3 Proven Decluttering Methods for a Clutter-Free Home

I get it, decluttering can be difficult and generally, it’s not that much fun. In fact, it’s kind of exhausting to plan it, think about it, and then do it. Trust me, I’m right there with you. But help is on the way! I’m going to outline a few proven decluttering methods that will help you to whip your home into shape quickly and almost painlessly. I have successfully used each of these decluttering methods, and they all deliver impressive results.

The Importance of Personalizing Your Approach

Before we start, I think it’s important to recognize that everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another person. Even within families everyone could have a different organizing style. Another important point is that what has worked for you in the past may not work for you today. While our general personalities don’t really change, we do grow and our circumstances do change along with our season of life. I know I definitely don’t clean, declutter and organize today the same way I did when I was younger.

I’m really big on helping people to see that a tidy environment can really improve your overall sense of well being, emotional health and general enjoyment of your space. Looking around you and seeing chaos and disorder doesn’t really help you function better, in fact it could be argued that it causes you to function at a lower capacity. Whereas a reasonably decluttered and well-organized environment, can help you in so many ways!

How To Start Decluttering

Let’s dive into a few different decluttering methods and see if any of them resonate with you. Hopefully by the end of this post, you’ll have the tools needed to create a living space that truly reflects your needs and values, and works well for you.

1. The Four-Box Decluttering Method

The Four-Box Method is a structured way to declutter by sorting items into four categories. This method helps you stay focused on getting the job done, rather than getting needlessly caught up in tough sentimental decisions. It’s pretty simple, you get 4 boxes or laundry baskets and you label them Keep, Discard, Donate and Deferred Decisions.

Keep

I don’t think you need directions on this one, haha, this stuff is what you’re keeping. This is the stuff you absolutely love, need and want to have in your everyday life. This is the best of the best.

Discard

Throw out or recycle anything that is damaged, broken or no longer usable.

Donate

This box is the fun one to me! Give your stuff to someone who needs it. If you’re not using it (even if you used to use it all the time but no longer are!) and you don’t anticipate using it in the next 12 months, please part with it and give someone else the opportunity to use it.

Deferred Decisions

The real magic of this system, in my opinion, is the “Deferred Decisions” box! This is the box that takes you from not wanting to start a decluttering project, to being more excited about your future decluttered space. You KNOW you’ll have to face belongings you’re uncertain about, or still have some emotional connection to, even if you’ve outgrown them or don’t like them enough to display. This box solves that problem for a period of time. If you get caught up on a decision, just put it in the Deferred Decisions box and move on!

Here’s the process: Pick a room, or a desk, or a closet, or a corner and just start sorting. It’s really that simple! Once you’re done sorting an area, create a permanent home for each item that you’re keeping. Take the donate box to your car to drop off at a donation center. Throw away the discarded items. Then you’re just left with a Deferred Decisions box. Make one more pass through this box and see if anything in it can be resorted into one of the other boxes. If not, don’t stress out about it.

Personally, I like to close up the Deferred Decisions box and put a date on it and put it away in the recesses of my closet and then get rid of it the next time I lay eyes on it…..sometimes I don’t even open it up for a refresher of what’s in it! If I haven’t thought about it or needed anything in it, it can go!!

2. KonMari Decluttering Method

There is a reason this method is so famous! The KonMari Method is a popular approach to decluttering developed by Marie Kondo. It emphasizes a thoughtful process of organization that centers around what brings joy to an individual, making it unique and effective.

Category-by-Category Sorting

In the KonMari Method, you sort items by category rather than by location. This means you tackle specific types of items in one go, such as clothing, books, papers, or sentimental items. You start with clothes, moving to books next, and so on.

The first step is gathering all the items in a category into one area. This strategy helps you see how much you truly own in each category. It allows for a clearer understanding of what you need and what you don’t. Instead of doing one room at a time, you get a whole overview of your possessions.

I also notice that when using this method and working in categories, it reduces the chance of redistributing clutter. By following this method, you are ensuring a very thorough and thoughtful decluttering. If you use this method, it will be time consuming and emotional BUT this is a true decluttering of your space, like a total reset! It’s great!

Joy-Checking Items

A core principle of the KonMari Method is the “joy-check.” You take each item in your hand and ask yourself if it sparks joy. If it does, you keep it. If not, you let it go. So pure and simple! Not always easy though.

This practice helps you connect emotions with your belongings. It allows you to make mindful decisions about what you truly value. You focus not just on what to discard but on what enhances your life.

I find this approach liberating! By concentrating on joy, you can create a space that feels right for you. Each time you declutter, you gain clarity about your preferences and lifestyle.

3. The 21 Thing Toss Decluttering Method

The first time I heard of this was while reading Real Life Organizing by Cassandra Aarssen. I had been doing something very similar to this for years, but my version was The 10 Thing Trick (yes, I named it The 10 Thing Trick). It started as a way of motivating myself to clean and declutter when a space felt overwhelming. Almost anyone can throw away, put away or donate 10 things right now. Try it! It’s pretty easy and I bet you can do it in under 5 minutes.

Cass’s method takes it to a slightly higher level though. I like it because it’s doable but makes a dent in the clutter. You can even do it if you feel overwhelmed, unmotivated, lazy, or exhausted. You simply find 21 things to throw away and/or donate.

It’s a bit harder then The 10 Thing Trick because by the time I’m on 17-21 items, I’m reaching a little! I have to look a little harder to find those last few items and that, My Friends, is how you build up your decluttering muscles without overtaxing your brain or body. You stretch and reach to find those last few items. You get used to that feeling, and then you do it again a few days later….and a few days later…..and a few days later, until you’ve decluttered your main living spaces. AND you did it without making a mess or removing every single thing from your closet!

Don’t Let Overwhelm Stop You

If the thought of sorting and emptying out an entire space stresses you out then that isn’t the right method for you! You still may chose that method someday when you have much less and it will be less daunting. But for now, you shouldn’t start off with a decluttering method that causes you a bunch of stress. Instead, try the 21-Thing Toss.. You’ll be surprised at how much stuff you get out of your house in a short period of time. Do this every few days. It’s a great way to build up those decluttering muscles, and will help make it easier to maintain in the future-win/win! In no time at all, you’ll end up with a home full of things you enjoy and need, and far less of the things that are just taking up space.

Which Decluttering Methods Will You Try?

I’ve personally tried each of these decluttering methods, and I can attest that they all deliver excellent results. Recognizing that there are various effective techniques available is a crucial step in your decluttering journey. It empowers you to take action your way, and make meaningful changes in your home. Choose the method that is right for you, and don’t hesitate to start decluttering today! Remember, the key is to take it one step at a time. As you begin to declutter, you’ll not only create a more organized environment but also experience the freedom and clarity that comes with a simplified life.