As the new year unfolds, many of us find ourselves motivated to make positive changes in our lives. A great way start fresh is to declutter and simplify your life. A clutter-free environment not only promotes a sense of calm and well-being but also enhances productivity and creativity. If the thought of decluttering seems overwhelming, fear not! Here are 40 easy ways for you to declutter and simplify your life, helping you step into the new year with a clean slate. By reading this, you are taking the first step in the process and for that you should be proud.
40 Easy Ways to Declutter and Simplify Your Life
- Start Small, Finish Big
Begin with a single drawer or a small area in your home. Tackling a small space is the easiest way to achieve a quick sense of accomplishment and motivate you to continue the decluttering process. I would start with the clearing off the coffee table or organizing the living room. Once those smaller areas are done, then tackle a bigger project, like your home office, once you have a system going and feel ready to tackle a bigger area.
- The Three-Box Method
Use three boxes labeled “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” and “Trash.” As you go through your items consider the last time you used that item, place them in the appropriate box. This method helps you make decisions efficiently.
- One In, One Out Rule
Adopt a rule that for every new item you bring into your home, you must remove an old one. This prevents unnecessary accumulation of household items and possessions.
- Create a Decluttering Schedule
Set aside specific times for decluttering tasks throughout your entire home. Whether it’s 15 minutes each day or a few hours on the weekend, having a schedule helps make decluttering a consistent habit.
- Digital Decluttering
Don’t forget to declutter your digital life. Delete unused apps, organize your files, and unsubscribe from email lists that no longer serve you.
- Clothing Hanger Trick
Turn all your clothes hangers in one direction. As you wear items, turn the hangers the opposite way. After a few months, donate the clothes still on hangers facing the original direction.
- Seasonal Switch
Rotate your wardrobe seasonally. Store off-season clothes in bins or vacuum-sealed bags to free up space and make your closet more manageable.
- Declutter Your Inbox
Unsubscribe from newsletters and promotional emails you no longer find useful. Use filters to organize important emails and delete old ones.
- Declutter Your Mind
Practice mindfulness or meditation to declutter your mind. A calm and focused mind can lead to better decision-making and a more organized lifestyle. After all, your mental health is very important!
- Invest in Storage Solutions
Utilize storage bins, baskets, and organizers to keep your belongings in order. Label them for easy identification and access.
- Pantry Organization
Arrange your pantry by grouping similar items together. Discard expired goods and donate non-perishable items you won’t use.
- Clear Kitchen Counters
Keep the kitchen counter clutter-free by only displaying essential items. Store small appliances in cabinets to create a clean and spacious feel.
- Digital Photo Cleanup
Organize and delete unnecessary photos on your devices. Use folders to categorize and store important pictures.
- Donate Unused Toys
Involve your children in decluttering by encouraging them to donate toys they no longer play with to those in need. I am sure there are plenty of kids’ toys that are either broken or haven’t been used in quite some time.
- Create a Mail Station
Designate a specific area for incoming mail. Sort and recycle junk mail immediately to prevent paper clutter.
- Evaluate Sentimental Items
Keep sentimental items that truly bring you joy. Take photos of larger items you want to remember but can’t keep.
- Junk Drawer Purge
Tackle the notorious junk drawer. Discard items you no longer need, and use small organizers to keep essential items in order.
- Limit Paper Clutter
Go paperless when possible. Scan important documents and store them digitally. File or shred unnecessary paper clutter.
- Utilize Vertical Space
Maximize storage by using vertical space. Install shelves or hooks on walls to organize and display items without taking up floor space.
- 30-Day Minimalism Challenge
Join a 30-day minimalism challenge where you gradually eliminate a set number of items each day. This daily routine can be a fun and structured way to declutter. Maybe even convince some of your family members to join the challenge with you.
- Toy Rotation System
If you have children with a lot of toys, implement a toy rotation system. Store some toys and periodically switch them out to keep things fresh.
- Medicine Cabinet Cleanup
Dispose of expired medications and organize your medicine cabinet. Keep only essential items, and consider creating a first aid kit.
- Cord Management
Use cable organizers to manage the tangle of cords behind your electronics. Label phone chargers and other electronical cords for easy identification.
- Magazine and Book Purge
Donate or place old magazines and books in the recycling bin. Consider using e-books or audiobooks to minimize physical clutter.
- Mindful Shopping
Before making a purchase, ask yourself if the item is truly necessary. Avoid impulse buying and be mindful of what enters your home.
- Car Decluttering
Clean out your car regularly. Keep only essential items, and use organizers to prevent loose items from creating clutter.
- Gift Card Cleanup
Consolidate and use gift cards or store credits. Discard expired ones and avoid accumulating unused cards.
- Bathroom Cabinet Organization
Arrange toiletries and skincare products neatly. Discard expired items and keep only what you use regularly.
- Digital Music and Movie Cleanup
Declutter your digital entertainment collection. Delete or donate music and movies you no longer enjoy.
- Holiday Decor Storage
Store holiday decorations in labeled bins to simplify the process of decorating and undecorating.
- Linen Closet Overhaul
Donate mismatched linens or linens you haven’t used in a long time. I typically place whatever items I want to donate into a trash bag and drop them off at a donation place. Organize towels, sheets, and blankets to create a more visually appealing and functional space.
- Craft Supply Evaluation
Assess your craft supplies. Donate or sell items you no longer need, and organize the remaining supplies for easy access.
- Hobbies and Collections
Evaluate your hobbies and collections. Keep only what brings you joy and consider parting with items that no longer interest you.
- Evaluate Furniture
Assess your furniture and keep only pieces that serve a purpose and contribute to your home’s overall functionality and aesthetics.
- Curb Impulse Purchases
Implement a waiting period for non-essential purchases. This gives you time to consider whether you truly need the item.
- Donate Duplicate Items
If you have duplicates of certain items, consider donating the extras. One can opener or set of measuring cups is usually sufficient.
- Outdoor Space Declutter
Tidy up your outdoor spaces. Dispose of broken or unused items, and organize gardening tools and supplies.
- Digital Calendar Cleanup
Review your digital calendar. Unsubscribe from unnecessary events, declutter past events, and organize your upcoming schedule.
- Evaluate Subscriptions
Assess your subscriptions, whether it’s magazines, streaming services, or online memberships. Keep only those that bring value to your life.
- Celebrate Progress
Finally, celebrate your decluttering achievements. Acknowledge the positive changes in your living space and the impact on your overall well-being.
Decluttering is a continuous process, and these 40 easy and practical tips provide a roadmap to help you get started in the new year. Remember, you don’t have to be a professional organizer, the goal is not just to create a tidy home but also to cultivate a lifestyle that promotes simplicity and mindfulness. By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you’ll not only declutter your physical spaces but also declutter your mind, setting the stage for a more organized and fulfilling life in the year ahead. The best way to take on decluttering and simplifying your life is to just start. The good news is that no matter how many of these you are able to accomplish, you will feel good to have at least done something, even if you aren’t able to declutter the entire house.
