10 Tips to De-Clutter Your Home

Too much mess and no motivation to tidy it all up? Here's 10 simple and easy ways to de-clutter

Posted on

30 July 2013

| Last updated on 19 January 2020

When it comes to organising our homes - and lives - some of us just can't seem to find the motivation. But it needn't be a huge effort if you follow some simple rules to make sure clutter doesn't stack up. So if you find that your home has become a hotbed of things you no longer use or really need, it's time to sort things out!

With these 10 easy tips, you'll have a clutter-free home in no time...

1. Work on one room, shelf, cabinet...

...at a time, before starting on the next one. Start at one corner of the room by the door and then move your way around. Begin at the most visible places like the surfaces and anything large that stands out before opening the cupboard doors and drawers.

2. Make de-cluttering fun

Make it into a game with the children or even challenge yourself to goals like getting rid of something every half hour.

3. Be ruthless

If clothing has not been worn in six months or more, sell or give it away. No, shoulder pads will not, should not ever, come back in style again. Give that padded blazer away, now.

4. Get rid of the sentimental mentality in every object

A broken vase is still a broken vase taking up space even if it was the first purchase that you and your hubby made together. If you are still having trouble, enlist a friend or relative to help you sort through your stuff.

5. Donate everything

Why not donate everything to charity that you are getting rid of so it feels more like gifting than wasting your things?

6. Don't let unessential things get into your home in the first place

If it is not useful, pretty or otherwise loved in some way, don’t bring it in.

7. Follow the 'one in, one out' rule

Don’t buy anything new unless you will be able to give something else away.

8. De-clutter every day

While you are waiting for the kettle to boil, tidy up the kitchen and throw out any expired foods, especially those bottled sauces hidden at the back of your fridge.

9. Designate an area in your home

Designate a bag, box or area in your home to accumulate the stuff you will be giving away so it will serve as a reminder and make it easy to de-clutter.

10. File documents immediately

File your paper documents immediately as you receive that bill in the mail or when you get home from the store, or throw them out if they are not required. Scanning and keeping electronic records is a great way to save physical space.

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