Decluttering Hacks to Make Your Life Easier

50 Decluttering Hacks to Make Your Life Easier

Keeping your living space tidy and clutter-free can be an ongoing struggle, especially when balancing other life commitments. However, the benefits of a well-organized space are numerous, from increased productivity to reduced stress levels. Here are 50 decluttering hacks to streamline your surroundings and make your life easier.

1. Start Small: Begin with a small space, like a drawer or shelf, before moving onto larger areas. Small victories can give you the motivation to tackle larger projects.
2. Five Minute Rule: If a task takes less than five minutes to complete, do it immediately. This helps prevent the build-up of minor tasks.
3. One In, One Out: For every new item you bring into your home, consider donating, selling, or throwing away a similar item.
4. Use Vertical Space: Shelves, hanging baskets, and wall hooks can help maximize storage and minimize floor clutter.
5. The 12-Month Rule: If you haven’t used an item in a year, it’s likely you don’t need it. Consider donating or selling.
6. Clear the Counters: Keep countertops clear of anything not regularly used.
7. Digitalize: Scan important documents, photos, and other paper items to save space and create digital backups.
8. Designated Spaces: Everything should have a place. If it doesn’t, it’s probably clutter.
9. Closet Hanger Trick: Start the year with all your clothes hangers facing one direction. As you wear items, flip the hanger. At the end of the year, consider donating clothes on hangers that haven’t been flipped.
10. The Box Method: Put questionable items in a box. If you haven’t opened the box in six months, donate or sell its contents.
11. Declutter Daily: Spend 15 minutes each day decluttering. Regular upkeep makes the task less daunting.
12. Make Lists: Keep lists of items you need to avoid impulse buying.
13. Drawer Dividers: Use dividers to separate items and prevent drawers from becoming clutter hotspots.
14. Buy Multi-Purpose Furniture: Look for furniture with built-in storage, like beds with drawers or coffee tables with shelves.
15. Use Clear Storage: Clear containers let you easily see what’s inside, preventing items from being forgotten.
16. Label Everything: Clearly label boxes, bins, and containers to find items quickly.
17. Create a Donation Station: Have a box for items you wish to donate. Once full, drop it off at a charity shop.
18. Use Door Space: Over-the-door organizers can be used for shoes, accessories, cleaning supplies, and more.
19. Don’t Buy, Borrow: For infrequently used items, like tools or party supplies, consider borrowing rather than buying.
20. Unsubscribe: Declutter your inbox by unsubscribing from unwanted emails.
21. Capsule Wardrobe: Reduce clothing clutter by creating a minimalist, versatile wardrobe.
22. Digital Detox: Regularly delete unused apps, old photos, and unnecessary files from your electronic devices.
23. Rotate Toys: If you have kids, rotate toys to keep the play area decluttered and keep their interest.
24. Organize Cables: Use cable ties or organizers to prevent a jumbled mess of wires.
25. The Four Box Method: Sort items into four categories: trash, give away, keep, or relocate.
26. KonMari Method: Keep only items that “spark joy,” as suggested by organization expert Marie Kondo.
27. Use Hidden Spaces: Utilize the space under beds or over doors for infrequently used items.
28. Purge Your Pantry: Regularly clear out expired or unwanted food items.
29. Use Your Library: Borrow books, movies, and music instead of buying and accumulating.
30. Color Code: Organize books, clothes, or files by color for easy locating.
31. Priority Zones: Identify areas where clutter impacts your life the most and prioritize their organization.
32. Declutter Before Shopping: Make it a habit to declutter before you go shopping to better understand what you need.
33. Controlled Chaos: Have designated “messy” areas for creative activities that inherently come with clutter.
34. Simplify Cleaning Supplies: You don’t need different cleaners for each surface. Simplify to a few multi-purpose products.
35. Have a Landing Strip: A spot near the entrance for keys, bags, and mail prevents these items from creating clutter.
36. Opt for Experiences: Rather than gifting objects, give experiences like concerts, classes, or dinners out.
37. Install a Pegboard: These are versatile storage solutions for kitchens, garages, or craft rooms.
38. Use Your Wall: Mount TVs or use hanging shelves to free up floor space.
39. Storage Furniture: Opt for ottomans, benches, or coffee tables that provide hidden storage.
40. Go Paperless: Opt for electronic bills, statements, and notices to reduce paper clutter.
41. Sort Mail Immediately: Don’t let mail pile up. Sort it into ‘junk’, ‘action needed’, or ‘file’ upon receipt.
42. Empty the Trash Regularly: Don’t let trash overflow. Keep your space clean by emptying bins often.
43. Dedicate a Drawer for Tech: Keep chargers, cables, and devices in one organized spot.
44. Quality Over Quantity: Invest in fewer, high-quality items instead of lots of cheaper, disposable ones.
45. The 20/20 Rule: If you can replace an item within 20 minutes for under $20, consider getting rid of it.
46. Declutter Seasonally: Change your wardrobe, decorations, and other seasonal items regularly to prevent unnecessary clutter.
47. Use Apps: Use decluttering and organizing apps to help manage your tasks and time.
48. Turn Storage into Decor: Use stylish boxes, baskets, or furniture to make your storage part of your home decor.
49. Assign ‘Clutter Free’ Zones: Designate certain areas of your home where clutter is not allowed.
50. Be Patient: Decluttering takes time. It’s a journey, not a one-time event. Celebrate your progress and know it’s okay to have setbacks.

By applying these decluttering hacks, you’ll start to create a more serene, functional space that supports your wellbeing and productivity. Remember, the key to successful decluttering is to maintain it as an ongoing habit, rather than a one-off task. Happy organizing!