Top, Easy Decluttering Tips to Transform Your Home–and Your Sanity—Room-By-Room

Just when you think it’s safe to climb out from under the tubs of holiday decorations, heaps of ribbon, and piles of crumpled wrapping paper, it hits you . . .

Clutter. Everywhere. 

Knickknacks on every surface. Shoes in the hallway. An old magazine you’ve promised to read—one of these days. 

It happens to the best of us. We plan to declutter and finally get organized. And then, life happens. 

The thing is, not only does this stuff take up physical space; it impacts our mental health as well.

Does the idea of decluttering send you into an immediate state of overwhelm? No need! Rather than tackling the entire home at once, break it up into bite-sized, manageable pieces, one room at a time. Let’s start with the kitchen, then the family/living room, then onto the bedroom.

Soon, you’ll swap chaos for calm. 

Your zen utopia awaits.

The Benefits of Decluttering

Saying goodbye to your belongings can be hard. We’re not talking a complete overhaul. Just the items that no longer serve your current taste or lifestyle. Once you’re done, you’ll feel so much better. Here are just a few of the many benefits of decluttering:

• A healthier, more peaceful space. 
• With less to clean or dust, you’ll have more time for fun!
• You’ll create space for items that truly matter. 
• By donating or gifting items, you’re helping others. 
• It’s much easier to find what you need—when you need it. 

A Few General—and Gentle—Rules and Tips

Go easy on yourself. These items didn’t accumulate overnight, so take your time.

• Consider working in 15- or 30-minute blocks of time.  
• Set a realistic timeline—perhaps a month, not a weekend—for each room.
• Take four bags labeled “keep,” “donate,” “gift,” and “trash,” into the room where you’re working. Discard all Items that are broken, damaged, or have missing pieces. 
• Moving forward, try the one in/one out rule—each time you acquire a new piece, discard an old one. 
• Each piece you keep should have a place or “home” within your home. Don’t feel the need to fill every open space.

Kitchen Decluttering Tips

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and sometimes, the headquarters for pandemonium. Kitchens, like life, are messy. Cabinets where coffee mugs precariously teeter on the edges of mugs beneath them, junk drawers lovingly referred to as organized chaos, sleek refrigerator doors peppered with children’s precious artwork, event reminders, coupons, and more. 

Ready to restore calm?

Keep Kitchen Countertops Clear (Daily)

• Wash or load dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
• Put away all food and miscellaneous items.
• File or store paperwork and mail.
• Have family members hang onto their own water bottles.

Rethink Kitchen Cabinets and Flow

How does your kitchen function daily, including meals, homework, and snacks? Given the layout, what is the optimum flow? A few ideas to consider:

• Keep mugs near the coffee maker.
• Store pots and pans on a pot rack or tiered pot organizer.
• Use bakeware racks to store baking sheets and cutting boards.
• Hang spray bottle cleaners on a tension rod under the sink. Add over-the-door organizers inside the cabinet doors for sponges and wipes. 

Pantry & Refrigerator Refresh

• Do a weekly refrigerator sweep. No more science projects for you! 
• Toss expired or moldy food, including old spices and condiments. 
• Store dry goods in clear airtight containers. 
• Group similar items in baskets or bins.
• Bid adieu to those single-use condiment packets.

Junk Drawer

Every home has one—a treasure trove. To avoid endless rummaging, try drawer dividers or plastic baggies to keep items corralled and easy to spot in a flash. 

Family/Living Room Decluttering Tips 

Aah, the home’s entertainment hub. Whether you’re curled up on the couch with loved ones for movie night, huddled around the coffee table for puzzles or games, or snuggled up with a juicy book and cup of tea, this is the gathering space. 

• Keep two baskets—one for blankets, the other for games and puzzles.
• Toss all old, flat, or tattered pillows; add a couple of comfy floor pillows.
• Store remotes and cords in mason jars.
• Keep shoes on a rack near the entry. 
• Recycle old newspapers and magazines.
• Recycle old cords at an electronics recycling center.

Bedroom Decluttering Tips

Create a sanctuary and say goodnight to anxiety-inducing habits. 

Nightstands

These small but mighty tables are magnets for clutter.

• Move books to a bookshelf or cabinet. 
• Charge electronics where they won’t disrupt sleep. 

Under the Bed

Out of sight, out of mind—until you need it.

• For easy accessibility, store blankets in an under-the-bed storage container. 
• Protect off-season clothing in vacuum-sealed bags.
• Store an air mattress for unexpected houseguests.

The Closet

A few easy tips make this a simple weekend (or shorter!) project. 

• Donate or give away clothing that no longer fits you or your style. We’re talking to you, skinny jeans!
• Toss damaged or stained items. 
• Color-coordinate for quick and easy pairings.
• Use decorative storage containers to house purses, hats, and scarves.
• Use shoe racks for easy access. 

For ideas on what to do with that bulky winter clothing and equipment you don’t need at the moment—and save your sanity—take a look at our Smart Storage Tips for Winter Gear blog. 

When You Still Need a Little More Space

Now that you’ve gifted, donated, and tossed (round of applause!), how about those items you can’t bear to part with but don’t need on a daily basis? From family heirlooms and sentimental keepsakes to seasonal décor, sports gear, and extra furniture, a storage unit is the perfect solution! 

Before you channel Goldilocks and try to determine the right size for your needs, visit our Arroyo Grande or Santa Maria storage locations, and let us help you find the perfect fit. 

Be prepared to fall in love with your home all over again. What a beautiful way to begin the year.