Top Decluttering Tips to Transform Your Home

Ready to Reclaim Your Space?

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? This listicle provides seven effective decluttering tips to help you transform your home from chaotic to calm. Discover methods like the KonMari Method, the Four-Box Method, and the One-In-One-Out Rule. We'll also explore the 12-12-12 Challenge, the 90/90 Rule, the 20/80 Principle, and the Container Method. Find the perfect decluttering tip for your lifestyle and reclaim your space. For convenient storage during decluttering, consider Endless Storage – a box-by-box service.

1. The KonMari Method

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter and unsure where to start decluttering? The KonMari Method, developed by Marie Kondo, offers a unique and effective approach to tidying up that focuses on keeping only the items that "spark joy." Unlike traditional decluttering tips that tackle one room at a time, the KonMari Method emphasizes tidying by category – clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and sentimental items – fostering a mindful and intentional relationship with your possessions. This method deserves its place on this list due to its focus on a long-term change in your relationship with belongings, rather than just a quick fix. It’s particularly helpful for urban residents, people moving, those with clutter, or individuals in small apartments where maximizing space and minimizing unnecessary items is crucial.

The KonMari Method isn't just about decluttering; it's about curating a joyful home environment. Its key features include category-based organization, joy-based decision-making, signature folding techniques, a one-time complete tidying process, and a mindful approach to possessions. This leads to benefits such as lasting change in your relationship with your belongings, providing clear decision-making criteria (does it spark joy?), systematically addressing your entire home, and preventing rebounding clutter.

The infographic below illustrates the KonMari Method's process flow, visualizing the key steps for decluttering each category.

As visualized in the infographic, the process begins with visualizing your ideal lifestyle and then follows a specific order for each category: clothes, books, papers, komono, and finally, sentimental items. This order is crucial, as it starts with the easiest categories and builds up to the most emotionally challenging one. The consistent application of the “spark joy” criteria throughout the process ensures a mindful and intentional decluttering experience.

Examples of the KonMari Method's success are abundant, including the dramatic home transformations featured in Netflix's "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo." The show demonstrates how the method can lead to not only a tidier home but also a more peaceful and joyful mindset. Another popular example is the vertical folding method, which maximizes drawer space and visibility, making it easier to find and maintain an organized wardrobe.

Actionable decluttering tips using the KonMari Method:

• Complete one category fully before moving on to the next: This prevents feeling overwhelmed and ensures a thorough decluttering process.
• Hold each item to determine if it sparks joy: This tactile approach helps you connect with your belongings and make more intuitive decisions.
• Express gratitude for items before discarding them: Acknowledging the role an item has played in your life can make the process of letting go easier.
• Store like items together: This creates designated spaces for everything and makes it easier to maintain order.
• Fold clothes to stand vertically in drawers: This maximizes space and allows you to see all your clothing options at a glance.

While the KonMari Method offers significant benefits, it's important to be aware of the potential drawbacks. The initial process can be time-intensive, particularly if you have accumulated a lot of possessions. It can also be emotionally challenging to confront sentimental attachments and let go of items. Additionally, the "spark joy" criterion can be subjective and may not work well in shared spaces where individuals have different priorities. Despite these potential challenges, the KonMari Method offers a powerful framework for achieving a truly tidy and joyful home. It’s a worthwhile investment for those seeking a long-term solution to clutter and a more mindful approach to their belongings.

2. The Four-Box Method

One of the most effective decluttering tips is the Four-Box Method. This straightforward system uses four designated containers labeled: Keep, Donate/Sell, Store, and Trash. This method provides a clear decision path for every item you encounter while decluttering, eliminating the dreaded "maybe later" pile that often leads to continued clutter and ultimately sabotages your decluttering efforts. By forcing you to make a definitive choice about each item – keep, donate/sell, store, or trash – you streamline the process and make tangible progress quickly.

This method is particularly useful for urban residents, people moving, those struggling with clutter, and individuals living in small apartments where space is at a premium. Its scalability allows you to tackle any size project, from a single drawer to an entire house. The Four-Box Method has proven successful for many, including families featured on Oprah with Peter Walsh who reduced household items by 50-70%, and minimalist Joshua Becker who downsized his family home by over 60% using this very approach. These examples demonstrate the power of this simple yet effective method.

How It Works:

1. Gather your supplies: Four boxes or containers, and labeling materials.
2. Choose a space: Start with a small, defined area, like a bathroom cabinet or a single shelf.
3. Categorize each item: Pick up each item and decide which box it belongs in. Be honest with yourself!
4. Process the boxes: Empty the "Donate/Sell" and "Trash" boxes immediately after each decluttering session. This prevents items from migrating back into your space.

