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Have you ever felt like you’re surrounded by clutter at home? The place where you’re supposed to feel the most peaceful can feel out of control.
Even if you’re overwhelmed, fear not, we are going to get through this together. Let’s explore how to declutter your home (and find your peace again!).
I have this post sectioned off by rooms in your home in efforts to try to make this easier to follow. Especially, if you’d like to just start on one room in particular. Before we get started, I would like to share with you some ground rules to follow for each room.
Think of this as sort of a pre-decluttering list of to-do’s. It will be beneficial in every room to start with this list. Once you’ve read them, go down to the room that you’d like to start on, and follow those instructions.
Ground Rules
- Ā Get rid of all of the trash located in the room.
- Pick up items in clear view that don’t belong in the room that you’re currently in.
- Put any clothing you find into a laundry basket.
- Take any dirty dishes and put them in the sink, or a spot nearby if your sink is full.
Your Kitchen
Your kitchen is supposed to be a place that makes you feel happy. A place where you can make delicious food, brew a cup of your favorite coffee, and a calm place to be.
However, it is one of the most easily-cluttered rooms. We are in our kitchens daily, creating our favorite recipes (a.k.a. dirtying dishes and scattering ingredients across our countertops) and taking care of our families.
This is why it’s important to take a little time after you’re finished preparing food to clean up and keep this room tidy. Let’s look at how to declutter your home, starting with your kitchen.
Appliances
Let’s start with appliances. If you only have a few of these and use them often, you can skip this step. However, if you’re like me and have way too many that you have inherited or bought thinking that you would use (but haven’t!), then it’s time to evaluate whether you really need to keep them or not.
Go through all of your appliances and sort them between items that you use often, items that you donāt use at all, or maybe youāve never even opened.
Itās worth mentioning if you have any appliances that youāve saved that actually donāt work, but you thought you might be able to fix them at some point – throw them away. They arenāt serving you well if theyāre just laying around and not able to be used.
For items that you donāt use much or plan to use again, consider donating them or even selling them is an option. The main idea is to just get rid of anything that is taking up space, but not being used.
The items in your home should bring you joy, and serve you well. Give someone a chance to have an item that will bring them joy and serve well rather than hoarding an item.
Utensils
Next, let’s tackle utensils, gadgets, measuring cups, and the like. This one hit me the hardest when I tried to declutter my kitchen. It was unbelievable how many large spoons, differently designed measuring cups, strainers, etc. that I had!
I was truly blessed when I got married, people we love were so wonderful and got us the nicest things. As a result, I had many duplicates and didnāt want to take them back. It seemed disrespectful to take them back, so I never did. However, the result is me having so many items that Iāll never go through them all.
My advice is to give yourself permission to donate these items to someone who could truly use them. I would like to think that those who bought them for you would want you to do the very same.
Getting rid of these types of items are essential for how to declutter your home and keep your kitchen space organized.
Underneath the Sink
Open the cabinets and take everything out from this section, then wipe down the bottom of the cabinet. I like to use Clorox Wipes for this.
Once you’ve cleaned the area, separate items that you use often and put those back underneath the sink. For cleaners that you aren’t using but still are good, consider giving them to someone you know that could use them. Anything that is damaged or too old, go ahead and throw it away.
To help keep this area organized and to make it easier to clean your home, I like to keep a caddy in this cabinet with all of the items that I use the most.
Pantry
It’s time to go through all of your canned goods, packaged foods, chips, condiments, etc. Move all of items that you are actually going to use soon out of the pantry, and focus on what’s still left.
I suggest looking at the expiration date on each item and toss the items that are expired. For the items that are still good, make a plan to fix them soon or donate them to someone who will use them. It’s so easy to pick up things that look good at the grocery store, and then they just sit in our pantry, never to be fixed.
This takes up unnecessary space and does not serve you, or anyone else, well.
Your Livingroom
Your Livingroom is supposed to be a cozy place, designed to create a space that you love and enjoy relaxing in, or welcoming friends and family to gather together.
This can be difficult to achieve if your space is cluttered and you don’t feel at peace when you’re there. Let’s learn how to declutter your home, more specifically your Livingroom in this example.
Create Space on Tables/Desks
You may have end tables, coffee tables, or even desks in your Livingroom. Go through any items carefully that are on these tables/desks and create piles to keep, maybe keep, and definitely getting rid of. I realize we sometimes hold onto things that have sentimental value, old paperwork or photos that get tossed into the mix. It’s okay to put these into the “maybe” pile for now, and keep moving.
