How to Declutter Your Home: 6 Best Room-by-Room Methods

Decluttering your home can feel like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be! By taking it one room at a time and following some simple decluttering strategies, you can transform your home into a tidy and organized oasis. Here are the best methods for decluttering on a room-by-room basis:

The Entryway

As the gateway to your home, a cluttered entryway sets the tone for the rest of the house. Follow these tips to make it welcoming:

Clear Out the Coats and Shoes

Only keep coats that you actually wear in the entryway. Donate or sell the rest.
Use a coat rack or hangers to keep coats neat and tidy. Consider using hooks on the wall to maximize space.
Store shoes on a rack or in baskets. Get rid of pairs you don’t wear.

Add Storage Furniture

An entryway bench with storage inside clears clutter from the floor. Use it to store gloves, hats, purses, etc.
A small cabinet or shelving unit is ideal for storing extra items like umbrellas. Use baskets to corral smaller items.

Don’t Let Mail and Keys Overwhelm

Use a wall-mounted mail organizer to sort mail as soon as you enter.
Keep a small tray on an entryway table for incoming items. Process them quickly.
Store keys on labeled hooks near the door used most often.

The Kitchen

As one of the most used rooms in your home, the kitchen is prone to clutter buildup. Apply these tips:

Declutter the Cabinets

Take everything out of cabinets and drawers. Donate or recycle anything expired or you don’t use.
Organize what remains with drawer dividers, turntables, and bins to separate types of items.
Keep only the dishes and cooking tools you regularly use. Store the rest elsewhere.

Clear Countertop Clutter

Keep just a few key appliances on the counters like a coffeemaker.
Use trays or baskets to corral smaller items like mail, keys, etc.
Install a rack or hooks for pots and pans to get them off counters.

Organize the Fridge and Pantry

Go through the fridge weekly and toss expired foods. Keep like items together.
Categorize pantry items like snacks, grains, canned goods. Use organizing bins.
Stack cans and boxes upright so you can see everything. Rotate older items to the front.

The Bedroom Closet

Bedroom closets easily get disorganized. Follow these tips to take control:

Edit Your Wardrobe

Remove anything you haven’t worn in over a year and donate it.
Only keep items that fit well and make you feel good. If you’re holding onto it for “someday,” let it go.
Arrange clothes by type and color. Group tops, dresses, pants, etc.

Use Closet Organizers

Install shelving units to double hanging space. Use for folded clothes, shoes, accessories.
Use hanging shoe organizers inside the closet door for storage.
Add sturdy storage bins for hats, scarves, belts and other accessories.

Make it Accessible

Store frequently worn items at eye level for easy access.
Use S-hooks on the wall to hang purses, belts, ties, etc.
Put a full-length mirror inside the closet to see your outfits.

The Bathroom

With so many toiletries and towels, bathrooms need ample storage. Try these tips:

Edit Toiletries

Remove expired products. Keep only daily essentials in the bathroom.
Store extra toilet paper, shampoos, soaps, etc. under the sink or vanity.
Use hanging shelves, bins, or baskets inside cabinets to neatly organize items.

Fold and Store Towels

Keep only the towels you use regularly in the bathroom.
Use wall hooks, standing shelves, or a ladder rack to neatly store towels.
Fold towels uniformly and store them upright to maximize space.

Clear Countertop Clutter

Have one place for daily essentials like toothbrush and paste.
Store extra items in drawers, cabinets or a caddy.
A tiered shelving unit or wall-mounted shelves add space for decor.

The Living Room

As the heart of the home, a cluttered living room can make the whole house feel chaotic. Use these tips:

Remove Excess Furniture

Only keep furniture that’s used and makes the room comfortable.
Donate or sell any extra chairs, end tables, ottomans, etc.
Rearrange furniture to create open spaces that feel relaxing.

Organize Media and Shelving

Use baskets, bins and dividers to neatly organize books, games, DVDs.
Arrange framed photos and accessories so they don’t clutter surfaces.
Minimize magazines and books to only those you are actively reading.

Manage Cords and Remotes

Roll up excess cords and secure them with ties or clips.
Store remote controls in a small basket or tray on the coffee table.
Use cord covers to conceal cords against wall edges.

The Home Office

Paper clutter, documents and supplies can quickly consume a home office. Try these tips:

Organize Paperwork

Only keep current files and paperwork. Shred or recycle the rest.
Designate drawers or bins for office supplies, documents, receipts, etc.
Use vertical files or a filing cabinet to store files and documents.

Clear Off Your Desk

Keep just essential gear like computer, lamp, supplies on the desk.
Use desk organizers like trays, stands and boxes for small items.
Store paper, notepads and other items in the desk drawers.

Minimize Distractions

Put away books, photos and personal items that aren’t decor.
Face your desk away from windows or busy areas to avoid diversions.
Decorate minimally with a few framed photos, a plant and a small clock.

Garage and Basement

These large storage zones easily become disorganized. Use these strategies:

Give Items a Home

Designate areas for tools, sports gear, gardening supplies, etc.
Label shelving units and storage bins so items have assigned spaces.
Use utility hooks to hang bike, hoses, rakes and other bulky items.

Purge the Space

Hold a garage sale to make money off unneeded equipment.
Donate, sell or recycle any unused furniture, boxes, etc.
Toss hazardous chemicals that are expired or you don’t use.

Improve Organization

Use clear plastic bins to see contents. Label bins.
Hang tools and garden supplies on pegboard to keep organized.
Use shelving units and cabinets to get items off the floor.

Maintaining the Decluttered Home

Once you’ve decluttered, adopting some daily and weekly habits will help maintain the organized space:

Put items back where they belong after use so clutter doesn’t accumulate.
Do quick 10-minute tidying sessions in problem areas like the entryway.
Process the mail, empty the dishwasher and do other small tasks right away.
Do a weekly walk through your home to put stray items back in place.
Re-evaluate spaces monthly and donate items you haven’t used in the past month.
Schedule a deep clean every few months to purge items and thoroughly organize.

Frequently Asked Questions About Decluttering Your Home

How long does it take to declutter a whole house?

It depends on the size of your home and the extent of clutter. Most people can thoroughly declutter an average size home in 1-2 months by spending a few hours per week decluttering one area at a time.

What is the best way to get motivated to declutter?

Make a detailed decluttering plan, set deadlines for each area, and schedule decluttering sessions on your calendar to make it a priority. Getting an organizing partner also helps motivate.

Where should I start when decluttering?

It’s best to start with high traffic areas like the kitchen, office, bedroom closets and entryway. These areas make the biggest impact when organized. Then do living spaces followed by basements and garages.

What should I do with items I’m getting rid of?

Donate gently used items to charity, have a garage sale for larger stuff, and recycle or trash anything broken or hazardous. You can also sell items online. Avoid simply moving clutter to another area.

How do I avoid accumulating clutter again after decluttering?

Develop daily and weekly habits to maintain organization like putting items away promptly and doing quick tidying sessions. Also avoid acquiring unnecessary new items.

Conclusion

Decluttering your whole home may seem overwhelming but taking it one room at a time and using these effective strategies will transform your house into a clean, tidy oasis. Focus on clearing common problem areas first like closets and kitchen cabinets. Be sure to maintain the decluttered spaces by putting items away promptly and doing weekly tidy up sessions. With some elbow grease and these room-by-room decluttering tips, you can reclaim your home from chaos.