A simple way to declutter every room in your house by dividing them into sections and spaces. Includes a free workflow template!
When it is time to declutter, I don’t want to read a bunch of chapters in a book or posts on a blog about the theory of decluttering or why I accumulated so much stuff in the first place.
I just want to get down to business!
I finally realized if I wanted a no-nonsense approach to decluttering, I was going to have to do it myself – and then share it with all of you!
I have been using this method of decluttering every year for nearly 15 years now!
It’s easy, it’s low-key, and it works!
Several years ago, I shared my method for decluttering using a notebook via THIS VIDEO and THIS PODCAST, but this year, I decided I’d like to have a Template that could be reproduced over and over again to make it that much easier to implement my plan!
And I am loving it!
GET THE CLEAN & DECLUTTER TEMPLATE HERE!
I’ve already decluttered my Dining Room [VIDEO COMING SOON] and am working on my living room now. This template makes it easy to divide all of your rooms into bite-sized pieces, so you don’t get overwhelmed. It also helps you see where you are with the cleaning and decluttering process so you can jump back in at any given moment – because let’s face it, with a large family, you’re going to get interrupted!
{By the way, if you are completely overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering, I highly suggest FLYlady.net and also FLYlady Kat on YouTube. Kat walks you through FLYlady in bitesized pieces. I really like this video she did for newbies.}
Supplies Needed to Declutter Your House
- Clean & Declutter Template
- Pen or Pencil
- Trash Can
- Trash Bag
- Box 0r Basket (maybe)
The key supplies are the template and pen or pencil. This will be the backbone of your decluttering efforts.
The trash can is for just that – all the trash you will find.
The other trash bag is for things you can give away. I actually keep a large black trash bag in my bedroom at all times for this very purpose!
The box or basket is for things that need to go to another room, but that is a “maybe” because you MUST empty the contents to their rightful places after each decluttering session or you will end up with yet another thing to declutter because the box will end up overflowing with all the stuff you “decluttered.”
What I tend to do is designate an area in the room I’m decluttering that is for items that need to be removed from the room and then I put them away because if I don’t, they just sit there and don’t look neat and tidy in any way, shape, or form. Whatever it is you need to motivate you to put these things away right away, do it!
Alright, let’s get down to business!
Step 1:
Choose a logical order to move through your house as you declutter.
I live in a ranch style home, so it makes sense for me to move from one end of the house to the other. If you live in a 2-story, then start upstairs and make your way down, or start in an entryway and move around the house in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Don’t worry about what rooms are the worst. You are looking for a natural flow to your home and a natural movement for you to work from room to room.
Step 2:
Write down the name of the room you are starting with.
Each room will get its own header, but you aren’t going to write down every room at this point (unless you just really feel like you need to). The reason I caution against writing down every room is that you may want to jump ahead or you may end up overwhelmed – neither of which will accomplish your goal! I usually write out two rooms at a time. Once those are complete, I write out two more.
Step 3:
Write down every space and section of that room that needs decluttering.
You are basically breaking the room down into bite-sized pieces. You want these to be small decluttering projects that can be done in 15-20 minutes (30 minutes at the most).
Step 4:
Get to decluttering!
I was able to get the entire laundry room done in about 30 minutes, but after that, I needed a break and took the bathroom in slower pieces. It helps to set a reminder on your phone or choose a time each day to go in and declutter for just a few minutes. You will be surprised how much you get done!
On my Template, there are check boxes for Clean and Tidy, meaning you might have time to deep clean an area, but you can’t actually get to fully decluttering it.
Or vice-versa.
Perhaps you get it all decluttered (Tidy), but you don’t have time to really give it a deep clean. This allows you to see at a glance what needs to be done in a space and prioritize cleaning or decluttering with the time you have each day.
Here’s an example:
Notice the section that says Notes & Needed? That is a space for you to make notes on anything that has to do with that section of the room, including anything you might need to make the space more functional or aesthetically pleasing.
This method has served me well for many years, and I hope you find it just as useful and simplistic as you tackle your messes and clutter!
original post published in October of 2017 – updated January 2022
Erica says
This is fantastic. This is very similar to the way I do mine, but I haven’t thought about doing it in the natural flow of the house. I definitely love that! It will help me from feeling overwhelmed.
STEPHANIe says
How often do you go through the decluttering routine? Once a year? Twice? As needed?
Amy says
1-2 times a year
S.T. says
This is great and perfect timing. Thank you!!!
Reggie says
I LOOOOVE to declutter! My two oldest were laughing their heads off at me not too long ago because I was singing and dancing and having myself a grand old time as I de-junked the kitchen cabinets. We’re finally at that point where 8×8 cake pans are a nonsensical and obsolete item, so why keep it around? Griddle for two? Gone. Make way for the 10×15 casserole dish, my friend!
Amy says
Yes, ma’am!