Books and Magazines
If you’re like me, you may have a bookshelf in your Livingroom. I am a book-lover! I won’t tell you that you have to get rid of all of your books and magazines because you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life!
What I will tell you is that sometimes we keep items that we are never going to read, and don’t actually hold any value to us. Sometimes you’ve simply been given these books and are afraid to get rid of them. Maybe you’ve collected them over the years and feel wasteful for throwing them out.
It’s okay to get rid of some of the books that don’t bring you joy, they may just make someone else’s day. Consider donating them to your local Library or a friend that might enjoy reading them. For magazines in particular, nursing homes often appreciate donations and it could really make someone’s day a little brighter.
Your Bathroom
Even if you have multiple bathrooms, you are at least spending quite a bit of time in one of them. It should be a place free of clutter that allows you to get ready with ease. Let’s explore how to declutter your home: bathroom edition.
Underneath the Sink
First, remove all of the items underneath your sink and wipe down the area. Go through all of your products and separate them into piles. You’ll need a pile for keepers, a pile for items that you don’t use (but are still good), and a pile of items that are expired or are no longer good.
Place the products that you use back underneath the sink. Give away any products that you aren’t going to use that are still good, and throw away any of the old products that can no longer be used.
If you have a medicine cabinet or another storage space in your bathroom, follow the same routine to declutter.
Products in the Shower
Go through each of these items and be sure that you’re using them. Sometimes we hoard items in the shower that we never actually use, so toss the ones that you aren’t using.
Your Bedroom
This room is supposed to be your sanctuary, so we should treat it that way by keeping it clean, cozy and organized. You don’t want to feel overwhelmed by being in this room, or worse, not be able to sleep in this room due to clutter. Let’s learn how to declutter your home by keeping your bedroom the sanctuary it’s supposed to be.
If you followed the ground rules, there shouldn’t be any clothes lying around before going any further. š
Your Closet
Go through your closet and create three piles: a pile for keeping, a pile for donating, and a pile for garbage. I understand it may seem wasteful to have a pile for garbage. However, there are sometimes that we keep clothing that is stained or heavily worn. Most people do not want items that are not like new or more gently used. Give yourself permission to toss items fitting this description.
For clothing that you want to keep, determine if they need washed and hang them up if/when they are clean. It can be a difficult task some days to not just throw your clothes onto the floor. Strive instead to hang clean clothes or put dirty clothes into your laundry basket. It is truly an essential habit to adopt to keep your closet, and your entire bedroom, tidy and decluttered.
If you have any drawers in your bedroom, you can follow the same routine to declutter your bedroom.
Clear Space on Your Night Stand
If you have a night stand(s), take time to clear it completely off (and clean any drawers out) except for essentials. Essentials include a lamp, tissues, water, or other items that are useful to have beside your bed.
Go through all other items and determine if they are keepers, and if so, do they actually belong in your bedroom? Sometimes we tend to put random items in drawers and they actually have no place being in that particular room. Place all of those items where they should be located.
Toss any items that are of no use to you, or feel free to donate items that you’d like to get rid of.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to declutter your home! During this crazy quarantine, it’s a great time to reflect and try to declutter in all areas of our lives.
For more in my decluttering series, check out how to declutter your life and how to declutter your mind.
I hope you have the very best weekend ahead, friends!
Let’s Chat!
Do you ever feel like parts of your home are decluttered?
Do you have a favorite method of decluttering around your house?
Does it make you feel stressed if your home is cluttered?
