Top 10 Easy Decluttering Hacks for a Stress-Free Home
- Feb 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 13
Ever feel like your home is just one big mess waiting to happen? Trust me, I’ve been there—dodging laundry piles, digging through drawers for my keys, and wondering how on earth things got so cluttered. But over time, I found little hacks that made tidying up so much easier (and way less overwhelming!). Here are my top 10 favorite decluttering hacks that have helped me create a stress-free home. Hope they help you too!
1. The 10-Minute Declutter Rule
I used to think decluttering meant spending an entire weekend sorting through stuff (ugh!). Then I discovered the magic of setting a 10-minute timer. Every day, I pick a small area—a drawer, a shelf, or even just my handbag—and declutter for 10 minutes. It’s amazing how much you can get done without feeling overwhelmed! Having a simple kitchen timer makes it even easier to stay on track.
2. The “One In, One Out” Rule
Every time I buy something new, I make sure to let go of one old item. This simple rule has kept my closet from turning into a monster! If I get a new pair of shoes, an old (worn-out) pair has to go. This also works wonders for kids’ toys, kitchen gadgets, and even books. Vacuum storage bags are great for keeping seasonal clothes neatly stored away without taking up space.
3. The 12-12-12 Challenge
I love this challenge when my house starts feeling chaotic. Find:
12 items to donate
12 items to toss
12 items to return to their proper place
It’s fun, fast, and makes a noticeable difference in no time! Using woven storage baskets makes it easy to sort through things quickly and keep everything organized.
4. The “Does It Spark Joy?” Test
Marie Kondo wasn’t kidding—asking myself if something truly brings me joy has stopped me from hoarding unnecessary stuff. If I haven’t worn, used, or appreciated it in a year, it’s time to say goodbye! Switching to space-saving velvet hangers has also made my closet look neater and feel more functional.
5. The “Drop Zone” Trick
You know that spot where everything just piles up? (For me, it’s the entryway table!) I finally tackled this by creating a dedicated “drop zone” with a cute tray for keys, a basket for mail, and a small organizer for random bits and bobs. An entryway organizer keeps everything in place and looks stylish too.
6. The 5-Second Rule for Decision-Making
Whenever I’m torn about keeping something, I ask myself: “Have I used this in the last six months? Will I use it in the next six?” If I can’t confidently say yes in 5 seconds, out it goes! A label maker has also been a lifesaver in keeping my pantry and storage bins organized, so I know exactly what I have.
7. The “Clutter-Free Nightstand” Challenge
I used to wake up to a cluttered nightstand, and let me tell you, it does not set a peaceful tone for the day. Now, I only keep the essentials: a lamp, a book, and my water bottle. Everything else gets a home elsewhere. A bedside organizer helps keep everything tidy without sacrificing convenience.
8. The “15-Minute Basket” Method
Grab a basket and walk around your home picking up anything that doesn’t belong. Then, take 15 minutes to put everything back in its rightful place. It’s a game-changer for keeping the house neat without spending hours cleaning! Decorative storage baskets make tidying up feel less like a chore.
9. The “Digital Declutter” Trick
Clutter isn’t just physical! I was drowning in email subscriptions and unnecessary apps. Now, I spend 10 minutes every Sunday unsubscribing, deleting, and organizing my digital space. It’s surprisingly refreshing! Using an external hard drive helps keep important files safe and reduces digital clutter.
10. The “Weekend Purge”
Once a month, I pick a category—clothes, books, pantry items—and do a mini-purge. It keeps my home feeling fresh without the overwhelm of a massive decluttering session. Stackable storage bins make it easy to keep everything in order.
Final thoughts
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a huge, exhausting project. With these simple hacks, you can clear the clutter and enjoy a peaceful, stress-free home! What’s your favorite decluttering trick? Let me know in the comments!
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