This post talks about 21 Simple and Brilliant Decluttering Hacks to stay organized
Clutter isn’t just about mess, it’s about how our surroundings make us feel.
Have you ever felt like your home is holding you hostage? The clutter keeps piling up, and no matter how hard you try, it feels like there’s always something else to organize or clean.
I used to feel that way all the time. I’d walk into my living room, only to be greeted by piles of papers, laundry, and random items that never seemed to have a place. It was exhausting.
Then, one day, I decided to make a change. I didn’t want to spend every weekend fighting clutter and feeling drained. Instead, I wanted my home to be a place of relaxation, not stress.
That’s when I discovered how small, consistent steps could lead to a truly organized home. These decluttering hacks didn’t just change my space, they changed the way I felt in it.
If you’re ready to experience the freedom that comes with an organized home, these 21 simple and brilliant decluttering hacks will help you get there.
If you’re starting with one messy drawer or taking on an entire room, these tips will help you stay motivated and make lasting changes.
Ready to reclaim your space? Let’s get to it.
21 Simple and Brilliant Decluttering Hacks to Stay Organized
1. The One Year Rule
One of the easiest and most effective decluttering hacks to kick start your journey is the One-Year Rule.
If an item hasn’t been used in the past year, it’s likely just taking up valuable space in your home. This rule applies to clothes, kitchen gadgets, toys, and even decor.
It’s easy to get sentimental about an item, but ask yourself: “Have I used this in the last 12 months?” If the answer is no, it’s time to say goodbye.
To make the process less painful, try taking a photo of sentimental items before letting them go.
That way, you can keep the memory without the physical clutter. By sticking to this rule, you’ll notice a huge reduction in unnecessary items, and you’ll create more room for the things that truly add value to your life.
2. One Drawer at a Time
When it comes to decluttering, the idea of tackling your entire home can feel daunting.
A great way to ease into the process is to start with one small area, such as a drawer or a cabinet. Decluttering hacks often emphasize starting small because it helps you build momentum.
Choose a drawer that tends to gather miscellaneous items, like pens, receipts, or old receipts.
Empty the contents, sort through each item, and decide if it should be kept, recycled, or tossed.
When you see how quickly you can transform this one area, you’ll feel motivated to move on to larger spaces. Over time, this process will help you stay organized without feeling overwhelmed.
3. The Three-Box Method
The Three Box Method is one of the most popular decluttering hacks for keeping things organized.
Simply grab three boxes or containers and label them: Keep, Donate, and Trash.
Then, start sorting through items in your home, if it’s a room, a closet, or even just a drawer.
As you go through each item, decide which category it belongs in. If you haven’t used it in a while and it’s not serving a purpose, toss it.
If it’s something that no longer fits or isn’t useful to you, donate it. And, of course, the things you can’t part with, those special keepsakes or items you still use regularly, stay in the keep box.
This method not only helps clear out clutter but also ensures that everything has a purpose in your home.
4. The 20/20 Rule for Just in Case Items
We’ve all been guilty of holding onto things just in case. The old blender you think you might use one day, or the winter coat that’s two sizes too small but might come in handy for a random chilly day.
The 20/20 rule can help you clear these items out.
If you can replace the item for under $20 and within 20 minutes, it’s time to let go.
This decluttering hack is an excellent way to stop holding onto things that aren’t truly valuable.
It frees up space in your home and mental bandwidth.
After all, how often do we really need that extra backup appliance? By implementing this rule, you’re choosing practicality over what ifs.
5. The 15-Minute Rule
Sometimes, it’s the little daily habits that keep us organized.
The 15-minute rule is a simple decluttering hack that can make a huge impact.
Set a timer for just 15 minutes a day and spend that time decluttering a specific space. It might be a countertop, a desk, or your closet.
This hack ensures you stay on top of clutter without feeling overwhelmed.
Think of it as a quick maintenance session rather than a huge overhaul.
Over time, those 15-minute daily bursts add up, and before you know it, your home is organized and clutter free.
Plus, it’s a manageable commitment that won’t drain your energy.
6. Digitize Paper Clutter
Paper clutter is a huge culprit when it comes to mess and disorganization in the home.
From bills to old magazines, receipts to school papers, it can be tough to keep up with all the physical documents. One of the best decluttering hacks for paper is to digitize it.