Pros:

• Simple and easy to implement: Anyone can understand and use this method.
• Creates immediate visible progress: Seeing the boxes fill up can be highly motivating.
• Adaptable to different spaces: Works for any room or area.
• Good for beginners: Provides a clear framework for decision-making.
• Reduces decision fatigue: Clear categories eliminate overthinking.

Cons:

• Can create a temporary mess: Having four boxes out can feel overwhelming if not managed properly.
• Storage box can become procrastination: Be mindful of what goes into storage and set a timeline to revisit these items.
• Requires follow-through: Donated items need to be dropped off and trash needs to be disposed of.

Tips for Success:

• Set a timer: This prevents you from getting bogged down in one area and helps maintain momentum.
• Empty donation/trash boxes immediately: This reinforces your progress and prevents backtracking.
• Be honest about "storage" items: If you haven’t used something in a year, it’s likely you don't need it. Set a specific timeline to revisit stored items.
• Start small: Begin with less emotionally charged spaces like bathrooms or laundry rooms to build confidence.

The Four-Box Method deserves its place on this list of decluttering tips because it provides a clear, actionable, and adaptable system for tackling clutter. Its simplicity, combined with its effectiveness, makes it an ideal approach for anyone looking to declutter and simplify their life. By forcing definitive decisions and encouraging immediate action, the Four-Box Method empowers you to take control of your belongings and create a more organized and peaceful living space.

3. The One-In-One-Out Rule

This decluttering tip offers a sustainable, long-term approach to keeping your space clutter-free, making it a valuable strategy for anyone looking to simplify their lives, especially urban residents, people moving, those struggling with clutter, or individuals living in small apartments. The One-In-One-Out rule revolves around a simple principle: for every new item you bring into your home, you must remove a similar item. This method transforms acquisition into a mindful, zero-sum process, preventing the constant accumulation that often leads to overwhelming clutter. This proactive approach helps maintain equilibrium in your possessions and makes it a powerful decluttering tip.

This system works as a preventative maintenance system, ensuring clutter doesn't creep back in after an initial decluttering session. By creating a self-regulating inventory, you become acutely aware of your consumption habits. Instead of mindlessly buying things, you're forced to consider whether the new item truly adds value and justifies the removal of something you already own.

Examples of the One-In-One-Out Rule in Action:

• Capsule Wardrobe: Practitioners of the capsule wardrobe meticulously curate a limited number of clothing items. When they acquire a new piece, another must be removed, maintaining a consistent and manageable wardrobe size.
• Minimalists: Many minimalists employ the one-in-one-out rule, often coupled with detailed inventory lists, to ensure their possessions remain within a pre-determined limit. This conscious approach helps them appreciate the items they own and prevents unnecessary accumulation.

Actionable Tips for Implementing the One-In-One-Out Rule:

• Accessible Donation Box: Keep a designated donation box or bag easily accessible. This simplifies the removal process and encourages immediate action.
• The 'One-In-Two-Out' Variation: For categories where you actively want to reduce your possessions, consider a stricter 'one-in-two-out' rule. Bringing in a new pair of shoes means donating two existing pairs.
• Visual Tracking: Take a photo of both the incoming and outgoing items. This provides a visual record of your progress and can be motivating.
• Household Agreements: For shared households, discuss and agree on category-specific rules. Perhaps the one-in-one-out rule applies to clothing and books, but not to groceries or toiletries.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Prevents clutter from returning after initial decluttering efforts.
• Increases awareness of consumption habits.
• Maintains a balanced inventory of possessions.
• Simple to understand and implement.
• Highly effective for specific categories like clothing, books, or kitchen gadgets.

Cons:

• Doesn't address existing clutter (requires a separate decluttering session).
• Requires discipline and consistency.
• Can be difficult to enforce with other family members.
• Some categories (like consumables) may require exceptions.

When to Use This Approach:

The One-In-One-Out rule is ideal for those who have already decluttered and want a proactive system for maintaining a clutter-free environment. It’s particularly helpful for individuals who feel they are constantly acquiring new items or those who struggle with impulse purchases. This decluttering tip, popularized by minimalists like Dave Bruno (The 100 Thing Challenge) and Courtney Carver (Project 333), offers a powerful strategy for mindful consumption and long-term clutter management.

