Ready to tackle the clutter? Experts say these tips will see you through to the end
How do I know? I'll use myself as an example: As a home editor and cleaning products tester, I like my space to look tidy. But I also consider myself a "collector" of beautiful things (okay, if I'm honest, "hoarder" might be more accurate). What I'm saying is that I love stuff and have a lot of it, so I understand the desire to declutter — and the paralysis that desire can create.
After interviewing a small army of professional organizers for this story, I decided to put their tips for decluttering into practice. I found that the secret is starting small — you don't have to do it all in a day. And once you start organizing, set up a system that's easy to maintain (are you going to follow that complicated filing system? If not, skip it). Because in the end, consistency is what'll keep even us avid "collectors" organized for the long haul.
Black and white garbage bags
Heavy-duty tote bags (for bringing things to a donation center)
Storage bins
Sticky notes or painter's tape (for labeling categories)
"What space is bothering you the most? Start with the most disorganized spot because once you get through it, everything will feel easier," says professional organizer Aly Finkelstein. The exception: areas that contain lots of sentimental items or collections you feel attached to, advises Marissa Hagmeyer, NEAT Method co-founder and author of The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book. Before tackling them, get into the groove with a spot like the pantry, where you can toss obviously old or expired food with minimal guilt.
And write it down! "Treat decluttering like any other important task on your to-do list," says Rachel Rosenthal, an organizational expert and Post-it Brand ambassador. Allot a few hours per room, and spread the sessions over a few weeks, if needed, so you're not doing the entire house in one day.
If a few hours feels like too much, "break it down into bite-sized chunks," Rosenthal says. "Set a timer for 15 minutes, and focus on just one area, drawer or shelf at a time. This way, you're not overwhelmed, and you'll start seeing progress quickly — no matter how small the task feels."
Another trick for short decluttering sessions: Turn them into a game! Jennifer Johnson, owner of The Orderly Space, likes the "one song challenge" (declutter as much as you can during one song) and the "toss 10 challenge" (find 10 things to donate or trash ASAP). If you're decluttering with someone else like a spouse, set a timer and see who can declutter the most in that period, suggests Robyn Reynolds, owner of Organize2Harmonize. "The competition will help you get it done."
Before you start the actual decluttering, create a system. Designate an area for each of the following categories: donate, recycle, toss and relocate. "Anything in good condition should go to local donation centers (Goodwill, shelters, or even Buy Nothing groups). Selling? Make it easy — Facebook Marketplace or consignment stores work best for quick cash. For items beyond repair, check out Earth911.com to find proper recycling centers," says Johnson.
Set up trash bags for items you'll throw out or recycle, heavy-duty totes (or different color trash bags) for donated items, and bins for stuff you're keeping. Finkelstein, for example, uses black garbage bags for trash and white ones for donations. Label everything.
Time to get down to business! Pick a spot to declutter and take everything out so you can sort it into the categories above, one by one, says Finkelstein. Organize items by type, which will allow you to quickly identify unnecessary duplicates within the same category. "Do you have three pizza cutters? That's probably an indicator that you could say goodbye to two of them," says Hagmeyer.
When deciding what to part with, keep in mind this simple mantra from Rosenthal: "If it doesn't make your life easier or better, it doesn't need to take up space in your home."
"Decluttering can be tough because it forces us to acknowledge when something no longer serves us — even if it once did," she adds. "Trust yourself to know when it's time to let go." That means releasing any guilt you feel for donating an expensive purchase, a family memento or a gift someone gave you. "Remember, you're not erasing memories by decluttering. It's about creating space for the memories that matter now, not holding onto things 'just because,'" she says.
Reynolds calls this the "one-day syndrome." She explains, "So many people hold onto things thinking they will need them one day. The problem is that one day rarely comes and if it does, is it worth having held onto that item for years waiting for it to happen? Probably not."
The bottom line is it's just stuff. And if you really can't decide what to do, let your house do it for you. "The biggest piece of advice I would give is let your space dictate the volume of stuff you have," says Finkelstein.
Once you've made the hard decisions, don't let the items you're parting with sit around. "Generally it's best to remove them from your environment ASAP," says Anne Mooney, a professional organizer for TaskRabbit. "If you are donating, choose the easiest, closest place to donate, and place items in an opaque container or bag so that you don't take a second look before you drop off. This helps you from second-guessing your decisions."
Can't get to the donation center right away? Move that pile to a less visible spot and carve out time in the near future for a drop-off. "Make it a habit to drop off donations regularly so you're not holding onto things longer than necessary. It'll make decluttering feel less like a chore and more like a natural part of your routine!" suggests Rosenthal.
As tempting as it is to grab bins, baskets and pretty storage solutions before you've started decluttering, resist the urge, says Rosenthal. Declutter first, organize second. "Once you've cleared the space, then you can see exactly what you need to store things effectively."
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