Scan important documents and store them in a secure cloud service or an external hard drive.
Once they’re digitized, you can easily search for and access them whenever you need them.
As for the rest, recycle the paper! This hack eliminates the mess and ensures your important documents are easily organized and safe.
7. Adopt a One-In, One-Out Rule
The One In, One Out Rule is a powerful decluttering hack that works wonders for preventing clutter from accumulating in the first place.
The rule is simple: For every new item you bring into your home, you need to get rid of something similar.
Let’s say, you buy a new pair of shoes, donate or sell an old pair.
If you bring in a new book, pass along a book you’ve already read.
This rule forces you to be mindful of your purchases and encourages you to keep only the things that truly serve you.
It’s an excellent way to maintain a balanced, clutter-free home.
8. Hang, Don’t Fold
Maximizing vertical space is a key strategy for staying organized. Decluttering hacks often focus on using the walls of your home as additional storage.
One of the easiest ways to do this is by hanging items instead of folding them.
Invest in hooks, racks, or shelves to store things like scarves, hats, bags, or belts. Hanging items frees up space in drawers and closets, making your home feel less cluttered.
Plus, it’s easier to see and access these items when they’re hung up, so you won’t waste time rummaging through piles of clothes or accessories.
9. The Four-Box Room Reset
A great way to maintain organization is by resetting each room at the end of the day.
Decluttering hacks that encourage daily habits, like the Four-Box Room Reset, can help you stay on top of clutter in real time.
Grab four boxes or bins and label them: “Put Away,” “Trash,” “Donate,” and “Relocate.”
As you go about your day, put items into the appropriate box.
When it’s time to tidy up at the end of the day, you’ll already have everything sorted.
This method ensures that nothing accumulates, and it’s an easy way to keep your home feeling organized and fresh.
10. Tidy Up Cables with Labels and Clips
Cords and cables are notorious for causing clutter in any home.
If it’s tangled wires in your office, charging cables in your living room, or messy cords behind the TV, they can quickly take over your space.
To keep your cables organized, use clips or Velcro ties to bundle them together, and label each one with what it’s for.
This simple decluttering hack saves time and frustration, as it ensures that cables are easy to find and don’t cause unnecessary mess.
11. Declutter While You Clean
Why not combine decluttering and cleaning into one simple task? This hack encourages you to declutter as you clean each room.
As you wipe down surfaces or vacuum the floor, take a moment to throw away trash, donate items you no longer need, or put things back in their proper place.
This method prevents clutter from accumulating and keeps your home cleaner on a daily basis.
It’s a small shift in mindset, but it makes a huge difference in staying organized. Plus, it’s an easy habit to incorporate into your regular cleaning routine.
12. Repurpose Containers for Storage
Instead of buying expensive storage bins or organizers, repurpose containers you already have around the house.
Old jars, shoe boxes, or even cereal boxes can be used to store small items. Simply decorate or label them to make them more visually appealing.
Repurposing containers is one of the most budget-friendly decluttering hacks, and it also helps reduce waste. You’ll find new uses for old items while keeping your space neat and tidy. It’s a win-win!
13. Sort Seasonal Items Twice a Year
Seasonal items can easily clutter up closets, attics, and garages. Every six months, go through your seasonal clothing, decor, and accessories.
If you didn’t use something during the previous season, it might be time to donate or sell it.
This decluttering hack ensures that you only keep items that are truly useful for the current season. It also gives you a chance to refresh your wardrobe or decor, ensuring everything is in top shape for the coming months.
14. Maximize Vertical Space
A key to effective decluttering hacks is making use of all available space including vertical space. Shelves, hooks, and pegboards can be used to store items that would otherwise pile up on counters, tables, or the floor.
Consider installing shelves in closets, kitchens, or bathrooms to keep your essentials organized. Use hooks in the entryway to store bags and jackets.
Vertical storage doesn’t just free up space; it also makes your home feel more open and organized.
15. Declutter Your Digital Space
In today’s digital age, clutter isn’t just limited to physical items. Our devices can quickly fill up with unused apps, photos, and files.
Taking the time to clear out unnecessary digital clutter can be just as refreshing as decluttering your home.
Go through your phone, computer, and cloud storage, and delete old files, apps you don’t use, or photos that no longer serve a purpose.