4. The 12-12-12 Challenge

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter and don't know where to start? The 12-12-12 Challenge offers a practical and effective decluttering tip that can jumpstart your journey to a tidier space. This gamified approach involves selecting 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to return to their proper place. This simple yet powerful method delivers quick wins and visible progress, making it a great option for those looking for immediate impact and a boost of motivation.

This challenge deserves a spot on this list because it tackles decluttering from multiple angles. Not only does it encourage you to discard unwanted items, but it also promotes thoughtful redistribution through donation. Furthermore, the "12 to return" element addresses the disorganization aspect of clutter, reinforcing the importance of designated storage spaces.

How It Works:

The 12-12-12 Challenge is remarkably straightforward. Set a timer (optional, but adds to the game element) and move through your space, identifying 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 that are simply out of place. The fixed target of 12 items per category makes the task less daunting, even for heavily cluttered spaces. This decluttering tip works well for busy urban residents, individuals preparing for a move, people living in small apartments who feel overwhelmed by their belongings, and anyone struggling with general clutter.

Features and Benefits:

• Gamified approach: Turning decluttering into a game makes it less of a chore and more engaging.
• Achievable target: The fixed number (12) provides a clear goal, breaking the overwhelming task of decluttering into manageable chunks.
• Three distinct categories: Addressing trash, donations, and misplaced items tackles various aspects of clutter.
• Quick results: You can complete the challenge in under an hour and immediately see the impact.
• Builds momentum: The quick wins motivate you to continue decluttering efforts.

Examples of Success:

Families have reported removing thousands of items over a year by incorporating the 12-12-12 Challenge as a weekly ritual. Classrooms have also implemented this decluttering tip, encouraging students to maintain organized learning spaces through regular 12-12-12 sessions. These examples highlight the long-term benefits and adaptability of this approach.

Pros:

• Builds momentum with quick results
• Effective for procrastinators
• Can be a fun family challenge
• Breaks down overwhelming tasks
• Addresses both organizing and eliminating clutter

Cons:

• May not address the underlying reasons for clutter accumulation.
• Limited impact on extremely cluttered spaces in a single session.
• Focusing on the number 12 might lead to discarding easily accessible items rather than more problematic clutter.

Tips for Implementation:

• Time yourself: See how quickly you can complete the challenge to add a competitive element.
• Weekly ritual: Establish a set time each week to maintain tidiness and prevent clutter buildup.
• Adjust for children: Use smaller numbers for younger children (e.g., 5-5-5).
• Before and after photos: Document your progress visually to celebrate your achievements.
• Focus on different areas: Each time you do the challenge, target a different room or category (clothes, books, etc.) to declutter systematically.

Popularized by Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist, the 12-12-12 Challenge is a proven decluttering tip that empowers you to take control of your space and experience the immediate gratification of a tidier environment. While it may not solve deep-rooted clutter issues on its own, it serves as an excellent starting point and a valuable tool for maintaining an organized home.

5. The 90/90 Rule: A Powerful Decluttering Tip

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? The 90/90 Rule offers a simple yet effective decluttering tip that helps you make objective decisions about what to keep and what to discard. This time-based framework, popularized by The Minimalists and embraced by professional organizers, prompts you to ask two key questions about every item you own:

1. Have I used this in the last 90 days?
2. Will I use this in the next 90 days?

If the answer to both questions is "no," the item is likely taking up valuable space and can be considered for removal. This method shifts the focus from emotional attachment to actual utility, making the decluttering process less stressful and more efficient.

Why the 90/90 Rule Deserves a Spot on Your Decluttering Checklist:

This decluttering tip is particularly valuable for its objective approach. It provides a clear-cut framework, especially when dealing with utilitarian items, and its built-in seasonal consideration helps address items used less frequently. The 90/90 Rule is especially beneficial for:

• Urban Residents and People in Small Apartments: Where maximizing limited space is crucial.
• People Moving: Streamlining possessions before a move makes the process smoother.
• People with Clutter: Provides a structured approach to overcome decision paralysis.

Features and Benefits:

• Time-Based Decision Framework: The 90-day window provides a tangible timeframe for assessment.
• Forward and Backward Assessment: Considering both past and future use ensures a thorough evaluation.
• Seasonal Consideration: The timeframe naturally accounts for items used seasonally.
• Focus on Actual Utility: Prioritizes practical use over perceived value or sentimental attachment.
• Reduces "Just in Case" Hoarding: Challenges the tendency to keep items for hypothetical future needs.
• Relatively Quick Evaluation Process: Speeds up the decluttering process.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Provides objective criteria, works well for utilitarian items, accounts for seasonal items, reduces "just in case" hoarding, relatively quick evaluation.

