Freedom From Clutter

Are you a slave to your stuff? Are you drowning in a sea of clutter? Whether or not you’re moving, there is great freedom to be found in de-cluttering your home.

Here are 20 practical tips to get you started on your quest for order and simplicity:

Home Decluttering Tips

1. Start Small
   Begin with one drawer or shelf to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

2. Use the 12-Month Rule
   If you haven’t used it in a year, strongly consider donating or discarding it.

3. Sort by Category, Not Location
   Organize items like clothes, books, or kitchenware across the whole house, not just one room at a time.

4. Declutter One Room at a Time
   Set clear boundaries. Finish one space before moving to the next.

5. Use the Four-Box Method
   Label boxes: Keep, Donate, Trash, Relocate. Every item must go into one.

6. Digitize Paperwork
   Scan and store documents to reduce physical clutter.

7. Donate Regularly
   Keep a box or bag for donations and make monthly drop-offs.

8. Eliminate Duplicates
   Keep only the best or most used version of duplicate items.

9. Set a Decluttering Timer
   Spend 15-30 minutes daily or weekly to make steady progress.

10. Clear Flat Surfaces
    Keep counters, tables, and nightstands as clear as possible to reduce visual clutter.

Office Decluttering Tips

11. Clear Your Desk Daily
    End each day with a quick tidy-up of your workspace.

12. Go Paperless
    Use cloud storage and apps to reduce paper piles.

13. Create Zones
    Designate areas for specific tasks (e.g., computer work, printing, filing).

14. Limit Desk Decor
    Choose only a few meaningful or functional items for your desk.

15. Purge Old Supplies
    Toss dried-out pens, outdated folders, and broken tools.

16. Use Drawer Organizers
    Sort office supplies to prevent clutter build-up.

17. Manage Cables
    Use cable ties or sleeves to keep wires neat and hidden.

18. Keep a “To File” Tray
    Prevent piles by having a specific place for unfiled documents.

19. Archive Infrequent Items
    Store rarely used supplies or documents elsewhere to keep your main area clear.

20. Do a Monthly Review
    Set time each month to reassess and reorganize.