If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter and the thought of tackling it all seems too much, don’t stress—it's normal. Decluttering your home is a big job, but with the right approach, it can be a manageable, even fun, project. Whether you’re dealing with overflowing closets, endless piles, or toys scattered everywhere, decluttering can help bring a sense of calm and order to your home.
Here, Mindy Godding, a Certified Professional Organizer and the President of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO), shares some tips on how to declutter your home. Let's dig in!
1. Start Small to Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed
When you think about decluttering your home, it can feel like there’s just too much to tackle. But here’s the key: Start small. Godding suggests focusing on one room or even a single area of a room at a time. “Even a single room can often be too big of a task to tackle in one sitting. I recommend setting goals of decluttering a single drawer, one bookcase, the top of your desk, or an area of the floor on that side of the room,” she explains.
Pro tip: Try breaking down the job into short, manageable stints. Set a timer for 30 minutes and see how much progress you can make in that short time. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish!
2. Stay Focused and Don't Get Distracted
It’s easy to get distracted while decluttering. Maybe you pick up an item and realize it belongs in another room. But, according to Godding, that’s a trap. “When people declutter on their own, they can easily get pulled to other areas when they 'discover' items that belong in other rooms,” she says. “Instead of trying to relocate everything that doesn't belong, simply put those items aside for later and remain focused on the single space you are trying to tackle.”
Pro tip: If you come across something that doesn’t belong in the current space, create a “go-back” pile and deal with it later. This keeps your momentum going.
3. Get the Whole Family Involved—Even the Kids!
If you’ve got little ones at home, keeping clutter under control can be a challenge. But it’s definitely doable—and even better, they can help! Godding’s go-to strategy for families with young kids is labeling. “Labeling is a favorite technique of professional organizers when setting up systems for families. If the kids can't read, use pictures or photos instead of labels with words,” she says.
In addition to labels, Godding recommends building in “clean-up time.” “Always build in 10 minutes of 'clean-up time' at the end of any activity. This teaches children the value of an organized transition,” she says.
Pro tip: Make clean-up time fun by turning it into a game or setting a timer. This can help your kids develop the habit of tidying up without it feeling like a chore.
4. Easy Storage Solutions You’re Probably Overlooking
You don’t need to spend a ton of money on fancy organizing systems. Sometimes, the simplest solutions work best! Godding’s favorite go-to storage items are baskets and bins. “Baskets and bins are the simplest solutions and can often be just what's needed to contain and corral items and keep them from spreading and becoming clutter,” she says.
Have mail piling up in the kitchen? Throw it in a basket. Shoes all over the entryway? Use a bin for a quick and easy drop zone.
Pro tip: Label the baskets and bins to make it even easier for everyone in the house to stay organized.
5. Stay Motivated with Clear Goals
Decluttering is a marathon, not a sprint. So, how can you stay motivated and keep your home clutter-free long term? Godding's advice is to get clear on your goals. “Think about the function you want in every space,” she says. “Schedule routine visits from an organizer a couple of times a year to help maintain your systems and prevent you from becoming overwhelmed.”
Pro tip: Make sure your systems serve a real purpose. If everything in your home has a designated spot that works for your lifestyle, you’ll be less likely to revert to old cluttered habits.
Final Thoughts: Declutter Your Home, One Step at a Time
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With small steps, a focused approach, and a little guidance from experts like Godding, you can transform your space into a place of peace and order. Remember, the key to success is starting small, staying focused, and creating habits that will keep your home organized for the long haul!
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
