16 tips to help you declutter your home today tomorrow and always

Decluttering your home can greatly improve the look and feel of your living space, as well as reduce stress and increase organization. To start, begin with a small area and set a goal for what you want to achieve. Regularly go through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need or use. Invest in organizing tools and store items vertically to maximize space. Limit sentimental items, and have a designated place for everything. Tidy up before bed, make cleaning a priority, and consider the size and impact of future purchases. If needed, enlist the help of friends or a professional organizer. By following these tips, you can maintain a clutter-free home and enjoy a more organized and peaceful living environment.

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Here are 16 tips for decluttering your home and keeping it clutter-free:
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​1. Start small

Starting small when decluttering your home is an effective approach to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to make progress towards a clutter-free living space. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, begin by focusing on a single room or area, such as your kitchen counter or dresser. Set a goal for what you want to achieve, and regularly go through your belongings to purge items you no longer need or use.

​By starting small and gradually making progress, you can keep your home decluttered and organized in a manageable way. Additionally, starting small allows you to focus your attention and make real changes in a specific area, which can help you build momentum and make decluttering a more enjoyable and sustainable process.

​2. Set a goal

Setting a goal when decluttering your home is an important step in creating a more organized and clutter-free living space. By determining what you want to achieve, you can focus your efforts and stay motivated throughout the decluttering process. Some common goals might include creating more space, reducing stress, or improving the overall look and feel of your home.

​Regardless of your specific goal, it's important to have a clear idea of what you're trying to accomplish. This will help you prioritize your efforts and stay focused on what's most important. In addition, having a goal in mind can make decluttering a more enjoyable and rewarding experience, as you see the tangible results of your efforts.

​3. Purge regularly

Purging regularly when decluttering your home is an essential step in maintaining a clutter-free living space. By regularly going through your belongings and getting rid of items you no longer need or use, you can prevent clutter from building up and overwhelming you. To make purging a manageable task, consider setting aside a specific day or time each week or month to go through your belongings. As you sort through items, consider donating or selling items you no longer need, and keep only what is truly valuable or necessary.

​Regular purging not only helps you keep your home decluttered, but also helps you simplify your life and reduce stress by letting go of unnecessary items. By making purging a regular part of your routine, you can ensure that your home remains clutter-free and organized for years to come.

4. ​Get organized

Getting organized is a crucial step in decluttering your home and maintaining a clutter-free living space. After you've purged your belongings, invest in organizing tools such as shelving, drawers, and containers to keep everything in its place. Make use of vertical space by storing items on shelves or in stackable containers, and use labels to help you quickly find what you're looking for. Additionally, consider using a closet system, such as shelves and hanging rods, to maximize storage space and keep your clothes organized.

By getting organized, you can streamline your living space and make it easier to find and access the items you need. Moreover, a well-organized home can help reduce stress and improve overall happiness, as you can enjoy a more peaceful and functional living environment. With the right tools and approach, getting organized can be a fun and fulfilling experience, leading to a more organized and clutter-free home.

5. Store items vertically

Storing items vertically when decluttering your home is a smart way to maximize space and reduce clutter. By using vertical storage solutions, such as shelving, stacking containers, and hooks, you can free up floor space and make the most of your living area. Vertical storage is especially useful in small spaces, where every inch of floor space is valuable.

In the kitchen, consider using vertical storage solutions, such as a tiered shelf or a pot rack, to keep pots, pans, and cooking utensils organized. In the bathroom, use hooks or a wall-mounted basket to store towels, washcloths, and other items. In the closet, use vertical shelving and hanging rods to store clothes and other items in an organized and accessible way.

​By storing items vertically, you can simplify your space and reduce clutter, making it easier to find what you need and enjoy a more organized and functional living environment.

6. Limit sentimental items

Limiting sentimental items when decluttering your home is a way to reduce clutter and simplify your living space while still honoring your memories. Sentimental items, such as photographs, keepsakes, and gifts, can quickly accumulate and take up valuable space in your home.

​To manage sentimental items, consider creating a scrapbook or photo album to store and display them in a compact and organized way. You can also store sentimental items in a memory box or container and rotate the items you display in your home.

When evaluating sentimental items, consider whether they bring joy to your life or simply add clutter. By limiting sentimental items, you can simplify your space and focus on what truly matters, while still preserving your memories and the things that are important to you.

7. ​Donate or sell

Donating or selling items when decluttering your home is an effective way to reduce clutter and simplify your living space, while also giving back to your community or making some extra money. When evaluating your belongings, consider whether you have items that are in good condition but no longer bring you joy or serve a purpose. These items can be donated to charity organizations or sold through online platforms, garage sales, or consignment shops.

Donating or selling items not only declutters your home but also provides a sense of purpose and satisfaction knowing that your items are being put to good use. Additionally, by giving away items that you no longer need or use, you can help those in need and support your community. When donating or selling items, make sure to follow the guidelines set by the receiving organizations or platforms to ensure that your items are accepted and used in the best way possible.

8. Have a place for everything

Having a designated space for everything when decluttering your home is crucial in maintaining a clutter-free living space. By giving everything a specific place, you can reduce the amount of clutter in your home and simplify your life. Start by evaluating your belongings and deciding where each item should be stored. Consider the frequency of use, size, and shape of each item when determining where it should be stored. Use organizing tools, such as shelves, drawers, and containers, to help you keep everything in its place. Label your storage containers to help you quickly find what you're looking for.

​Having a designated space for everything can help you keep your home organized and clutter-free, making it easier to find what you need and enjoy a more functional living environment. By following this principle, you can simplify your life and reduce stress by creating a well-organized and functional home.