![Thoughts on 2020 & My Word for 2021 BEFORE READ-MORE Letās be honest, 2020 was a tough year! I had a whole lot of beautifully-laid out plans that unfortunately just didnāt happen. Partly because of the pandemic, and partly because of my mindset. I found myself just sort of depressed and couldnāt really find the motivation I needed. Thankfully, ever since the holidays, Iāve felt like this universal shift is coming and things are going to be so much brighter this year. Iām definitely pouring all of my positive energy into making my goals happen this year, no matter what things look like with the pandemic. I have to realize that itās not within my control what happens in the world. I just have control over myself. I wanted to share with you my biggest takeaways from last year. I want to stay mindful of these three things during 2021, and beyond. Plus, Iāll be sharing my word for this year at the bottom! Take Care of Your Loved Ones This past year tore us away from our family and friends. It was heartbreaking for so many, especially to those who are now grieving over some of them. As each year passes, it is almost always on my mind that some of my loved ones may not make it to see another year. That probably sounds very morbid and daunting, and is probably just a result of my life experiences. But it has opened my eyes to really pay special attention to those I love the most. I want to show them that I care while they are here. I want them to know without a doubt that Iām there for them and will do anything in my power to help them. I work very hard to not take anyone for granted because we never know when our time is up. Protect Your Peace I learned how important protecting my peace was last year. I felt like I was going through a multitude of things. Some of the things that were bothering me the most, I couldnāt even control and didnāt directly involve me. They involved loved ones. Iām sure many of you have had similar situations where you have family members that can sometimes play a toxic role in your life. As a result, I really needed to rely on creating healthy boundaries and sticking to those. Itās an ongoing difficult situation for me, but I have truly handled it better than I ever have before. I hope to continue to grow in this area and get better with those healthy boundaries. Try to Control What You Can Control (Not What You Canāt) This one is pretty much directly tied to what I just mentioned about protecting my peace. Iāve spent so much time (that I can never get back) stressing myself out over things I canāt control. Mostly in regard to loved ones, but also the world as a whole. While I choose not to talk politics in this space, I think we all can agree that things have just been a mess in the United States for the past year and even right now. The pandemic, the mud-slinging, all of the sad news thatās plastered all over the tv or our social media...itās just exhausting. I just had to cut out most of the news because it was so depressing. Short of voting and praying for things to get better, thatās really all I can control. The rest of it will be what it will be, and Iām really trying to remind myself that each day. My Word for 2021 is Growth Iāve been flip-flopping between āchangeā and āgrowthā for my word this year. I realized what I wanted for this year was way more like āgrowthā than āchange.ā My thought process on using āchangeā was that I was creating these new habits that were going to be life-changing and help really boost me to achieving my goals. When I thought about it a little more, I realized āgrowthā really summarizes what I want to embody this year the best. It still requires change to happen, but it just seems like a better fit to choose āgrowth.ā [PIN] I hope youāve gained a little something from reading this post, friend. Iām wishing you an amazing week filled with lots of joy. ust on a fun side note, Iām looking forward to watching The Bachelor and WandaVision this week. Do you have any fun shows/things in general youāre looking forward to? Letās Chat! Do you identify with any of these takeaways from 2020? Have you chosen a word for this year? Fun question: Have you been watching The Bachelor this season?](https://i0.wp.com/www.makelifemarvelous.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Thoughts-on-2020-and-Word-for-2021.png?fit=150%2C126&ssl=1)
These are great tips! I try to declutter every few months!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Thanks so much, Jennifer! That’s a wonderful timeframe. It’s so much easier than trying to do it once per year and everything just keeps adding up.
Thank you for sharing this! I just love organising and I try to declutter every month xx
http://www.anacelinelabod.com
Thanks so much, Ana! Thatās a wonderful habit!
I’m someone who loves a clean home and mostly it’s always in order. Favorite time to brighten it up even more is during a nice spring clean.
http://www.fashionradi.com
Iām with you, Radi! I start feeling really anxiety-ridden if things start getting cluttered/dirty.
What an extensive post on organization! Thanks for sharing all of this. I always organize my closet but I need to get going other parts of my house.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much! I totally understand. Itās still a work in progress here at our house right now.
Now during lockdown is probably the best time to do a clear out. This is a very helpful post! Thanks for sharing!
https://www.aproposh.com
When we have more downtime, if definitely seems easier to get these things done. Iām so happy you found it helpful, Yvonne! š
These are good tips! I will say that rather than throwing out torn or stained clothes, see if you can repurpose them or take them into a recycling program! H&M have a recycling program here, they will take any old clothes and recycle the ones they can and turn the others they can’t into fuel. I suspect more end up being burnt for fuel but it’s better than just adding to landfill – I love being able to take the boys clothes in, they often get stained or torn beyond repair! I have a little bag in the garage waiting for them to reopen again š
Hope that you are having a good weekend š Since some of the restrictions have been relaxed in Brisbane we were able to enjoy a picnic yesterda! With social distancing of course, it was so nice to enjoy some time in the park.
Oh, that’s a wonderful idea, Mica!! You are so right, that would be much better than just throwing them out!
The picnic sounds great!! It’s definitely hard being cooped up indoors. I’m certainly ready for some social-distancing fun!
These are great tips! I like to have everything in its place and try to declutter frequently!
Jill – Doused in Pink
That’s fantastic, Jill!! š Thanks so much!
I am kind of a neat freak, so I am always putting stuff away all day long! Ha! I even put my husband’s tennis shoes away in the middle of the day and he’ll be like… where did they go? I know, I’m crazy! Ha!! It is harder with kids, tho.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Haha, you’re not crazy!! I’m that way with dishes. Sometimes he isn’t finished with them yet, especially cups, haha. Hope you’re have a great weekend, friend!
