Physical Address

304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124

photo of messy house, declutter your home

30 Simple Tricks to Instantly Declutter Your Home

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve got a little (or a lot) of clutter in your home. Whether it’s the kitchen counter, your overflowing closet, or that dreaded pile of random items that somehow keeps multiplying, we’ve all been there.

But here’s the good news: to declutter your home doesn’t have to be an all-day project. In fact, with these 30 simple tricks, you can start clearing the clutter and creating a more peaceful, organized space right now.

Grab a trash bag, set a timer for 10 minutes, and let’s dive in! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create an instant sense of order.

1. Start Small with One Drawer or Shelf

Tackling your entire home at once can feel overwhelming, so start with something small. Pick one drawer or shelf that’s been bugging you. Take everything out, sort through it, and only put back what you actually need or love.

2. Do a Quick Sweep of Your Coffee Table

Your coffee table often becomes a catch-all for everything from magazines to remote controls. Take 5 minutes to clear it off. Only leave decorative items you truly enjoy or things you use regularly.

3. Tackle the Junk Mail Pile

We all have it—the ever-growing pile of mail you’ve been meaning to sort. Set aside 10 minutes to go through it and recycle anything you don’t need. You’ll feel so much lighter!

4. Use Baskets to Corral Items

Baskets are your best friend when it comes to quickly decluttering. Use them to hold random items like kids’ toys, shoes, or blankets. It’s an easy fix that makes everything look tidier.

5. Go Through Your Closet and Purge Unworn Clothes

This one is a game-changer. Pull out anything you haven’t worn in the past year. If it doesn’t fit, you don’t love it, or it’s just collecting dust, let it go! Donate or sell what you can.

6. Declutter Your Kitchen Countertops

Your countertops should be clear to maximize space. Take a moment to remove everything that doesn’t belong—like that coffee mug you haven’t used in months or the pile of papers. A clean counter is a clean mind!

7. Tidy Up Your Bathroom Sink Area

The bathroom sink is another area that can easily accumulate clutter. Put away all those beauty products you’re not currently using, and only leave out the essentials. A clean sink instantly makes the space feel more organized.

8. Digitize Important Documents

Instead of holding on to piles of paper, start scanning important documents and storing them digitally. That way, you free up space and still have everything organized and accessible.

9. Declutter Your Entryway

Your entryway is the first impression of your home, so it should feel welcoming, not cluttered. Clear off the shoes, coats, bags, and keys that always end up in this area. Use hooks or storage bins to organize.

10. Create a Daily “Put Away” Routine

Set aside a few minutes each day to go through your home and put things back in their rightful places. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference this small habit can make over time.

11. Sort Through Old Towels and Linens

We all have old towels and linens that are taking up space, especially when they’re too worn out to use. Purge what’s not serving you, and donate the good stuff to local shelters.

12. Clear Off Your Nightstand

Your nightstand can quickly become a dumping ground for books, electronics, and random items. Clear it off, and only keep what’s necessary: a lamp, clock, and maybe a book you’re currently reading.

13. Maximize Under-Bed Storage

Under-the-bed storage is a hidden goldmine for decluttering. Invest in storage bins or baskets to keep seasonal clothes, shoes, or extra blankets out of sight but easily accessible.

14. Go Through Your Kitchen Cabinets

Take a look inside your kitchen cabinets and get rid of any items you never use. Expired spices, mismatched containers, or gadgets gathering dust—now’s the time to let them go.

15. Consolidate Your Cleaning Supplies

You don’t need five different types of surface cleaners. Consolidate your cleaning products into a few essentials that work for multiple surfaces. This cuts down on clutter and makes cleaning simpler.

16. Declutter Your Digital Space

Your phone and computer can also get cluttered with unnecessary apps, photos, and files. Take 15 minutes to delete what you don’t need, organize your photos, and uninstall apps you never use.

17. Make Use of Vertical Space

Look up! Wall shelves and hooks can be a great way to store things you use often without taking up valuable floor space. Use vertical space to store things like keys, hats, or spices.

18. Use Drawer Organizers

Drawer organizers are fantastic for keeping everything in its place. Use them to separate socks, pens, or kitchen utensils. It’s a simple trick that makes a huge difference in tidiness.

19. Do a Toy Purge (If You Have Kids)

Toys can easily pile up and take over your home. Have your kids go through their toys and pick out the ones they no longer play with. Donate or store the ones in good condition for future use.

20. Get Rid of the Extra Mugs

We all collect random mugs over time. Go through your cabinet and get rid of any mugs that are chipped, unused, or taking up too much space. Keep only your favorites.

21. Organize Your Purse or Bag

It’s easy for your purse or bag to become a black hole of receipts, old tissues, and random items. Empty it out, toss what you don’t need, and organize the essentials in a way that’s easy to access.

22. Clear Off Your Dining Table

The dining table shouldn’t be a dumping ground for mail, bags, or dishes. Take a few minutes to clear it off after every meal, so it stays clean and inviting.

23. Make Your Bed Every Morning

Making your bed might seem like a small thing, but it instantly makes your room look neater and sets the tone for a productive day. It’s a simple habit that can change the whole vibe of your room.

24. Reorganize Your Pantry

If your pantry is overflowing and disorganized, take some time to organize it. Toss expired food, group similar items together, and use bins to separate snacks, grains, and canned goods. A neat pantry makes meal prep so much easier.

25. Use Multi-Functional Furniture

Consider swapping out furniture for pieces that serve multiple purposes, like ottomans with storage inside or a bed with built-in drawers. This will help you make the most of your space and keep things tidy.

26. Donate or Sell Unused Items Regularly

Every month, make it a habit to go through your home and gather items you don’t use or need. Donate or sell these items, and you’ll be amazed at how much space you can free up.

27. Create a “Clutter-Free” Zone

Designate one area of your home, like a corner of the living room or a shelf in the closet, to be clutter-free. This will serve as a visual reminder of how good it feels to keep things organized.

28. Reevaluate Your Furniture Arrangement

Sometimes, a fresh furniture arrangement can instantly make a room feel more spacious and organized. Experiment with different layouts and see what works best for the space.

29. Use Clear Containers for Storage

When you can see what’s inside, you’re less likely to forget about it and let it pile up. Use clear containers for things like seasonal clothes, office supplies, or holiday decorations.

30. Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions

Make decluttering a regular part of your routine. Set a reminder each week or month to spend 15 minutes going through one area of your home. Little efforts add up to big results.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

Decluttering doesn’t need to be a daunting task. With just a few small, consistent actions, you can create a more organized, peaceful home—starting today!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a trash bag, set a timer, and start with one of these simple tricks. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference it can make. Here’s to a clutter-free, stress-free space you can truly enjoy.

Here’s how to build wealth and harmony as a couple.

Kingsley Ubah
Kingsley Ubah

Kingsley is a technical writer with a knack for simplifying complex technical concepts and crafting clear, engaging articles.

When he isn't writing, he dabbles into his other hobbies such as painting, gaming, and cycling. He is also an avid traveler and a lover of art.

You can reach him using the links (social media profiles) below.

Articles: 177