Cons: Less suitable for sentimental items, doesn't address frequency of use for rarely-used but essential items (e.g., fire extinguisher), the 90-day window may need adjustment for certain categories.

Examples of Successful Implementation:

• Digital Minimalists: Applying the 90/90 rule to apps, files, and digital subscriptions often results in a 40-60% reduction in digital clutter.
• Seasonal Wardrobe Assessments: Using this rule for clothing can reduce wardrobe size by 25-30% on average, especially when transitioning between seasons.

Actionable Tips for Using the 90/90 Rule:

• Adjust the Timeframe: Use a 30/30 rule for perishables or a 365/365 rule for seasonal decorations.
• Use Colored Stickers: Mark questionable items with a sticker and date it. If you haven't used the item by the date on the sticker, consider letting it go.
• Consider Combined Usage: For shared items, discuss usage patterns with other household members.
• Create an Exceptions List: Before you start, create a list of exceptions for rarely-used but essential items like emergency supplies or specialty tools.

By incorporating the 90/90 rule into your decluttering strategy, you can gain control over your belongings, create a more organized space, and focus on the items that truly add value to your life. This powerful decluttering tip helps you break free from the cycle of clutter and embrace a more intentional way of living.

6. The 20/80 Principle for Decluttering

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? The 20/80 principle, also known as the Pareto Principle, offers a powerful decluttering tip for reclaiming your space and simplifying your life. This approach recognizes that we generally use only 20% of our possessions 80% of the time. By identifying and prioritizing that vital 20%, you can systematically tackle the remaining 80% – the clutter culprits that occupy valuable space but contribute minimally to your daily life. This method offers a value-based assessment, focusing on the frequency of use to identify the highest-impact items to keep, making it a highly effective decluttering strategy.

How it Works:

The 20/80 principle for decluttering involves a conscious shift from sentimental attachment to practical usage. It requires honestly evaluating which items truly serve your current needs and lifestyle. Start by identifying the 20% of your belongings you use most frequently. These are your essentials. The remaining 80% likely includes items you rarely use, duplicates, or things you’ve simply forgotten about. By focusing on decluttering this less-used 80%, you can make significant progress without sacrificing functionality or the items you truly value.

Examples of Success:

Imagine a wardrobe overflowing with clothes, yet you find yourself reaching for the same few outfits week after week. Applying the 20/80 rule, you might discover that 80% of your wardrobe contributes to the clutter but only 20% sees regular use. This realization empowers you to declutter dramatically, often reducing wardrobe size by 70-80% while maintaining full functionality. Similarly, in the kitchen, this principle can help you eliminate rarely used gadgets and appliances while preserving the essential tools for your daily cooking workflow.

Actionable Tips for Implementing the 20/80 Principle:

• Track Your Usage: Before decluttering a specific category (clothes, books, kitchenware), spend a week tracking what you actually use. This provides concrete data to inform your decisions.
• Create Physical Separations: Once you’ve identified your essential 20%, physically separate them from the remaining items. This visual distinction makes it easier to let go of the less-used items.
• Curate Collections: For collections, display only your top 20% and rotate items occasionally to keep the display fresh and engaging. Store the rest safely, freeing up valuable display space.
• Digital Decluttering: The 20/80 principle isn't limited to physical items. Apply it to your digital life by decluttering files, apps, and email subscriptions you rarely use.
• The “Packing Party” Method: Pack away all items in a category as if you were moving. Over the next few weeks, only unpack what you genuinely need. Anything remaining packed after a reasonable period can likely be decluttered.

Why This Approach Deserves a Spot on the List:

This decluttering tip earns its place because it provides a systematic, value-based approach to decluttering. It shifts the focus from feeling guilty about letting go of possessions to prioritizing what truly adds value to your life. It is especially beneficial for urban residents, people moving, individuals living in small apartments, and anyone overwhelmed by clutter.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Preserves items that contribute to your daily life.
• Creates significant space improvements.
• Reduces decision fatigue by clarifying priorities.
• Adaptable to various categories of possessions (physical and digital).

Cons:

• Requires an honest self-assessment of usage patterns.
• May feel radical for those emotionally attached to their belongings.
• Some items (sentimental items, emergency tools) may defy the 20/80 categorization.
• Initial identification of the crucial 20% can require some effort.

