Let’s be honest, decluttering isn’t exactly the most thrilling way to spend your time. It’s right up there with waiting at the DMV or trying to fold a fitted sheet. But the feeling of walking into a clutter-free space? That’s priceless.
If you’ve been avoiding the decluttering process because it feels overwhelming, complicated, or just plain exhausting, I’ve got good news: It doesn’t have to be that hard. Here are eight simple tips to make decluttering easier, and dare I say, even a little enjoyable.
1. Set a Timer, Not a Life Sentence
You don’t have to dedicate an entire weekend to decluttering (unless you really want to). Set a timer for 10, 15, or 30 minutes and declutter just until it goes off. It’s amazing how much you can get done in a short burst of focused effort.
Bonus: You get to stop when the timer beeps, no guilt is required.
2. Start Small, Win Big
Ever look at an entire room full of clutter and immediately feel like taking a nap? That’s because starting too big leads to overwhelm. Instead, pick one tiny area, a drawer, a single shelf, or even just your car’s cupholder (we all know it’s hiding at least three old receipts).
Declutter that, feel accomplished, and then move on to the next small win.
3. Use the “Trash Bag Trick”
Grab a trash bag and start filling it with things you know you don’t need, broken items, expired food, things that belong in the “why do I even have this?” category.
By the time the bag is full, you’ve already made a dent in the clutter. And yes, it works just as well with a donation bag for things that still have life left in them.
4. Make It a Game
Decluttering doesn’t have to feel like a chore, make it fun! Try:
✔ The 12-12-12 Challenge: Find 12 items to donate, 12 to toss, and 12 to put away where they actually belong.
✔ The One-Song Declutter: Put on a favorite song and see how much you can clear before it ends.
✔ Beat the Clock: Set a 5-minute timer and race to declutter as fast as you can.
Who knew getting rid of stuff could feel like a sport?
5. The “Would I Buy This Again?” Test
If you’re struggling to decide whether to keep something, ask yourself:
💭 If I didn’t already own this, would I buy it today?
If the answer is “No,” you have your answer. (And if the answer is “Maybe, but only if it were on sale,” that’s still a no.)
6. Declutter Where You See Results Fast
There’s nothing more motivating than immediate results. Instead of starting with the hardest, most emotional clutter, tackle a high-impact area, the kitchen counter, your nightstand, or that one chair that mysteriously collects laundry.
Seeing progress quickly will give you the boost you need to keep going.
7. Don’t Keep Stuff Out of Guilt
We’ve all kept things we don’t love because of guilt, gifts we never used, expensive items that didn’t live up to the hype, or clothes that remind us of a past version of ourselves.
Let me be clear: Guilt is not a reason to keep clutter.
If something doesn’t serve you, it’s okay to let it go.
8. Have a Plan for the “Maybes”
If you’re stuck on a few “I might need this someday” items, don’t let them derail your progress. Put them in a “Maybe Box,” seal it up, and set a reminder for three to six months from now.
If you haven’t needed anything inside by then, you probably never will. Time to donate it!
Decluttering Doesn’t Have to Be Painful
Decluttering doesn’t mean getting rid of everything you own, it just means keeping the things that actually serve you. And with these tips, you can make the process easier, faster, and way less overwhelming.
So pick one, start small, and enjoy the feeling of a space that finally works for you instead of against you.
Live with intention,
Coach Linda