Ready to Declutter? Top 5 Sneaky Ways to Start Organizing Your Home

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by clutter in your home? You are definitely not alone! Many people face the same struggle in the busy rhythm of daily life. The good news is that taking the first step toward decluttering can be both simple and rewarding. Here’s how you can kickstart your organizing journey with five clever strategies that will help create a more peaceful and organized home environment.

1. Begin with a Win

We all feel great and make progress when we have a win under our belt. Any win works, but I like to start with something small that clearly makes a positive impact. My favorite easy wins are tackling the medicine cabinet, the spice drawer, and the pantry. They're simple because there's no need to overthink. If it's expired, it goes. I don't get stuck on stuff I might want to keep for later.

Pick a spot in your home like these and toss out those old items! It feels awesome and frees up space. This little effort can make a big difference, making it easier for you to keep moving forward.

2. Half Goes

Struggling with drawers or cabinets that just won't shut? The Half Goes rule is your go-to for managing your stuff. When I come across a cluttered spot, like the infamous junk drawer, I make sure to clear out half of what's in there before closing it up. Say you've got 15 pens and some random tools in there—it's obvious you don't need all those pens. You can donate them or toss the ones that are out of ink. As for the tools, think about whether they should be in a better spot like the garage or utility room, or if they're from an appliance or toy you don't even use anymore. Get rid of them or move them where they belong.

Using the Half Goes rule will quickly turn your home into a much more organized place.

3. Create a Donation Box

Setting up a dedicated donation box in your home is a great strategy for collecting items you no longer need. Place this box in a high-traffic area, like your living room or bedroom, and add to it whenever you come across unused items. Even those extra pens can go to someone who could use them more than your drawer.

Once the box gets full, make a trip to your local charity shop. This simple action not only helps declutter your space but also supports your community. Items in your home often go to waste, but donating them can help others in need. Did you know that nearly 70% of items people donate are still in good condition? Your unused items can make a difference in someone else's life.

Donation boxes make it easy to pick up and deliver to a donation facility the next time you run errands.

4. Tackle One Small Area at a Time

Instead of trying to organize your entire home in one go, focus on one small area at a time—like a drawer, cabinet, or shelf.

Start with the area that seems most cluttered and take everything out. Go through each item, asking yourself if it is truly necessary. If you haven’t used it in the past year, consider throwing it away, donating it, or finding a new purpose for it. This method makes the task feel less overwhelming. When you finish one small area, like a desk drawer, the satisfaction can motivate you to tackle the next area, creating a ripple effect of organization throughout your home.

5. Use Clear Bins and Labels

Once you’ve decluttered, it's time to organize the items you want to keep. Clear storage bins are an effective solution for keeping your belongings tidy while allowing you to easily see what they contain.

Label each bin to further enhance the organization. For example, place “Winter Clothes” or “Toys” labels on each bin. This way, you will avoid the frustration of searching for items. Research indicates that using organized storage solutions like this can improve your ability to find what you need by nearly 40%. You’ll appreciate how quickly you can locate your belongings when everything is in its designated spot.

Organizing for a Fresh Start

Getting rid of clutter can seem overwhelming, but it's actually a great way to feel more in control. By starting small, like using the Start with a Win or Half Goes rule, organizing will start to feel more natural. As you slowly add clear bins and labels, you'll create a tidy home that mirrors a calm mindset.

The key is to tackle it one step at a time. Celebrate every little win, no matter how minor. Here’s to enjoying a clean and welcoming space! Happy organizing!