I’ve been really ruthless with my decluttering during lockdown. It really is the perfect time to sort through everything, and it’s so rewarding doing so! xo
Makeup Muddle
I totally agree, that’s fantastic!!
Lovely tips sweetheart šš Regards!!
Thank you so much, Monika!
I love decluttering. This lockdown period has given me enough time to do this. Most importantly, I love having enough space at home. I just want to see open spaces.
I’m with you, Ola! I love a nice, clean space that’s really open.
A guide I never knew I needed! Great tips for decluttering, makes me want to go tidy up my apartment right now!
I’m so happy you found it helpful, Raquel! š
Such great tips and really helpful. Been working on decluttering so this was good to read.
Thank you, Rae! I’m so happy you found it helpful!
This is super helpful. I’m starting the decluttering process today.
That’s great, Marissa! I hope it has been going well for you! š
Great tips for decluttering! I’m all about the less is more mindset and having less stuff junking up the house. And since everyone is home now anyway, it’s a great time to tackle these decluttering tasks!
Thank you so much, Rebecca! Love the ‘less is more’ mindset!
Such amazing tips here !
It always feel so good after tidying up the house.
I’ll keep theses tips in mind. There are so useful !
Thanks for sharing
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Aww, thank you, Margot! š It truly is a never-ending job, haha. I’m so happy you found them helpful!
Great motivation. Love your blog as well!
Aww, thank you so much, MyLeea!! I truly appreciate that! š Thank you for stopping by!
These are fantastic ideas! Thank you for sharing. I will start picking away at doing these suggestions.
Thank you, Carletta! I hope you’ll find them helpful! š
If I think about it I have too much stuff everywhere and I just won’t need it anymore lol. So many great tips to get rid of some things that are just lying around. I urgently need to declutter my house!
xx Simone
Little Glittery Box
Haha, I’m in the same boat! I feel like I’m constantly going through it all, but I try to make sure I’m continually getting rid of things/giving them away. I hope your decluttering goes well, my friend! š
thank you for sharing tips on decluttering. We did some spring cleaning awhile back and I love how helpful your post is.
Capturing Life Memoirs | Aimee
Aww, thank you for reading, Aimee! š I’m so happy you found it helpful!
I needed this guide, I always have too much stuff lying around and in general… But once you finish the process, the place feels so much more amazing <3
LackaDaisy
Thanks so much, friend! I totally understand, it’s easy to accumulate things. You’ve got this!
Love your tips, decluttering has been my favorite activity during the lockdown, I even decluttered and rearranged my backyard patio!
xo
~Zia
http://www.thehuntercollector.com
Oh, that’s wonderful!! Thanks so much for stopping by and I’m so happy you loved the post!
These are really great tips! I love how you broke it down room by room.
I’m really good at decluttering my wardrobe, but I have enough books and magazines to start a shop! Donating is a really good idea!
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
Thank you so much, Julia! š Haha, I understand! I’m that way with movies!!
All of these are fantastic tips, I have done a whole lot of decluttering during this lockdown.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
That’s wonderful, Lovely! š
So many killer decluttering tips! I need to give my kitchen counters a once-over- they are feeling a little crowded these days!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you so much, Ashley! I can relate, mine tend to get a little overwhelmed too!
with three young kids I feel like my house is always full of clutter… these are great tips and ideas I should continuously imposing to my daily routine… thanks for sharing such helpful post…ā¤ļø
http://www.geniusenough.com
Oh my, I bet! I don’t have kids yet, so it’s only mine and my hubby’s stuff to consider. Thank you so much for reading, and I’m so happy you found this helpful! š
Wow! How lovely! Really great tips and great pics!
http://www.recklessdiary.ru
Thank you so much, Anya!
i’m bookmarking this
thank you fro the great tips!
xoxo
style frontier
Aww, thank you so much, friend!! I’m so happy you found it helpful! š
I really love this post! I desperately need to do some decluttering!
Life is a Shoe
These are great tips. I just painted my bedroom and kitchen yesterday, -also decluttered. I must say, my soul is smiling when I enter both spaces now. š
https://missymayification.co.uk
Thank you so much, Missy! Oh, I bet!! That’s so wonderful! š
Love your house photos so much!
Thanks for sharing
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JapanāFashion Stylist ā https://happyesme.com/
I wish they were from my own, but I found these pretty photos on Canva! Thanks so much for reading! š