Start by tackling one small, highly visible area. Grab a trash bag and throw away obvious garbage, then clear all surfaces in that zone. This builds quick momentum without the overwhelm of trying to fix your entire house at once.
The 333 method philosophy revolves around one simple rule: you choose 33 items to wear for 3 months. This includes clothing, accessories, outerwear and shoes, but excludes essentials like underwear, sleepwear or workout gear.
Start small.
Clutter can be overwhelming, and so we put it off. The best thing I did was to just focus one one small space to start with. A kitchen counter (just part of it) is a good example. Or a dining table, or a shelf.
What is the 50% rule? The 50% rule is as simple as it sounds; you have to take everything out of a small, cluttered space and only return roughly 50% of the items, which should be your most essential possessions. That's it!
The 5-5-5 decluttering rule is a simple micro-organization method designed to prevent burnout by breaking big messes into manageable tasks. It involves three quick, daily actions:
Most people probably think the hardest thing to declutter is sentimental clutter. While it's true that presents its own challenges, I actually think the hardest thing to declutter is aspirational clutter. This type of clutter is tied to your actual identity!
Jesus said that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. Luke 12:15. Spiritual life can be choked out by clutter, which is part of “the cares and riches of this life.” Luke 8:14. God is pleased when we give things away cheerfully.
When decluttering, avoid throwing away official documents, irreplaceable sentimental items, or hazardous electronics. Always store, securely digitize, or responsibly recycle these categories instead of trashing them.
8 common decluttering mistakes, according to professionals
7 Things Minimalists Always Throw Out Daily to Prevent Clutter Avalanches – Pros Agree, It Really Works
Instead of focusing on the stuff, focus on the space. What do you want the purpose of a space to be? Determine those spatial constraints for each little nook of your home and then simply select the items that you want to go there. Don't worry about the rest!
Here are my top 10 decluttering tips with links to my podcast episodes where you can dive in and learn more!
Start with a room that is small, specific, and doesn't hold emotional items, like a bathroom or a hallway closet. This builds instant momentum by letting you tackle easy "trash or keep" decisions without getting overwhelmed, setting a positive tone for the rest of your home.
To clean your house efficiently, always work from top to bottom and room to room to avoid backtracking. Declutter first, dust high surfaces before wiping them down, clean your kitchens and bathrooms, and save vacuuming and mopping for last.
The Core 4 Organizing Method, created by professional organizer Kayleen Kelly, breaks down the daunting task of decluttering and organizing into 4 simple steps: Clear Out, Categorize, Cut Out, and Contain.
10 Tips to Declutter Your Entire House in One Month
The 5 different kinds of clutter
As a professional decluttering, organizer and life coach I can tell you — Physical things, paper clutter, digital clutter, emotional clutter, and spiritual clutter boil down to one thing — too much clutter.
In the Kitchen:
Getting rid of items without throwing them away means passing them along to people who will use them, recycling, or upcycling.
Loss: When Clutter Holds Memories
Loss is a universal human experience, but for those with complex trauma, it can feel catastrophic. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a home, or a sense of safety, these experiences can lead to hoarding as a coping mechanism.
I find the small stuff the hardest to get rid of. I'm always trying to keep it all to make complete sets of things. For example, I don't want to throw away marker lids in case I come across the marker somewhere else in my house. Or since they're small I find it hard to reduce what I have.
Here are some ideas:
The Bible frames decluttering not just as an organizing task, but as a spiritual practice to reduce anxiety, promote peace, and encourage generosity. It warns that an over-attachment to possessions chokes spiritual growth and reminds believers to prioritize heavenly treasures over earthly clutter.
Permanent Dumpster
Six Steps to Decluttering Your Life