Decluttering Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Decluttering always seems to be a hot topic in January, and I completely understand why. There’s something about a new year that makes us crave a fresh start—clean, organised spaces that help us feel lighter and more in control. Now, I’m not a minimalist by any stretch of the imagination, but in recent years, I’ve made a real effort to declutter our home. In fact, I was forced to when we had to move out for almost two years during our renovations. At the time, we put a lot of our things into storage, but it was only in the last 12 months that we finally tackled clearing it out. And do you know what? We kept barely anything. We hadn’t needed or missed any of it in the three years it sat in storage!

More recently, we took on the mammoth task of decluttering our attic before getting it reinsulated and floored. It’s been a huge job, but we’ve already taken carloads of clothes, books, and baby equipment to local charity shops, with a trailer load ready for the recycling centre. Even though most of it was out of sight, sitting in the attic, it feels amazing to finally let go of it all. There’s something so freeing about clearing out the excess—our homes feel calmer, our minds feel clearer, and we make space for the things that truly matter.

Why We Should Declutter—Not Just in January!

While January is a natural time for a fresh start, decluttering isn’t just a once-a-year task—it’s something that benefits us all year round. A clutter-free home isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a space that feels calm, welcoming, and easy to live in. When we let go of things we no longer need, we gain more than just extra space—we gain a sense of lightness, clarity, and even more time to enjoy what truly matters.

Clutter has a way of creeping up on us, filling our homes with things we once thought we needed but now barely notice. It can make everyday life more stressful—spending extra time looking for things, feeling overwhelmed by mess, or constantly putting off sorting through that one cupboard (we all have one!). But when we clear things out regularly, even in small steps, our homes feel lighter, more organised, and far more enjoyable to be in.

Beyond the practical benefits, decluttering also has an emotional impact. Holding onto too much stuff can feel heavy—it can tie us to the past in ways that don’t always serve us. Letting go can be freeing, making space for new memories, new opportunities, and even a shift in mindset. Plus, when we pass on things we no longer need—whether to charity, friends, or recycling—we’re giving those items a second life rather than letting them gather dust.

So instead of waiting for January to roll around each year, why not embrace decluttering as an ongoing habit? A little at a time, a cupboard here, a drawer there—it all adds up, and the benefits are well worth it!

The Benefits of Decluttering

Benefit	Why It Matters
Less Stress & Overwhelm	A cluttered space can feel chaotic, whereas a tidy home promotes a sense of calm and control.
More Time & Efficiency	Less time spent searching for things means more time for the people and activities we love.
A Cleaner, Healthier Home	Less clutter means fewer surfaces for dust and allergens to gather, making cleaning easier.
Emotional Well-being	Letting go of unnecessary items can feel freeing and reduce attachment to things we no longer need.
Better Use of Space	A decluttered home feels more open, spacious, and functional.
Easier to Maintain	Fewer things mean less mess and less tidying up!
A Shift in Mindset	Regular decluttering encourages more intentional choices about what we bring into our home.
Helps Others	Donating unwanted items to charity gives them a new life and helps those in need.
Good for the Environment	Recycling and repurposing reduce waste and prevent items from ending up in landfill.

How to Declutter Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Decluttering can feel like a huge task, but it doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. The key is to take it step by step, focus on progress rather than perfection, and create a system that works for your home and lifestyle. You don’t need to tackle everything in one weekend—in fact, it’s better if you don’t! Small, consistent efforts will make a lasting difference.

A few guiding principles can help:

1. Start small. Pick one drawer, one shelf, or one category (like shoes or books) rather than trying to do an entire room at once.
2. Use the “one-year rule.” If you haven’t used or worn something in the last year, it’s a good sign you don’t need it.
3. Sort into categories. Create four piles: Keep, Donate, Recycle, and Trash. This makes decisions much easier.
4. Declutter by space, not by time. Instead of saying, “I’ll declutter for an hour,” say, “I’ll declutter this drawer,” so you have a clear goal.
5. Be realistic about sentimental items. Keep the things that truly mean something to you, but don’t hold onto everything just because it has a memory attached.
6. Make it part of your routine. Decluttering isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. A simple rule like one in, one out (if you bring something new into the home, something else must go) can help keep clutter under control.

Room-by-Room Decluttering Guide

This table breaks down decluttering tips for each area of your home, making the process clear and manageable.

