Decluttering Made Easier: Tips to Transform Your Home

Decluttering your entire home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to break the process into small, manageable steps. Start by dedicating just 15 minutes a day to focus on one specific area. You’ll be surprised at how much progress you can make by taking it one step at a time. Decluttering isn’t easy, yet with a plan can be easier. 

When tackling a space, approach it room by room or zone by zone. Create piles labeled KEEP, DONATE, SELL, and TRASH. While it’s never easy to let go of items, some things—like broken or unsafe items—will need to be discarded. Setting a timer for 20–30 minutes and working on just one area helps keep you motivated and prevents burnout.

Start Small, Notice Big Results
It’s best to begin with spaces where improvements are easy to see. The front entrance, for instance, is an ideal starting point. Since it sets the tone for your entire home, decluttering this area can have an immediate impact. Limit the shoes and boots by the door to those you use regularly, and store the rest. Keep only one or two umbrellas handy and stash any extras. Simplify the space by removing bulky furniture or over-the-top decor. If there are items waiting to be picked up by friends or family—perhaps belongings left behind by adult children—set a firm deadline for when these items will be donated if not collected.

Avoid diving into sentimental areas or large-scale projects like garages, photo albums, or paperwork right away. These tasks can be emotionally exhausting and slow your progress. Instead, focus on manageable spaces where the results will inspire you to keep going. Bathrooms are a great example. Start with a single drawer or cupboard. Use the nice towels you’ve been saving, donate any with tags still on, and toss out expired makeup. The key is to avoid putting unnecessary items back in the drawer!

Decluttering for Safety
Decluttering isn’t just about aesthetics—it also makes your home safer for you and your visitors. Clear pathways by removing tripping hazards from hallways and staircases. Ensure emergency items like fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and first-aid kits are easy to access. Secure loose items like cords and tools that could cause accidents. Adding nightlights to hallways and entryways is another simple way to make your home safer and more navigable.

Even if You Aren’t Selling, Think Like a Buyer
Sometimes, it helps to view your home through the eyes of a potential buyer. Seeing your space with fresh eyes can help you identify areas that feel cramped or cluttered. For example, closets that are half-empty give the impression of abundant storage space. Pack away seasonal clothes, donate items you no longer wear, and store sentimental pieces elsewhere.

Excess furniture can make rooms feel smaller than they are. Consider donating, gifting, or selling pieces you don’t use. Now is also a great time to go through extra dishes or antiques you’ve been holding onto. Ask family members if there’s anything they’d like to keep. If not, find a new home for these items through donation or resale.

One Zone at a Time
The best way to avoid overwhelm is to focus on one room or section at a time. Set a timer for 20–30 minutes and stay on task. You don’t have to declutter every day—even once a week or every two weeks is enough to see progress. What matters most is that you start and keep going.

Decluttering is about more than preparing your home for sale. It’s about creating a space that feels safe, functional, and inviting for everyone who lives there—or visits. Whether you’re planning a move or simply want a fresh start, taking small, consistent steps toward a clutter-free home will set the stage for a happier, more organized future. If the thought of decluttering is too overwhelming to do on your own, there are professional organizers that can help. Ask HELM to share our list of like minded professionals.