like sentimental items or hobby-related clutter.

Pro tip: Begin decluttering in high-traffic areas like the kitchen counter, living room, or entryway. Clearing these spaces will provide an immediate sense of accomplishment and encourage you to keep going.

What Should You Not Declutter Your House With?

Avoid using the following when decluttering:

Trash Bags for All Items: While trash bags are fine for disposing of actual rubbish, using them for donations or items you’re unsure about can lead to confusion. Use clearly labelled boxes or reusable bags instead.
Overly Sentimental Mindset: Decluttering with too much sentimentality can make it difficult to let go of items. Try focusing on the memories rather than the objects themselves.
No Plan or Time Limit: Decluttering without a plan can lead to burnout or chaos. Set clear goals, like “declutter one drawer in 15 minutes,” and stick to them.
Inadequate Storage Solutions: Decluttering only works if the remaining items are organised. Don’t skip the step of finding proper storage, such as bins, shelves, or organisers, to ensure everything has a home.
Decluttering Alone If Overwhelmed: If you’re facing a particularly messy area, enlist a friend or family member to help. An outside perspective can provide clarity on what to keep and what to toss.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With these simple, budget-friendly decluttering tips and organising ideas, you can transform your home into a space that feels calm, functional, and uniquely yours.

Start small, celebrate your progress, and remember that every little step brings you closer to the organised home you’ve been dreaming of. Have your own clever decluttering tricks or success stories?

Share them in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’re making space for what truly matters! And don’t forget to share this post with a friend who could use some organising inspiration.

Happy organising!