Room	Decluttering Tips
Kitchen	– Clear out expired food and duplicate utensils.- Keep only the appliances you actually use.- Organise cupboards so frequently used items are easy to reach.- Use drawer dividers to keep cutlery and utensils tidy.- Store like items together (e.g., baking supplies in one spot).
Living Room	– Reduce decorative clutter—keep what you love, not just what fills space.- Store remote controls, chargers, and small items in a basket.- Declutter shelves by removing books or ornaments you no longer enjoy.- Use storage ottomans or baskets to keep blankets and toys contained.
Bedrooms	– Keep nightstands clutter-free—limit them to essentials like a lamp and book.- Declutter clothes by donating anything unworn in the past year.- Fold and organise clothes neatly using drawer dividers.- Use under-bed storage for seasonal clothing or spare bedding.
Wardrobe	– Follow the “one-year rule”—if you haven’t worn it, let it go.- Arrange clothes by category (e.g., tops together, trousers together).- Use matching hangers to create a uniform look and save space.- Store accessories (belts, scarves, jewellery) in small organisers.
Bathroom	– Get rid of expired products and old toiletries.- Limit how many spare products you keep—one or two backups are enough.- Use small bins or trays to organise skincare and makeup.- Keep towels folded neatly or roll them to save space.
Hallway & Entryway	– Use baskets or hooks for shoes, coats, and bags to keep things tidy.- Have a designated spot for keys and mail to avoid cluttered surfaces.- Keep only the coats and shoes currently in season by the door.
Attic / Storage Spaces	– Sort items into Keep, Donate, Recycle, and Trash.- Store sentimental items in labelled bins and review them occasionally.- If something has been in storage for years unused, consider letting it go. – Use clear storage boxes so you can easily see what’s inside.

This method keeps the process manageable and prevents decluttering from feeling like an overwhelming chore. Just start with one small area and build momentum!

What to Do with Decluttered Items

Once you’ve gathered up everything you no longer need, the next step is deciding what to do with it all. Instead of just tossing things in the bin, consider more sustainable options. Donating is a great way to give items a second life—charity shops, shelters, schools, and libraries are always looking for good-quality clothes, household items, and books. If you have things in excellent condition, selling them online or at a car boot sale could be an option too. And for anything that’s broken, outdated, or unusable, check your local recycling centre to see what can be responsibly disposed of. Sentimental items can be the hardest to part with, so if you’re struggling, consider repurposing them—turn an old t-shirt into a cleaning cloth, frame a special greeting card, or digitise old photos to preserve the memories without the clutter.

Maintaining a Clutter-Free Home

Decluttering feels amazing, but the real trick is keeping it that way. The key is to build small habits into your daily and weekly routines. A quick “reset” at the end of each day—putting things back where they belong—prevents piles from forming. The “one in, one out” rule can also work wonders: for every new item you bring into your home, let go of something else. It’s also helpful to do a mini-declutter at the start of each season. For example, as you switch from winter to spring clothes, take note of anything you didn’t wear and consider donating it. The more regularly you assess your belongings, the less likely clutter is to creep back in.

Decluttering with Kids and Family Members

Getting the whole family involved in decluttering can make the process easier and even fun. For younger kids, turning it into a game—like setting a timer to see how much they can tidy up in five minutes—can make a big difference. Teens might be more motivated if they can sell unwanted clothes or gadgets and put the money towards something they actually want. It’s also important to lead by example—if they see you letting go of things, they’ll be more open to doing the same. When it comes to sentimental clutter, especially items that belong to your children, involve them in the decision-making process. Instead of insisting they get rid of things, encourage them to choose their favourites to keep, making space for what’s most important.

The Emotional Side of Decluttering

Decluttering isn’t just a physical task—it can be an emotional one too. Letting go of things can bring up memories, guilt, or even a sense of loss, especially if they were gifts or expensive purchases. It’s okay to feel this way. The key is to focus on what truly serves you now. A good question to ask is: “Would I buy this again today?” If the answer is no, it might be time to let it go. Give yourself permission to release the things that no longer fit your life, and remind yourself that you’re not getting rid of the memories—just the excess.

Minimalism vs. Cosy Living

Decluttering doesn’t mean stripping your home of everything and living with bare walls and empty shelves. It’s about creating a space that feels good to you. Some people love a minimalist aesthetic, while others (like me!) prefer a home filled with warmth, character, and treasured pieces. The goal isn’t to get rid of everything—it’s to clear out what’s unnecessary so that the things you do love can truly shine. A clutter-free home can still feel cosy and inviting, with soft blankets, warm lighting, and meaningful decor that brings you joy. It’s all about balance—keeping what adds to your life and letting go of what doesn’t.

Conclusion

Decluttering isn’t about perfection, and it’s certainly not about creating a showroom-style home where nothing is ever out of place. It’s about making your home feel lighter, more functional, and more enjoyable to live in. A home that works for you, not against you.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by clutter, start small—one drawer, one shelf, one little corner. Give yourself permission to go at your own pace. Every little bit makes a difference, and the more you do, the easier it becomes.

And remember, your home should be a place of comfort, not chaos. When you create space for the things that truly matter, you’re not just tidying up—you’re making room for a life that feels calmer, simpler, and more intentional.

Ready to declutter and create a calmer, more intentional home? Start small today – even just one drawer can make a difference! Share your progress and tips in the comments below!

Feeling inspired to declutter? Don’t wait! Choose one small area of your home and get started today. We’d love to hear about your decluttering journey – share your before & after photos on Instagram with #OurLittleHouseDeclutter and tag us @ourlittlehouseinthecountry . You’ll find us on Instagram by clicking here!

Really looking forward to hearing from you about your decluttering escapades or your thoughts on decluttering.

Chat soon

Ciara xox

Imagine a home that feels lighter, more organized, and truly reflects you. Decluttering can help you achieve that! Download our free decluttering checklist to get started and make the process even easier. Here’s a list of 365 items to declutter, categorized by room. (there’s a printable/downloadable PDF further down the page)