Declutter & Simplify

Welcome! Simplifying your space is the first step toward creating a peaceful, functional, and joyful home. Decluttering not only makes your surroundings more open and organized but also brings mental clarity and reduces stress. By letting go of unnecessary items, you create room for what truly matters — a space that reflects your personality, promotes calmness, and supports productivity.

This page offers everything you need to start your decluttering journey. Take our quick and fun quiz to determine if it’s time to declutter. Discover simple, practical strategies to tackle clutter effectively. Learn where to recycle and donate your unwanted items responsibly, so they can have a second life and benefit others.

Embrace a simpler, more intentional lifestyle and see how decluttering can energize your home and your mindset. Ready to begin? Let’s dive in!

Quiz 1: Do You Need to Declutter?

There are five direct questions below. Please respond to each by wring “Yes” or “NO.”

Do you often feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your home?
Do you have items you haven’t used or worn in over a year?”
Is it hard for you to find things when you need them?”
Do you have sentimental items that you’re holding onto even though they no longer bring you joy?”
Do you feel more stressed or anxious when your home is messy or cluttered?”

Results

If you answered “No” to three or more questions of the five, you are in great shape! Keep maintaining your organized and intentional space.

However, if your answers to three of the five questions are “yes,” then it’s time to take control and declutter! Start with one area and enjoy the peace that follows.

The Benefits of Decluttering

Psychological Benefits

Reduces Stress: A clutter-free space creates a sense of calm and lowers stress levels.
Boosts Mental Clarity: An organized environment helps clear your mind and improves focus.
Enhances Mood: Decluttering can spark joy and foster a sense of accomplishment.
Encourages Productivity: A tidy space reduces distractions, making it easier to stay on task.
Promotes Mindfulness: Sorting through items encourages intentionality and gratitude for what you own.

Physical Benefits

Improves Sleep: A clean and organized bedroom promotes better rest.
Encourages Movement: The act of decluttering involves physical activity, contributing to your daily exercise.
Enhances Air Quality: Removing dust and excess items improves ventilation and reduces allergens.
Simplifies Cleaning: Fewer items make it easier to maintain a clean and organized space.

Step-by-Step Decluttering Guide

1. Tackle Small Spaces First

Start with manageable areas like a single drawer or a shelf.
Focus on one category at a time, such as clothing, papers, or kitchen tools.
Use the “four-box method”: Keep, Donate, Recycle, and Trash.

2. Letting Go of Sentimental Items

Identify the items with real emotional value versus those you’re keeping out of guilt.
Consider taking photos of items for memories instead of holding onto the physical object.
Limit sentimental storage to one box per category (e.g., childhood, travel, family).

3. Smart Organizing Tips to Keep Clutter Away for Good

Use clear storage bins to see what’s inside easily.
Label everything for quick identification.

Room-by-Room Decluttering Checklists

Kitchen

- Discard expired food, spices, and condiments.
- Organize pantry items by category (e.g., grains, snacks, canned goods).
- Assess and minimize duplicate utensils, appliances, and cookware.
- Clear countertops to create a functional and open workspace.
- Sort through junk drawers, recycling unnecessary items like old menus or gadgets.

Bedroom

- Sort through clothing, shoes, and accessories—donate items you haven’t worn in a year.
- Declutter bedside tables, removing unnecessary items or old books.
- Organize under-bed storage, using labeled bins or vacuum-sealed bags if needed.
- Review your jewelry collection and donate or sell items you no longer use.

Living Room

- Limit decorative items to avoid overcrowding and create an airy feel.
- Review books, magazines, and DVDs—keep only what you enjoy or use.
- Organize cords and electronics with cable ties or storage boxes.
- Donate or sell unused furniture or decor items that don’t serve the space.

Bathroom

- Toss expired toiletries, medications, and makeup (dispose of them safely).
- Minimize duplicate products—keep only what you use daily or weekly.
- Organize daily essentials using baskets or drawer dividers.
- Clear out unused or broken tools like razors, hairdryers, or old brushes.

Garage/Storage Areas

- Donate or discard items you haven’t used in years, like old sports gear or tools.
- Group similar items together for easy access (e.g., holiday decor, camping gear).
- Use vertical space with shelves, hooks, and pegboards to maximize storage.
- Clearly label storage bins to easily locate items when needed.

Where to Donate

Goodwill: Accepts a variety of items and supports job training programs.
The Salvation Army: Helps with housing, addiction recovery, and job placement services.
Dress for Success: Provides professional attire to women entering or reentering the workforce.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA): Accepts clothing for veterans and their families, often with free pick-up services.
ThredUp (Online): Mail in gently used clothes to be sold or donated, with proceeds supporting charity programs.
Planet Aid: Offers donation bins nationwide, focusing on sustainable initiatives.
Homeless Shelters: Donate warm clothing, blankets, and shoes.
Women’s or Family Shelters: Support women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
Religious Organizations: Many churches, mosques, and temples run clothing drives or partner with charities.
Community Thrift Stores: Profits often support schools, hospitals, or local projects.
Animal Shelters: Worn-out towels, blankets, or T-shirts can be repurposed as bedding or cleaning supplies.