As my very first blog post, I thought I’d tackle a very important (and sometimes overwhelming or overlooked) step to becoming organized: decluttering. Now, before you panic—no, this doesn’t mean you have to get rid of all your belongings! I’m not about to make anyone throw out their favorite sweater or that random souvenir you saved from that one trip years ago. Decluttering isn’t about deprivation—it’s about creating a more functional, stress-free space.
Here’s the thing: many of us tend to accumulate things we don’t really care about, need, or (let’s be honest) even realize we have. That’s why it’s so important to declutter regularly. But, I know, easier said than done, right? If you’re like most people, decluttering can feel like a daunting task. But don’t worry! Here’s a simple, practical guide to get you started—whether you’re dealing with a cluttered kitchen counter, an overflowing closet or a garage you can’t even fit your car into.
Step 1: Start Small
Yes, it sounds cliché, but it’s true! When you’re overwhelmed, the best approach is to start small. Don’t attempt to declutter your entire house in one day—you’ll just set yourself up for frustration, and let’s be real, you’ll probably give up halfway through. Instead, pick one area: a drawer, a single shelf, or even just the kitchen counter. Trust me, as you tackle one small space, you’ll build momentum, and the next area will get easier and easier.
Step 2: Sort into Categories
Now that you’ve picked your space, it’s time to sort. Divide your items into categories —this is an easy way to organize without even realizing it. For example, in a junk drawer, you might have pens, paperclips, random screws, and birthday candles (because why not?). Sorting like this not only makes the space easier to manage, but it also helps you see what you actually have and to know what you don’t need.
And don’t forget to have sections for trash and donations! If parting with things is tough for you, create a “maybe” pile that you can revisit later—it’s a great way to ease the pressure.
Step 3: Create Homes for Everything
Once you’ve sorted everything, the next step is finding a home for each item. You’ll probably find that you’ve accumulated items that belong in other areas of the house. Think about where things should go based on how often you use them.
Put items you use daily in easily accessible spots (like those scissors or pens if you’re working with a junk drawer), and store less frequently used items in the back of the drawer. If you’re working with a cupboard, those items would go up high or in the back. For things that aren’t used often and are going to be in hard to reach locations, grouping them into a labeled bin helps make putting them away easier and helps you know where they are when you need them.
Step 4: Declutter One Area Before Moving On
It can be hard, but Don’t bounce around from room to room trying to declutter a little here and a little there. Finish decluttering one space before moving on to the next. This gives you a sense of accomplishment and prevents you from feeling like the clutter is everywhere and impossible to handle.
Just like looking at a long to-do list for the week can feel overwhelming, it’s best to take it a step at a time. Plus, it’s so satisfying to finish one area and admire your work! As Benjamin Franklin said: “A place for everything, and everything in its place.” Once your items have homes, they’re much easier to manage—and you’re one step closer to an organized, tranquil space.
Step 5: Maintain the Decluttering
Congratulations, you’ve successfully decluttered! But here’s the secret to staying organized long-term: maintenance. Just like you can’t go to the gym once and expect to stay fit, you can’t declutter once and expect your home to stay that way forever.
A little tidying up here and there will prevent things from getting out of control again. You’ll need to make small changes to your daily habits, like remembering to put things away during the day. Set aside a few minutes at the end of each day for a quick refresh of the newly organized areas, and pick a new area to declutter each week. Before you know it, staying organized will become a habit and second nature.
And there you have it—5 simple steps to declutter any room! Whether you’re decluttering your junk drawer or tackling a larger space, keep this in mind: It’s all about taking baby steps
and creating space for the things you love (and need). Decluttering and organizing is about creating calm.
You don’t have to live in a Pinterest-perfect world (though you can if you want to—and I’d be happy to help you create that!). What matters is creating a home that works for you and your family, and brings more calm and tranquility to your life.
So, what space are you planning to tackle first? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear how it goes!
Until next time,
Drisana
Ready to Bring More Calm to Your Home?
If you’re feeling inspired but need a little extra help getting started, I’d love to assist you with our decluttering and organization services in creating a more peaceful and organized home. Contact Tranquil Design Solutions today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can work together to transform your home into a beautiful, functional, organized space.