Do you feel your home is screaming at you? Hi friend π
When you enter a room, your eyes are confused about where to land. You have laundry that needs folding (from two days ago), random items on the kitchen counter, and that "just in ca,se" drawer that has now grown to a monster.
Pop-Over If you've been craving a more peaceful, light, and intentional home... welcome! You're not alone.
I'm a minimalist mom in my 30s from the Midwest, and my house did not always feel so zen either. However, when I began to declutter one room at a time, it all changed. And I promise, you don't need to do it all at once.
In the article, I will present how to declutter the whole home, one space at a time, without feeling overwhelmed or guilty by making progress.
Why does It Work Better to Declutter Room by Room
Life-changing magic bits, dummies," you find on social media?" plans?
Yes⦠They seem fantastic, but by Sunday afternoon, you are weeping on the floor next to old cords and expired sunscreen.
It's like this: decluttering any one room gives you clarity and momentum. You actually see progress. You don't burn out. Above all, it feels like your home has started to feel lighter already.
Also, every room you finish becomes a sanctuary you can retreat to when the rest still feels chaotic. That's powerful.
Before You Begin, Know the Secrets to Minimalist Decluttering
Let's make this easy. Before tackling each room, here are truths to keep in mind.
- You don't have to get rid of everything. Just keep what adds value.
- Clutter isn't just physical β it's emotional. Let go of guilt and "just in case" thinking.
- Progress beats perfection. Even 10 minutes matters.
- You don't organize clutter β you release it. Buy bins later. First, let go.
Alright, ready? Let's go room by room. π.
Living Room: Calm in the Heart of Your Home
Your living room sets the tone for your home. When your space is crowded or noisy, your mind may feel chaotic, too.
What to Declutter
- Throw in a couple of cushions and blankets. Donate the rest.
- When it comes to books and magazines, ask yourself, would you read it again?
- Decor and knick-knacks: Keep what sparks joy. Limit surfaces to 1β2 items max.
- Anything that you don't use, go ahead and get rid of it.
- Toys: If you have children, rotate a small toy basket here. Keep the rest in a dedicated toy zone.
Minimalist Tip
Designate one "clear zone" β whether it's your coffee table or a shelf β and commit to keeping it free from clutter, daily. It'll instantly shift the feel of the whole room.
A Clean Kitchen Makes a Clean Slate
Kitchens, declutterers say, can be the most overwhelming β if furthermore the most life-changing β area of the home.
What to Declutter
- Do you really need four spatulas?
- Small appliances: If you haven't used it in 6 months? Goodbye.
- Check the dates on food & spices, they expire!
- Anything that has a lid. Recycle mismatched items.
- Throw Away the Junk Drawer: Dead batteries, dried-out pens, and expired coupons take up space.
Minimalist Tip
Clear your countertops first. Keep just the bare necessities (coffee maker, maybe a fruit bowl). The rest? Inside drawers or cabinets.
Your Bedroom Should be Your Peaceful Sanctuary
This space is all about sleep and cuddling; it isn't a storage unit for junk or a laundry overflow.
What to Declutter
- Firstly, the golden rule dictates that anything you haven't worn in a year or more should go.
- When it comes to shoes and accessories, if you love it, wear it!
- A book, a lamp, a glass of water (maybe).
- One spare set is more than enough.
- Don't use that nonexistent space under your bed for collecting dust with unused or no-longer-used items. Check what's hiding.
Minimalist Tip
If you can make your bed in under 5 minutes, then it is worth doing it every single day.
Bathroom: Small Space, but Lots of Clutter
It's wild how much we cram into a small bathroom. Let's change that.
What to Declutter
- Old/expired makeup & skincare.
- Products you "might use someday".
- Excess towels β 2 per person is plenty.
- Half-used hotel samples.
- Medicine cabinet β check those dates!
Minimalist Tip
Keep similar items together with drawer dividers or small baskets β one for skincare, one for dental, etc. Clutter hides in chaos. Grouping brings clarity.
Kids' Rooms Should Not be Devoid of Toys, but Filled with the Right Type of Toys
Decluttering your kid's room can seem impossible when you're a parent. But trust me, kids thrive in simplicity.
What to Declutter
- Broken or incomplete toys.
- Toys they've outgrown or lost interest in.
- Books they no longer read.
- Clothes that don't fit or they refuse to wear.
Minimalist Tip
Try toy rotation. Store 70% of toys in a bin and rotate every few weeks. This keeps things fresh and avoids overstimulation.
And remember β kids learn by example. If they see you letting go, they'll follow.
π§Ί Laundry Room: Function First
Let's make laundry more manageable (or not a disaster).
What to Declutter
- Old detergents & empty containers.
- Single socks (let them go!).
- Random cleaning tools you don't use.
- Extra hangers or laundry baskets.
Minimalist Tip
Establish a "laundry flow": have one basket per person, pre-sort lights/darks if helpful, and select a laundry day. Streamlining the process reduces clutter, too.
The Entryway is Your Home's First Impression
What you see when you walk in sets the tone. Let's make it welcoming.
What to Declutter
- Shoes you never wear.
- Coats or jackets out of season.
- Mail & papers β recycle or scan.
- Random bags & keys.
Minimalist Tip
Use a small tray or basket for the essentials of daily use, such as your wallet, sunglasses, and keys, and each night, make sure to reset it.
Work Desk: You Must have a Clear Desk
Your workspace matters whether you are working from home or just paying bills.
What to Declutter
- Old paperwork (go digital if possible).
- Office supplies you never use.
- Books & notebooks you'll never re-read.
- Desktop clutter β cords, chargers, mugs.
Minimalist Tip
Touch paperwork only once. Make your decision on what to do with the paper when you pick it up. This keeps clutter from snowballing.
Don't be Afraid to Use Your Closet or Storage Space to Put Your Luggage
Closets hide all the "I'll deal with it later" stuff. So now, let's deal with it.
What to Declutter
- Old holiday decor you don't use.
- Sentimental items you're keeping out of guilt.
- Boxes you haven't opened in years.
- Sports equipment, extra bedding, random wires.
Minimalist Tip
Consider asking yourself, "If I didn't already own this, would I buy it today?" If the answer is no, thank it and let it go.
Clearing Your Clutter Helps Clear Your Mind
This part matters.
You'll find things that hold memories. Gifts from people you love. Clothes from a different season of life. It's okay to feel things.
Well, here's what I have gleaned: we honour our past but not in space.
Letting go isn't disrespectful. It's making room for the life you're living now.
Your Home Should Feel Peaceful and Good. Final Thoughts
You don't need a Pinterest-perfect home.
All you need is a space that accurately reflects your values, such as calmness, clarity, and connection.
Decluttering room by room isn't about being extreme. It's about creating an atmosphere that allows you to breathe, move, and rest without the clutter of things you don't use anymore.
So go ahead β pick one room. Set a 15-minute timer. Let go of one drawer.
And just like that, you're on your way.
You've got this. π€.