How to Declutter Your Home: 10 Creative Decluttering Tips

There is a beautiful world of freedom and fresh breath hiding behind that clutter. Deciding how to declutter your home is up to you.

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You can read more tips in my newest book, Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life:

Read hundreds of articles on decluttering and owning less on the Becoming Minimalist blog.

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[donnawiseman]

Great tips! I’ve been decluttering with the mindset of, “if we we were moving into a smaller home, would I pack this to take?”

[amyshomesteadanimals]

1. Start with 5 minutes at a time.
2. Give one item away each day.
3. Fill an entire trash bag with donations.
4. Donate the clothes you never wear.
5. Create a de-cluttering checklist.
6. Take the 12-12-12 challenge.
7. View your home as a first time visitor.
8. Take before and after photos.
9. Get help from a family member or friend.
10. Try the 4 box method.
(These are good tips but they really make the most sense if you listen to the explanations behind each step.)

[juliemarkham]

My house has been decluttered now for about a year, thanks to your process of starting in the smallest room and working up to the next larger one and making repeated sweeps over time, until I was down to only items that were heirlooms, family photos, things that told a story and things I absolutely LOVE! Thank you, Joshua.

[darnitthelma]

I keep a box near the back door so anything I find useless to me, have more than one of (apart from the obvious such as mugs), clothes that done fit/look right/feel right I can put in box and carry to charity shop in a fortnightly or monthly basis. With children this is working for me!

[peterb]

I think Seeing your home as a first time visitor is the best one. I often have that on my mind when it gets messy

[DynamicBailey]

I’ve actually been doing this for the past week but I started in my kitchen doing one cupboard or one drawer at a time. It’s been wonderful. I have boxes of pots, pans and kitchen gadgets to give away. I’m so happy with what I’ve done I keep opening the cupboards and taking it all in. It’s lovely to see my accomplishments. Your advice really compelled me to do this before winter set in so I can cook and bake without the clutter that usually makes me turn around and walk out without having made anything.

[Bessie]

I started decluttering 1/1/22 starting with Xmas decoration. I intend to be done by 1/1/23 and so far on course!

[cozzy]

A visitor mindset has always been my guide. As if i was greeted with so much welcome and respect everytime i enter a clean house. 💙💙💙

[susan]

Great tips Joshua! I do wish I had taken before pictures. I have totally decluttered my home over the past two years and it’s one of the best things I have ever done. I wish it for everyone. And take those before pictures!

[bellaluce]

Looking at Before photos instead of the room itself helps me more easily "see" what can go. 🤓Prioritizing areas in my direct line of sight from where I spend the most time has motivated me to continue. The Onion Method of easiest stuff first for X minutes on a timer plusTemptation Bundling with something enjoyable during and/or right after has helped me feel excited about decluttering. 😀

[dbartz]

Just listen to Joshua. My home is free of clutter, thanks to him, Leo, Courtney, and the Minimalists! The peace and freedom is absolutely amazing! I truly wish this for everyone. 😊

[hazelold]

I quite like putting on an upbeat song and decluttering to that

[agatabilltopay]

I loved your organised way... I have been decluttering for a year now, using many of tips you suggested. Thank you!
Keep a box in each room. When you come across something you are not using, or that was in your way, put it in the box and at the end of the week, you will be able to figure out a new place for the item that was in your way, and to figure out items that you wish to donate. Donate as quick as possible. Think of the students in your family or think about a stranger that will enjoy your donation... A giving heart makes it way more pleasant.

[simini]

Hi Joshua, always impressed by how you find new ways to yet again motivate me to declutter. For example the look at your home as a visitor is really great! Thank you, have a nice weekend

[vickyfisher-bzjj]

I’m going to have to listen to this in the morning I know if I listen to this right now I’m going to start decluttering and it’s 1 o’clock in the morning in the UK so I’ll come back to you in the

[lizziemcdougall]

Excellent advice. I would add creating an enjoyable environment in which to do that de-cluttering. Turn on some music that you love, open a window if the weather is nice, and have coffee or tea as a reward at the end (that might not work as a reward for some, but I will work hard if I can finish with a cup of tea). Thank you!

[stelbre]

One method I use:
I like to pull everything out in small lots like one draw than I pick the things I use or can’t part with yet. Than I sort the rest as Joshua suggest in boxes.
Last year my husband and I pulled everything out of our sheds one at a time, put it on the lawn, we got rid of a lot of stuff. We are going to do the same again this year. Our season of life has changed so the things we don’t use anymore must go to 😊

[kathyedwards]

I took 10 screenshots & then added Text to remind me of each of the 10 tips. Then I can refer to them when I do my Declutter sessions. Thx great tips!

[BL-rbjm]

What I have been doing for a long time, It's taking pictures of my inside of the house. Then, I can look back and see the comparison. But what I really like is taking a picture and then looking at it because it's like a mirror image.
Sometimes, just by looking at what we own, we don't really realize how bad it is until we take a pic.
And when you take a picture, you can sit there away from your home and say, "Is that the home I go to every day after work?
Sometimes, we're too tolerable about our belongings and our surroundings. Therefore, we don't notice it as much as anybody else sees.
So we become so comfortable.

[Jp]

I became a minimalist 3 years ago. Thanks to you.