Decluttering always sounds simple, but once you actually open that drawer or cupboard, it can quickly feel overwhelming. However, you don’t need to turn your home upside down to make real progress on your decluttering resolution. Here are seven simple, doable ways to help achieve it.
Start small
One of the biggest reasons people give up on their decluttering resolution is trying to do too much at once. Instead of tackling an entire room, start with something easy – a junk drawer, one shelf, or a single cupboard. Finishing a small area gives you a quick win, and that motivation carries you forward.
Use the Four-Box Method
This method keeps decisions simple and stops clutter creeping back in. Grab four boxes or bags and label them:
- Keep
- Donate
- Trash
- Relocate
Every item you pick up goes into one box – no putting things back “for now”. This makes your decluttering resolution much more structured and stops endless re-sorting.
Try the ski slope method
If a whole room feels intimidating, the ski slope method is a great approach. Instead of jumping straight in, work methodically from one side of the room to the other, like skiing across a slope rather than straight down. Breaking the space into zones makes decluttering feel less overwhelming and helps you stay focused, especially useful if you’re short on time.
Ask yourself honest questions
When deciding whether to keep something, ask:
- Have I used this in the last year?
- Would I buy this again today?
- Does this actually add value to my life?
If the answer’s no, it’s probably not worth keeping. Being honest with yourself is key to making your decluttering resolution actually work.
Handle things once
A brilliant habit for preventing future clutter is: “Don’t put it down, put it away.”
Clutter builds up when items are constantly moved from one surface to another without a proper home. If something doesn’t have a place, that’s a sign you either need to create one or let the item go.
Use the “one in, two out” rule
To protect your decluttering resolution long-term, set boundaries. A great rule is: for every new item that comes into your home, two items need to leave. This works especially well for clothes, toys, books and kitchen gadgets and stops clutter slowly creeping back in. Make sure to donate, sell or pass on unwanted items rather than throwing them away!
Make decluttering a habit, not a one-off
Decluttering doesn’t need to be a massive event. Short, regular sessions are often more effective than big clear-outs.
Try:
- 15 minutes a day
- Clearing flat surfaces every evening
- One drawer or shelf at a time
Consistency is what turns a decluttering resolution into a lifestyle change.
Bonus tip: celebrate progress
Even small wins count. Cleared a drawer? Sorted a shelf? That’s progress. Take a moment to appreciate how much calmer and clearer your space feels.
When decluttering feels like too much
Sometimes clutter builds up because life gets busy, not because you’ve failed your decluttering resolution. And that’s okay. Once you’ve cleared the clutter, keeping your home clean and organised is much easier with a regular cleaning routine.
At Magnificent Cleaners, we help homes feel lighter, fresher and easier to manage all year round. If your decluttering resolution needs a helping hand, get in touch with Magnificent Cleaners today and let us help you keep on top of it.