The 20/80 principle, popularized by authors like Greg McKeown (Essentialism) and Cal Newport, and discussed by figures like Tim Ferriss, offers a powerful framework for decluttering and simplifying your life. By focusing on the vital few and letting go of the trivial many, you can create a more functional, enjoyable, and clutter-free living space.

7. The Container Method

The Container Method offers a practical, boundary-based approach to decluttering your home. It involves assigning a specific container – whether it's a drawer, shelf, box, or even a designated area – to a particular category of items. The key is to only keep what fits comfortably within that allotted space. When the container is full, you must remove something before adding anything new. This creates natural limits, preventing overflow and the continuous accumulation of clutter. This simple yet effective method helps you declutter and maintain a tidy space.

This decluttering tip deserves a spot on the list because it provides a tangible, visual way to control the volume of possessions. It’s especially helpful for those living in small apartments or dealing with limited storage. The Container Method's core features include defined physical boundaries for each category, visual capacity indicators (the container itself), and the ability to scale the system to any space. These features create inherent limits, forcing you to prioritize items within each category.

The benefits of the Container Method are numerous. It effectively prevents clutter from spreading beyond designated areas and makes storage limitations immediately visible. This approach is remarkably effective in smaller spaces, where maximizing every inch is critical. It also eliminates the need for complex organization systems, providing an ongoing, easy-to-maintain structure for keeping things tidy. If you're working with limited space in a small apartment, this method can be a game-changer. For example, if you're struggling with closet space and looking to maximize your storage, installing pocket sliding doors can free up valuable floor space usually occupied by a swinging door. These doors disappear into the wall, offering a sleek, space-saving solution as described in 7 Top Pocket Sliding Doors to Upgrade Your Home in 2025 from Gladiator Window and Doors.

While highly effective, the Container Method does have some drawbacks. Categories with seasonal variation, such as clothing or holiday decorations, can present a challenge. The initial implementation may also require a significant purging of existing belongings. For shared spaces, it's crucial to get family buy-in to ensure the system works for everyone. Finally, some individuals may find the constraints too restrictive.

Examples of successful implementation demonstrate the method's power. Toy rotation systems using bin containers have been shown to reduce playroom clutter by as much as 60%. In business settings, office supply management using the Container Method can reduce supply costs by 30-40%.

Here are some decluttering tips for using the Container Method effectively:

• Choose slightly smaller containers: This encourages you to be more selective about what you keep.
• Label clearly: This makes it easy to identify the contents of each container and maintain order.
• Opt for transparent containers: This allows you to see what's inside without having to open everything.
• Schedule quarterly reviews: This helps you reassess your needs and purge any unnecessary items that may have accumulated.
• Digital Application: Apply the principle digitally by setting email inbox limits or file storage caps.

Popularized by organizing experts like Kathi Lipp, Dana K. White (A Slob Comes Clean), FlyLady (Marla Cilley), and Cas Aarssen, the Container Method offers a simple yet effective way to conquer clutter and maintain a more organized, peaceful living space. Whether you are moving, downsizing, or just looking for better decluttering tips, the Container Method can help you take control of your belongings and create a more streamlined home.

7 Decluttering Methods Compared

Your Journey to a Clutter-Free Home Starts Now

Decluttering your home can feel overwhelming, but with the right decluttering tips, it can become a manageable and even enjoyable process. We've explored several effective methods, from the popular KonMari Method and its focus on joy to the practical Four-Box Method and the minimalist approach of the One-In-One-Out Rule. We've also looked at targeted challenges like the 12-12-12 Challenge and rules like the 90/90 Rule and the 20/80 Principle for decluttering. Finally, we examined the Container Method, which can help you visualize and maintain organization. The key takeaway? Find the decluttering tips that resonate with your lifestyle and stick with them.

Mastering these decluttering tips offers valuable benefits far beyond a tidy space. Whether you live in a small apartment, are preparing for a move, or simply feel suffocated by clutter, a more organized home can reduce stress, improve focus, and even boost your mood. A clutter-free environment creates a sense of calm and control, allowing you to enjoy your space fully. Start small, be consistent, and celebrate your wins along the way. Remember, decluttering is a journey, not a race.

As you embark on your decluttering journey, you might find yourself needing extra space for items you're not ready to part with. Endless Storage offers a convenient, box-by-box storage solution, perfect for storing those items you’re not quite ready to let go of during your decluttering process. Visit Endless Storage to learn how their flexible storage options can simplify your decluttering project and keep your belongings safe and sound.