9. ​Use labels

Using labels when decluttering your home is a simple yet effective way to stay organized and maintain a clutter-free living environment. Labels can help you quickly identify what's stored in each container or area, making it easier to find what you need and keep your home organized. Consider using clear, easy-to-read labels on storage containers, drawers, and shelves to help you quickly locate your belongings. Labeling can also help you remember where you've stored items and prevent you from misplacing them.

​When labeling, be specific and include both the contents of the container and its location, if necessary. In addition to helping you stay organized, labels can also add a decorative touch to your living space. By using labels, you can simplify your life and reduce stress by creating a well-organized and functional home that's easy to navigate and maintain.

10. ​Don't buy more than you need

Avoiding purchasing more than you need when decluttering your home is a key principle in maintaining a clutter-free living space. Buying too much of anything, whether it's clothing, kitchen gadgets, or home decor, can quickly lead to clutter and a cluttered living environment. Before making a purchase, consider whether you really need the item and whether it will fit in with your existing decor and lifestyle.

​When shopping, take the time to consider what you already have at home and what you really need to buy. Consider purchasing items that have multiple uses or that can be easily stored when not in use. By avoiding purchasing more than you need, you can simplify your life and reduce stress by creating a well-organized and functional home that's free of clutter and easy to maintain.

11. ​Tidy up before bed

​Tidying up before bed when decluttering your home is a simple yet effective habit that can help maintain a clutter-free living environment. At the end of each day, take a few minutes to put away items that are out of place, such as toys, books, or clothing. This helps prevent clutter from building up and ensures that your home starts each day in a clean and organized state. By tidying up before bed, you'll start each day with a clean slate, reducing stress and allowing you to focus on what's important.

​This simple habit can help you maintain a clutter-free home, making it easier to find what you need and enjoy a functional living environment. By taking just a few minutes each day to tidy up before bed, you can simplify your life and reduce stress by creating a well-organized and functional home that's easy to navigate and maintain.

Speaking of bed, don't forget to utilize that precious under-bed storage space to keep items that you do not use on a daily basis. 

12. ​Make cleaning a priority

Making cleaning a priority when decluttering your home is an essential aspect of maintaining a clutter-free living environment. Cleaning helps remove dirt, dust, and other debris that can contribute to clutter and cluttered living space. To ensure that your home stays clean and clutter-free, establish a cleaning routine and make cleaning a regular part of your daily or weekly routine. Consider setting aside time each day or each week to tackle cleaning tasks, such as dusting, vacuuming, and washing dishes. Make sure to clean every area of your home, including hard-to-reach spaces and areas that are often overlooked.

​Regular cleaning not only helps keep your home clutter-free, but it also helps create a healthier and more enjoyable living environment. By making cleaning a priority, you can simplify your life and reduce stress by creating a well-organized and functional home that's easy to navigate and maintain.

13. ​Use a closet system

Using a closet system when decluttering your home can help you maximize your storage space and maintain a clutter-free living environment. Closet systems provide a convenient and organized way to store your clothing, shoes, and accessories, keeping your closet neat and tidy. Consider using shelves, drawers, and hanging rods to create a customized closet system that meets your storage needs. You can also use closet organizers, such as baskets and boxes, to keep smaller items neatly stored.

​When designing your closet system, consider the size and shape of your clothing and shoes, as well as the frequency of use, to determine the best storage solutions. By using a closet system, you can simplify your life and reduce stress by creating a well-organized and functional home that's free of clutter and easy to navigate.

14. ​Limit paper

Limiting paper when decluttering your home is an important step in maintaining a clutter-free living environment. Paper, such as mail, magazines, and newspapers, can quickly accumulate and contribute to clutter. To limit paper in your home, consider setting up a system for organizing and storing important documents, such as bills and receipts. Consider going paperless for bills and other correspondence whenever possible.

​Regularly sort through your mail and recycle or shred unwanted items. Store magazines and newspapers in a designated area, and regularly go through them to discard or recycle items that are no longer needed. By limiting paper in your home, you can simplify your life and reduce stress by creating a well-organized and functional home that's free of clutter and easy to navigate.

15. ​Be mindful of future purchases

Being mindful of future purchases when decluttering your home is an important aspect in maintaining a clutter-free living environment. Before making a purchase, consider whether the item will fit in with your existing decor and lifestyle and whether you really need it. Take the time to consider what you already have at home and what you really need to buy. Consider purchasing items that have multiple uses or that can be easily stored when not in use.

When shopping, be mindful of the amount of space you have available and consider whether the item will take up too much space or contribute to clutter. By being mindful of future purchases, you can simplify your life and reduce stress by creating a well-organized and functional home that's free of clutter and easy to navigate.

16. ​Enlist help

Enlisting help when decluttering your home can make the process faster, easier, and more effective. Recruit friends, family members, or a professional organizer to assist you with the decluttering process. Having an extra set of hands to help you sort through your belongings, donate or sell items, and organize your living space can make the process more manageable and enjoyable. When enlisting help, it's important to communicate your goals and expectations clearly and to work together to create a clutter-free living environment. By enlisting help, you can simplify your life and reduce stress by creating a well-organized and functional home that's easy to navigate and maintain.

​Decluttering your home is a process of simplifying your living environment by removing items that are no longer needed or used. This process can help reduce stress, increase efficiency, and create a more organized and functional living space. To declutter your home, start small and work in manageable sections. Set goals for what you want to achieve and regularly purging items that are no longer needed. Get organized by creating a designated space for each item and using labels to help keep everything in its place. Limit paper and be mindful of future purchases to prevent clutter from accumulating. Cleaning regularly and enlisting help can also make the decluttering process easier and more effective. By decluttering your home, you can simplify your life and create a well-organized and functional living environment that's easy to navigate and maintain.