Let’s be real — the idea of a clutter-free home sounds amazing. More space. More peace. Less stress.
But actually doing it? That’s a whole different story.
Decluttering can bring up all kinds of feelings: guilt, overwhelm, indecision, exhaustion. Sometimes it’s not about the stuff — it’s about the emotions attached to the stuff. So if you’ve been staring at that closet (or drawer, or garage) thinking, “I just can’t deal with this right now”… you’re not alone.
Here are 11 real-life, gentle, doable tips to help you purge your home — even when it feels hard.
Start with one tiny space
Forget the whole house. Don’t even look at the whole room. Start with one drawer, one shelf, or one category (like old magazines or coffee mugs). A small win builds momentum — and confidence.
Set a timer — 15 minutes is enough
You don’t need a full free weekend. Try 15 minutes. That’s enough to make visible progress without burning out. Bonus: it often turns into more once you get going.
Use the “does this add value?” test
Not everything has to be useful — but it should mean something. Ask:
→ Do I use it?
→ Do I love it?
→ Would I buy it again today?
If not, it might be time to let it go.
Declutter when you’re already annoyed
Weird but true: if you’re already frustrated or in a “let’s fix it” mood, it’s actually a great time to declutter. Ride the wave and use that energy to toss what’s not serving you.
Make three clear piles: Keep, Donate, Toss
No maybes. No “I’ll decide later” boxes. Be honest and quick. If it’s broken, toss it. If it’s still good but not for you, donate it. If you love and use it — keep it proudly.
Take photos of sentimental items
It’s okay to feel attached. If letting go of certain items makes you sad, try taking a photo before saying goodbye. The memory stays — the clutter doesn’t.
Don’t declutter for your “fantasy self”
Keep things that work for your real life now, not the life you wish you had. If you haven’t worn those heels in 5 years or used that bread maker once… you probably don’t need them.
Remind yourself: space is valuable, too
Empty shelves aren’t wasted space. They’re room to breathe. Room for calm. Room to not feel overwhelmed the second you open a closet.
Use the 20/20 rule
If you can replace it for under $20 in under 20 minutes, you probably don’t need to hang on to it “just in case.” This rule works wonders for junk drawers and “backup” clutter.
Forgive yourself for past purchases
We’ve all spent money on things we didn’t need. It doesn’t mean you have to keep it forever. Learn from it, let it go, move on. No guilt.
Celebrate every small win
Every bag donated, every shelf cleared — it counts. Take before and after pictures. Tell a friend. Treat yourself to something non-cluttery (like a cozy evening off). You’re making progress.
