Are you drowning in clutter? You’re not alone. A study by the National Association of Professional Organizers found that 54% of Americans feel overwhelmed by their clutter. But don’t worry – this declutter your home checklist will help you reclaim your space and your sanity.
Imagine walking into a clean, organized home where everything has its place. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? But for many of us, that’s just a dream. Instead, we’re tripping over shoes in the hallway, digging through piles of mail on the kitchen counter, and shoving junk into closets just to get it out of sight.
The problem is, clutter doesn’t just make our homes look messy – it affects our mental health too. A cluttered space can increase stress levels, decrease productivity, and even impact our sleep quality. But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, you can transform your home from chaos to calm.
Ready to start your decluttering journey? Let’s dive in!
Declutter Your Home Checklist
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? You’re not alone! A cluttered home can create stress and distract from daily life. Thankfully, tackling the mess doesn’t have to be a monumental task. With the right approach and a bit of elbow grease, you can transform your space into a haven of order and tranquility. This checklist is designed to guide you through every step of decluttering, ensuring nothing gets overlooked. Ready to breathe new life into your home? Let’s get started!
1. Assess Your Clutter
Time to declutter your entire home! Start with a decluttering checklist and grab a free printable PDF to help you out. Focus on one room at a time with a room-by-room approach. You’ll find a list of things to declutter and things to get rid of right away, like paper clutter and items you no longer use.
Using a decluttering checklist printable can make the decluttering process smoother. Check things off as you go with your printable list and free printable decluttering checklist. Marie Kondo’s KonMari method can also help you decide what to keep and what to throw away. Your home will look so much better!
Don’t forget to spruce up the medicine cabinet and other small spaces. With a declutter list and room-by-room decluttering, you’re getting closer to a tidy home. Download a decluttering checklist PDF and start decluttering today!
Before you start tossing things into boxes, take a moment to assess the situation. This crucial first step will set you up for success.
Identify Problem Areas:
Walk through each room of your home with a critical eye. Where does clutter tend to accumulate? Is it the kitchen counter that’s always covered in mail and gadgets? Or maybe it’s your bedroom closet, bursting at the seams with clothes you never wear?
Pro tip: Take photos of each room. Sometimes, seeing your space through a lens can help you spot clutter you’ve become blind to.
Set Decluttering Goals:
Now that you’ve identified your problem areas, it’s time to set some goals. Be specific:
- “I want to reduce my wardrobe by 30%”
- “I’ll clear off and organize my kitchen counters”
- “I’ll sort through and organize all the papers in my home office”
Writing down your goals makes you 42% more likely to achieve them, according to a study by Dr. Gail Matthews at Dominican University.
Create a Decluttering Plan:
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your home won’t be decluttered in one either. Break your decluttering project into manageable chunks:
- Start with one room or even one area of a room
- Set a realistic timeline (e.g., tackle the bedroom this weekend)
- Schedule decluttering sessions in your calendar
Remember, consistency is key. Even 15 minutes a day can make a big difference over time.
2. Gather Your Decluttering Supplies
Alright, folks, it’s time to gather your decluttering supplies and get down to business! First up, grab a free printable declutter checklist to help keep you motivated. This decluttering list will be your guide as you move from room to room, tackling all that clutter and disorganization.
Make sure you’ve already got some storage containers and a stack of old magazines to sort through. If you find things in good condition, consider donating them. Having a categorized list makes it easier to put the items in their proper place and help you declutter your whole home.
For those sentimental items, it might be time to get rid of some, but only if you’re ready. Follow tips for decluttering from a professional organizing business like tidy milso to stay on track. Remember, the summer of 2020 was all about deep cleaning, so let’s keep that momentum going!
Before you dive in, make sure you have the right tools for the job. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient.
Trash Bags and Boxes:
You’ll need plenty of these for sorting items into categories:
- Keep
- Donate
- Sell
- Trash/Recycle
Pro tip: Use different colored bags or boxes for each category to make sorting even easier.
Labeling Supplies:
Sticky notes, labels, and a marker will be your best friends during this process. They’ll help you categorize items and mark boxes for donation or storage.
Cleaning Supplies:
As you declutter, you’ll uncover areas that haven’t seen the light of day in a while. Have these on hand:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Vacuum cleaner
- Duster
3. Declutter by Room
Ready to declutter by room? Grab those printables and let’s tackle it! First, start in one spot like the hall closet. Take everything out and assess each item. Does it still function or have sentimental value? If not, it’s off to the recycling center!
Next, move to the living room. Clear that coffee table and sort your digital media. You’ll feel less overwhelmed with a step-by-step guide. Keep a to-do list handy to find what you need.
Don’t forget the kitchen! Clean out the kitchen sink and organize items into one category. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to leave the house clutter-free. Check out similar posts for more tips. And remember to read our privacy policy!
Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. We’ll go room by room, tackling the clutter in each space.
Living Room:
The living room is often the heart of the home, but it can quickly become a dumping ground for everything from magazines to kids’ toys.
- Sort through books, magazines, and DVDs: Be ruthless. If you haven’t read or watched it in the past year, it’s time to let it go.
- Tidy up electronic cords and accessories: Use cable ties or cord organizers to keep wires neat and tangle-free.
- Evaluate your furniture: Does every piece serve a purpose? Consider removing items that just take up space.
Kitchen:
A cluttered kitchen can make cooking a nightmare. Let’s change that.
- Clear out expired food and unused appliances: Be honest – when was the last time you used that bread maker?
- Organize pantry and kitchen cabinets: Group similar items together and consider using clear containers for easy visibility.
- Tackle the junk drawer: We all have one. Sort through it and keep only the essentials.
Bedrooms:
Your bedroom should be a peaceful retreat, not a storage unit.
- Review clothing, shoes, and accessories: If you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to say goodbye.
- Sort through personal items like old documents and memorabilia: Be selective about what you keep. Digitize important documents to save space.
- Organize your nightstand: Keep only essentials within arm’s reach.
Bathrooms:
Small spaces can accumulate big clutter. Let’s clear it out.
- Dispose of expired medications and beauty products: Check expiration dates and toss anything past its prime.
- Organize toiletries and cleaning supplies: Use drawer organizers or small bins to keep everything in its place.
- Clear off countertops: Store daily-use items in easy-to-access containers and put everything else away.
Home Office:
A cluttered office can kill productivity. Let’s create a space that inspires work.
- Declutter old paperwork and office supplies: Shred or recycle unnecessary papers. Donate extra supplies to a local school.
- Organize files and digital documents: Create a filing system that works for you, both physically and digitally.
- Manage your desk: Keep only the essentials on your desk surface. Everything else should have a designated home in a drawer or on a shelf.
4. Implement Organizational Solutions
Now that you’ve decluttered, it’s time to set up systems to keep your space organized.
Storage Bins and Shelves:
Invest in quality storage solutions. Clear bins are great for seeing contents at a glance. Consider:
- Under-bed storage for out-of-season clothes
- Over-the-door organizers for shoes or accessories
- Floating shelves to maximize vertical space
Labeling Systems:
Labels are your secret weapon against clutter. They help you and your family know exactly where everything belongs. Try:
- Printed labels for a clean, uniform look
- Chalkboard labels for flexibility
- Color-coded labels for easy categorization
Decluttering Apps:
Technology can be a powerful ally in your decluttering journey. Consider apps like:
- Sortly for inventory management
- Decluttr for selling unwanted items
- Evernote for digital organization
5. Dispose of Unwanted Items
You’ve sorted through your belongings, now it’s time to say goodbye to the things you no longer need.
Donate Usable Items:
- Research local charities that accept donations
- Consider specialized organizations for specific items (e.g., professional clothes for job seekers)
- Remember: Your clutter could be someone else’s treasure
Sell Items Online:
For items of value, consider selling:
- Use platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark
- Take clear, well-lit photos to attract buyers
- Price items competitively based on their condition
Recycle Properly:
Don’t just toss everything in the trash. Many items can be recycled:
- Electronics often have special recycling requirements
- Check your local recycling guidelines for accepted materials
- Consider upcycling items for a new purpose
6. Maintain Your Clutter-Free Home
Congratulations! You’ve decluttered your home. Now, let’s keep it that way.
Create a Cleaning Schedule:
- Assign daily, weekly, and monthly tasks
- Make bed daily (it takes just 2 minutes and sets the tone for a tidy day)
- Do a 10-minute tidy-up each evening to prevent clutter from accumulating
Adopt Minimalist Practices:
- Follow the “one in, one out” rule: For every new item you bring in, one must go out
- Question new purchases: Do you really need it? Where will it live in your home?
- Regularly reassess your belongings: What once spark joy may no longer serve you
Involve the Family:
- Teach children to put toys away after playtime
- Assign age-appropriate decluttering tasks to family members
- Lead by example: Show your family the benefits of a clutter-free lifestyle
Remember, decluttering is not a one-time event – it’s a lifestyle change. By following this declutter your home checklist and making tidiness a habit, you’ll create a home that’s not just organized, but truly peaceful and inviting.
Are you ready to transform your space? Which room will you tackle first? The journey to a clutter-free home starts with a single step – or in this case, a single item in the donation box. Let’s get started!
Conclusion
Decluttering your home can be a transformative experience, leading to a more organized and peaceful living environment. By following this checklist, you’ll not only tackle the immediate mess but also set up systems to keep your home clutter-free in the future. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection—so take it one step at a time. Share your decluttering journey in the comments below or with friends who might need a little nudge to get started. Let’s make every space a place of calm and order!