Organize your remaining files into neatly labeled folders, and back up important ones to a secure location.
This decluttering hack will not only free up storage space on your devices but also help you stay more organized when you need to find things.
Plus, you’ll experience less digital overwhelm when your virtual space is clear and tidy.
16. Create a Donation Box for Clutter
Set up a designated “donation box” in your home for items you no longer use or need. This could be in your garage, basement, or even tucked away in a closet.
Every time you come across something that no longer fits your lifestyle—whether it’s clothing, books, or kitchen gadgets add it to the box.
This decluttering hack makes the process of letting go easier.
Instead of holding onto things “just in case” you might need them one day, you can confidently pass them on to someone who will actually use them.
Plus, it removes the mental load of deciding what to do with these items when you’re not emotionally attached to them. Once the box is full, donate it to a local charity, or arrange for a pickup service.
17. Use Baskets for Quick Cleanup
Baskets are one of the most versatile decluttering hacks that make organizing and tidying up effortless.
They can be used in almost every room in your home, from the bathroom to the living room to the kitchen.
Keep a few baskets on hand for easy and quick clean-ups. If you’re running out the door and the house is a mess, just toss any stray items into a basket and worry about sorting through them later.
Baskets can be used for toys, magazines, remotes, or even laundry. This method of “tidy as you go” will help you stay organized without feeling like you’re constantly deep cleaning.
Also, using uniform baskets that fit neatly on shelves or inside closets can give your space a more cohesive and streamlined look, which helps minimize visual clutter.
18. The Daily Reset Habit
One of the best ways to prevent clutter from accumulating in the first place is by developing a daily reset habit.
Decluttering hacks that focus on regular, consistent efforts help maintain an organized home.
Set aside 5-10 minutes every evening to reset each room of your home.
Pick up any stray items, straighten pillows, and put away things that don’t belong in their current location.
Wipe down surfaces in the kitchen, bathroom, or any area where clutter tends to collect.
This quick, easy reset ensures that no matter how chaotic your day was, you’re waking up to a tidy and peaceful environment.
It’s amazing how much of a difference a daily reset can make for overall organization.
19. Declutter Your Mind
Sometimes, clutter isn’t just about what’s in your physical space, it’s also about the clutter in your mind.
Mental clutter can have a significant impact on how organized and productive you feel. One way to clear mental clutter is by practicing mindfulness or journaling.
Taking time each day to jot down your thoughts, set priorities, or even express gratitude can help you declutter your mind.
This decluttering hack is particularly helpful when you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands.
It gives you a chance to slow down, process your emotions, and focus on what truly matters. When your mind is clear, you’ll feel more motivated to tackle your physical clutter.
20. Maximize Closet Organization with Slim Hangers
If you’ve ever looked at your closet and felt like there’s no more space left, it might be time for a wardrobe overhaul.
One of the most impactful decluttering hacks is switching to slimline hangers.
These sleek, space-saving hangers allow you to store more clothing in the same amount of space.
Additionally, take time to organize your clothes by category, group similar items together, such as jackets, shirts, or dresses.
Consider hanging clothes by color or frequency of use, so that everything is easy to find when you need it.
When you maximize your closet’s space efficiently, it’s much easier to maintain a clutter-free wardrobe.
21. Set Boundaries for New Items
One of the best decluttering hacks for keeping your home from being overtaken by stuff is setting boundaries for new items.
Before you go shopping, ask yourself if the item you’re eyeing will truly add value to your life. Do you need it, or do you simply want it? Will it fit into your home without overcrowding other spaces?
By being mindful of what you bring into your home, you can significantly reduce clutter.
If you’re on a mission to maintain an organized, minimalistic space, this is one of the most important habits to develop. Be selective about the items you choose to keep in your home, and always have a plan for where they’ll go.
By incorporating these decluttering hacks into your daily routine, you’ll start to see the benefits of an organized, clutter free space.
When you begin with small daily habits, tackle larger projects like your closet or garage, or work on your digital space, each of these strategies will help you create a more peaceful, functional environment.
Remember, decluttering is a journey, not a one time task. The goal isn’t to get rid of everything you own but to only keep the things that truly add value to your life.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a more organized, clutter free lifestyle.
Happy decluttering!
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