10 Best Decluttering Tips for Beginners

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home, you’re not alone. Even if you’re not dealing with extreme levels of mess, the process of decluttering can still feel daunting. It’s more than just getting rid of items; it’s also about confronting the decisions you’ve made to purchase and hold onto those items, which can lead to feelings of guilt.

But don’t worry, there are ways to tackle the clutter without feeling defeated. In this article, we’ll explore 10 practical decluttering ideas to help you eliminate overwhelm and create a more organized and peaceful home. From getting rid of expired makeup to editing your pantry, these tips will help you take control of your space and feel empowered in the process.

Key Takeaways

• Start by getting rid of 10 items of clothing you don’t need
• Set a timer for 15 minutes and tackle a small area at a time
• Decluttering is not just about getting rid of items, it’s also about confronting the decisions you’ve made to hold onto them.

First, Get Rid of the Guilt

When it comes to decluttering, one of the biggest obstacles you may face is guilt. Guilt can come in many forms, such as regret from overspending money on useless items or worrying about getting rid of gifts from others.

To overcome this guilt, remind yourself that the decisions you made in the past are just that – in the past. You’re now focused on improving your future, and decluttering is a big step toward that goal.

To help you get started, try these 10 easy decluttering ideas when you’re feeling overwhelmed. You can tackle one of these ideas every day and gradually work towards a clutter-free home.

Here are the 10 easy decluttering ideas:

1. Start with one small area
2. Create a donate pile
3. Use the “one in, one out” rule
4. Tackle one category at a time
5. Set a timer for 15 minutes
6. Take before and after photos
7. Get rid of duplicates
8. Store seasonal items out of sight
9. Sort mail and paperwork daily
10. Say goodbye to expired items.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a clutter-free home and a clearer mind.

1. Get Rid of 10 Items of Clothing You Don’t Need

Take a quick inventory of your closet and dresser and pick out the first ten items you know you’ll never wear again. Whether they’re ripped, stained, too big or small, or just never worn, it’s time to let them go. Donate clothes in excellent condition, and throw out the rest.

2. Set a Timer for 15 min.

Clear out clutter quickly by setting a timer for 15 minutes and decluttering one room. Don’t overthink it – just toss unusable items in the trash and usable items in a donation box. Repeat this process for each room until your home is clutter-free.

Remember to recycle or dispose of items properly.

3. Go Through Sock Drawers

Are you tired of always finding old, holey, and unmatched socks in your drawers?

1. Get rid of all junk socks.
2. Make a pile of the ones that don’t have a match.
3. If they haven’t been matched up in a week, pitch them.

By doing this, you’ll save time and frustration in the morning. Plus, you’ll have a clean and organized sock drawer. Don’t forget to recycle or donate the socks you no longer need.

4. Throw Out Expired Makeup

It’s important to regularly go through your makeup collection and get rid of any expired products or items that you haven’t used in a while. Refer to this guide to determine if your makeup is still safe to use. Remember, using expired makeup can lead to skin irritation and infections.

5. Donate Too-Small Kids’ Clothes

When it comes to kids’ clothes, less is more. Children don’t need as many clothes as adults do, and it’s easy to accumulate more than they can wear. Take some time to go through your child’s closet and set aside anything that no longer fits or has never been worn.

Once you have a box full of clothes to donate, be sure to actually donate it. Don’t leave it lying around the house. Consider donating to a local thrift store or charity organization that accepts gently used clothing.

6. Go Through Your Shoes

It’s time to declutter your shoe collection. Start by getting rid of any shoes that are completely worn out or damaged beyond repair. Next, take a critical look at the shoes that are still in good condition but don’t fit right or are uncomfortable. These shoes are taking up valuable space in your closet and are unlikely to ever be worn. Consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store. By going through your shoes, you’ll free up space and make room for new, comfortable shoes that you’ll actually wear.

7. Throw Out 10 Toys

Clear out your clutter by throwing out 10 broken or junk toys.

8. Go Through Toiletries

It’s easy to accumulate toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, and skin products. To keep your collection from getting out of hand, go through your items regularly and throw out anything you’ve had for more than one year or anything you bought but don’t like. Keep your collection minimal and manageable.

9. Expired Medication

Check the expiration dates of your medication and dispose of any that have expired.

10. Edit Your Pantry

Regularly checking your pantry for expired and stale items is a great way to keep track of what you have and what needs to be used up before it expires. You don’t need to employ beautiful organizational tactics – just get rid of what you don’t need.

Eliminate Overwhelm with These Decluttering Ideas

Feeling overwhelmed by the state of your house? These ten decluttering ideas are easy to implement and make a huge difference!

1. Start with one room: Focus on decluttering one room at a time. This will help you stay motivated and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Use the four-box method: Label four boxes as “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” and “trash”. As you declutter, place each item in the appropriate box.
3. Set a timer: Set a timer for 15-30 minutes and declutter as much as you can during that time. This will help you avoid burnout and stay focused.
4. Take before and after photos: Seeing the progress you’ve made can be a great motivator. (Check out my before and after decluttering photos here.)
5. Get rid of duplicates: Do you really need three sets of measuring cups? Keep the best one and donate or sell the rest.
6. Create a designated donation spot: Have a designated spot in your home where you can accumulate items to donate.
7. Start with easy items: Start decluttering with items that are easy to let go of, such as expired food or old magazines.
8. Use vertical space: Utilize shelves and hooks to create more storage space.
9. Keep items off the floor: Invest in storage solutions that keep items off the floor, such as under-bed storage containers.
10. Involve the whole family: Get your family involved in the decluttering process. Assign tasks and make it a fun challenge.

Remember, consistent effort is key. Give these decluttering ideas a try, and in ten days, you’ll start to see the results of your hard work. Don’t forget to check out the free decluttering checklist for even more ideas!