This Is the Easiest Way to Declutter Your Entire Home — Without Any Stress
I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve seen a piece of clothing or kitchen gadget I no longer use or need and think to myself, “I’ll get rid of it next time I declutter.”But then next time isn’t for a few weeks or even months, and whatever that item is just stays in its place, contributing to the clutter. That’s the problem with how so many people view decluttering, myself included. Rather than incorporating it into our everyday routines, we see it as a challenging task — one you have to dedicate at least a whole day to for it to be “worth it.” “Gradual decluttering” debunks that entire thought process, and professional organizers agree that it makes getting rid of clutter a whole lot easier. “This is a much less overwhelming experience because you aren’t overloaded with decision-making all at once,” says Emily Mass of Spaces by Emily. So how can you finally tackle your clutter on a day-by-day basis? I spoke to a few professional organizers to learn more about the process, their recommended steps and the benefits. Gradual Decluttering, Explained Gradual decluttering is just what it sounds like: making time every day to complete just a few small organizational tasks. Damian Lugowski//Getty Images”Gradual decluttering is all about tackling clutter a little bit at a time instead of trying to overhaul your entire space in one marathon session. It’s perfect for people who don’t have hours to spare — or who feel totally overwhelmed just thinking about it. When you break it down into small chunks, it feels way more doable, and you’re less likely to burn out or give up halfway through,” says Lindsay Melvin of Orchid Organizing. Ultimately, gradual decluttering is about changing your mindset and forming new habits. Decluttering doesn’t have to be an event. It can be something you do every day to the point where you don’t even really realize you’re doing it — as simple as getting in the habit of wiping down the table after dinner or washing the dishes when they pile up. How to Gradually Declutter While decluttering little by little without feeling overwhelmed sounds great in theory, you might not know how to get started. Professional organizers share their most helpful tips and tricks. Catherine McQueen//Getty ImagesSet an alarm: Five or 10 minutes is all you need to get started. “This is a great mid-day exercise when you need a break from work, or you can even make it part of your nighttime clean-up routine,” says Mass.Determine your clutter zones: Whether it’s the closet, garage or kids’ space, determine the zones of your home that accumulate the most clutter and place a basket in each room. Every time you walk in and see something you no longer need, throw it in there and take it out to donate once it’s full. Settle on a certain amount of items: “Commit to removing a certain number of items per day — even just one or two makes a big difference,” says Elsa Elbert of Composed Living. Having a goal, regardless of how small, will help you stay accountable. Fill up a donation bin: Whenever you notice an item that can be donated or thrown away, don’t wait to get rid of it. “Put items in a large bin — once it’s full, donate it,” says Amelia Meena of Appleshine. Start with non-sentimental items: “If you try to start the process by decluttering your favorite objects, you’ll be more likely to get discouraged right away,” says Elbert. Start with a t-shirt drawer or medicine cabinet instead to gain some momentum.Alexandr Kolesnikov//Getty ImagesThe Benefits Instead of letting everything accumulate to the point where you’re too anxious to even begin, take it day by day. Gradual decluttering will help you maintain a consistently organized home without all the stress that comes with organizational marathons. While a decluttered home is certainly one benefit, it’s not the most important one. By gradually decluttering every day, you’re more likely to make it a habit, which means you can eliminate those hour-long sessions for good. “When decluttering becomes a consistent, bite-sized part of your routine, it naturally builds awareness around what you bring into your home and how you manage your space. Over time, this gentle, ongoing process helps shift your mindset from reactive cleanup to intentional living, making tidiness feel more like second nature than a special project,” says Elbert. Declutter With UsLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates. More
