If the idea of decluttering your home makes you want to take a nap, you’re not alone. Just the word “declutter” can feel like a weighty to-do list wrapped in guilt and sealed with a bow of overwhelm.
But here’s some good news: decluttering doesn’t have to be a whole-day, stress-inducing marathon. In fact, the most effective approach is often slow and steady—especially if you’re juggling a full schedule, family, work, or just… life.
So, let’s take a deep breath, say a quick prayer, and dig into some real-life, doable tips that will help you simplify your space and find peace in the process.
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1. Start with the Easiest Room First
This isn’t about being a hero—it’s about building momentum.
You know what they say… “an object in motion stays in motion”
Pick the room that causes you the least stress. Maybe it’s your guest bathroom or the laundry room. Wherever it is, start there. Decluttering a “low stakes” space lets you warm up without triggering emotional fatigue or decision paralysis.
Areas I, personally, find easy to tackle:
- fourier/doorway
- nightstand
- bathroom counters
- office desk
Dread-inducing areas I, personally, avoid:
- closet
- pantry
- garage
- junk and dresser drawers
Once that space feels lighter, it’ll inspire you to keep going. Progress creates motivation.
2. Clear Visible Clutter Daily
No need to dig through the attic on day one. Just focus on what you can see.
Sitting down watching tv?
Making a grocery list?
Waiting for your coffee to brew or that water to boil for your tea?
Each day, spend 5–10 minutes clearing surfaces—tables, countertops, entryway tables. This is a great way to train your eye (and your habits) without feeling overwhelmed.
Notice it and decide… keep, trash, or defer. If you decide to:
keep → put it in its designated place immediately
trash → self-explanatory, I like to have a wastebasket/bin in every room for this very reason
defer → “Hey Alexa, remind me to…”
Maintain this habit and you’ll realize… there’s something deeply satisfying about wiping down a clutter-free table and lighting a candle like you’re in a home décor commercial.
3. Use the 5-Minute Rule
If five minutes is all you have, five minutes is all you need.
“Hey Alexa start a 5 minute timer”
Set a timer and declutter one drawer, one cabinet, or one corner. You’d be amazed what can be done in a focused five minutes… and you might even find yourself going longer once you get in the zone.
Pro tip: This is a great trick if you tend to avoid a task unless you “have time.”
4. Ask the One-Year Question
Haven’t used it in the past year? Chances are, you don’t need it.
If you’re still unsure, here’s another question that might help:
If it had dog poop smeared on it, would you keep it or toss it?
(Don’t think too hard. Your first instinct is usually the right one.)
This little mental trick helps bypass emotional attachments and focus on practicality.
5. Tackle One Room at a Time
Whole-house decluttering sounds noble but can lead straight to burnout. Make a list of all the rooms in your house and order them from easiest to most tedious to declutter.
Here’s my list~
- Powder Room
- Hallway
- Foyer
- Dining Room
- Living Room
- Bathroom(s)
- Home Office
- Guest/kid’s Bedroom
- Primary Bedroom
- Kitchen
- Pantry
Make sure to fully finish one room before starting the next. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of that room (and avoid feeling like you’ve made a mess everywhere).
Think of it as a room-by-room reset, like slowly tuning each instrument in a band until the whole house is playing in harmony.
Pro tip: If you find something that belongs in another room, don’t interrupt your flow. Just make a quick “relocate pile.” Once you’ve finished decluttering the current space, take a few minutes to walk those items to where they belong.
No designated spot? That’s your cue! It may be time to donate it, toss it, or create a proper home for it.
6. Give Every Item a “Home”
One of the main causes of clutter is not knowing where something goes. When things don’t have a designated place to live, they float from counter to couch to random basket—until your whole house starts feeling like a lost and found.
Let’s change that.
Make it a house rule: If it doesn’t have a home, it doesn’t belong (yet).
This isn’t about perfection, it’s about peace. You don’t need to rush out and buy twenty matching bins (unless you want to, in which case, go forth and containerize!). You just need to assign intentional spaces for the items you choose to keep.
Think:
- A basket for the remote
- A hook for the dog leash
- A drawer divider for those endless charging cords
- A shoe cabinet for all those shoes that keep multiplying like loaves and fishes
And here’s the real win: When everything has a home, your family will finally know where things go, too. That means less shouting, “Mom, where’s my…?!” and less of you being the house GPS. 🙌🏽
Because order isn’t just tidy, it’s a gift to your future self.
Pro tip: Giving items a home cuts down on mental fatigue. No more wasting energy hunting for keys or chargers every day. Definitely a game changer for those of us who can be a little forgetful!
7. Keep a Donation Bin Nearby
Keep an empty bin or bag in a closet, laundry room, or garage. As you come across items to let go of, toss them in.
Once it’s full, do a quick drop-off at your local thrift store or church donation drive. No need to schedule a giant cleanout… just let the process happen naturally.
8. Use the 1-In, 1-Out Rule
Bringing something new into your home? Something else has to go.
My husband lives by this rule.
I remember the first time I saw this madness… He had bought a few button-down shirts (about three or four) and liked how they fit. Shortly after, I noticed him looking through the closet, so I asked, “What are you looking for?” As he started pulling out three perfectly good button-downs, he looked at me and said, “I’m gonna get rid of these.”
I was clutching my non-existent pearls. This man did not stutter.
For me, parting with perfectly decent pieces of clothing that I wear often enough—I mean, they pass the 1-year rule!—simply because I bought something similar? Not me~
Instead of using a proactive take like my husband, I follow a more reactive approach to the 1-In, 1-Out rule. For me, it’s more like 1-Out, 1-In. If those pants get ruined in the wash… out they go, and in comes one to replace them.
Who’s to say which approach is better?
Truth be told, I actually like this rule. It keeps clutter from creeping back in and helps you think twice before adding more stuff. It’s also a great way to model intentional living for kids, spouses, or roommates.
9. Schedule a Declutter Day (or Half-Hour)
Just like you pencil in appointments, schedule time to declutter. 📅
Put “Declutter kitchen drawer” on your calendar like it’s a meeting. Even 30 minutes a week can make a huge impact over time. You don’t have to overhaul everything, just stay consistent.
As Proverbs 21:5 reminds us:
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance…”
Diligence doesn’t mean doing it all today. It means showing up again and again.
10. Show Yourself Grace
This might be the most important tip of all.
Decluttering isn’t a race, and it’s definitely not about perfection. Some seasons are busier than others. Some days you’ll be on fire; other days, the laundry will win. That’s okay.
Remember that God isn’t asking for a spotless house. He’s after your peace, your presence, and your heart. So if you need to leave that pile for another day, do so without guilt. You’re human. And you’re doing great.
Pro tip: If it feels overwhelming, you can always try outsourcing, whether it’s to professionals or to the kids and spouse. There are maid, laundry, and lawn services you can use. But if that’s not in the budget, get your family involved and make them active participants.
Final Thoughts: A Home That Feels Like Peace
Decluttering doesn’t have to mean chaos, frustration, or an all-day purge. With a few simple strategies, you can build a rhythm of peace and order in your home; one drawer, one shelf, one moment at a time.
And as your space clears, so does your mind. Less clutter means less stress, better focus, and a calmer heart. Because when your home breathes, your soul does too.
Your Turn!
Pick just one of the tips above and try it this week. Maybe it’s setting a five-minute timer or filling a donation bag from that one overflowing drawer.
💬 Let us know in the comments what you’re planning to declutter first! Your encouragement might be exactly what another reader needs to get started.
