How to Simplify Life and Declutter the Unwanted Stuff: 18 Best Tips

Simplifying your life and decluttering can help you feel more relaxed and focused. When you remove unwanted stuff, you make space for what matters. The key is to know how to sort, organize, and let go of things you no longer need. This is the best way to simplify life and declutter any unwanted stuff.

You don’t have to wait for a big event to start decluttering. Small, thoughtful steps can make a big difference over time. This guide gives you 18 practical tips to make the process easier and less overwhelming.

By following these tips, you can create a clearer, calmer space that supports your daily life. You’ll learn how to decide what to keep and what to toss without stress or confusion.

How to Simplify life and declutter

You may face some common barriers when you start decluttering. These obstacles can slow you down or make you stop altogether.

One of the most significant barriers is emotional attachment. You might keep items because they remind you of special moments or people. Letting go can feel like losing a part of your past.

This is how I had kept clutter in my house for so many years. I have always thought about how these things are dear to me and I can never bring myself to throw them out. For example my daughter’s toys and clothes were the most difficult for me to throw.

Another barrier is the fear of needing the item later. You may think, “I might use this someday.” This fear makes it hard to decide what to toss. This creates chaos not only in your house and surroundings but in mind also.

Believe me, when you let go of the stuff that you haven’t used in years, you feel so relieved. Gradually, you will learn that throwing unwanted stuff is easier than organizing everything.

Time and energy can also get in the way. Decluttering takes effort, and you may feel too busy or tired to begin.

Some people struggle with perfectionism. You might want to give up if it’s not going well, but don’t be tempted to declutter perfectly.

Knowing these barriers helps you find ways to deal with them. It can make your decluttering easier and more successful.

Benefits of a Simplified Life

When you simplify your life, you create more space for what matters. Removing clutter helps you focus better and feel less stressed.

You will likely save time by not having to clean, organize, or search for things frequently. This extra time can be spent on hobbies, family, or rest.

Simplifying also makes your home safer and easier to navigate. Fewer items mean less chance of accidents or tripping.

You may find that your mind feels clearer. A tidy space often helps reduce mental clutter and improves your mood.

Here are some key benefits to expect:

Simplifying can also save money. When you stop buying unnecessary things, you spend less and make better choices.

In short, you gain control over your space and your life. This leads to a smoother daily routine and more peace of mind.

1. Identify Unwanted Belongings

This is the very first step you will need while decluttering the unwanted stuff. You need to identify items that no longer serve you. Start by examining your home for things you rarely use or that cause clutter.

Ask yourself these questions for each item:

• Have I used this in the last year?
• Does it have sentimental or practical value?
• Would I repurchase it today?

If the answer is mostly no, it may be time to let it go.

Focus on common categories of unwanted items, such as old clothes, broken gadgets, unused kitchen tools, and expired products. These often take up space without adding value.

Create a simple list:

Sorting items this way makes the process less overwhelming. You’ll find that deciding becomes easier when you see patterns in what you don’t need.

Remember, your goal is to clear space for what matters more to you. This stage sets the foundation for a simpler life with less clutter.

2. Evaluate What Truly Matters

To simplify your life, start by considering what is truly important to you. Ask yourself questions like: Does this item add value to my life? or Do I use this often?

Focus on items that support your goals or bring you joy. Things that don’t serve a clear purpose are often just clutter.

Create a simple list of what matters most in your daily life. This could include relationships, hobbies, health, or work essentials. Use this list to guide your decisions about what to keep.

Here’s a quick way to evaluate your stuff:

Be honest with yourself during this process. Avoid keeping things out of guilt or because of past memories. You can store special items separately if needed.

Remember, the goal is to clear space for what truly adds meaning to your life. This creates a simpler, more focused environment.

3. Set Manageable Decluttering Goals

Start by breaking your decluttering tasks into small, clear goals. Instead of saying, “I will clean the whole house,” try “I will declutter the kitchen drawer today.” Small steps help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Write down your goals to keep track to Simplify life and declutter. Use a list like this to stay organized:

Set realistic time limits. Don’t plan to finish big tasks in one day. You can spend 15-30 minutes per session if that fits your schedule better.

Focus on one area or type of item at a time. This keeps you clear about what to do and helps you see progress fast.

Be specific about what you want to achieve. For example, say “Get rid of 10 old books,” not just “Clean the bookshelf.” Clear goals make your work easier and more effective.

If you have larger goals, break them down into smaller, more manageable parts. For example:

• Organize clothes → Sort by season → Decide what to keep or donate
• Clean garage → Clear shelves → Sweep floor

Remember to celebrate small wins. Each completed goal brings you closer to a simpler life.

4. Room-By-Room Approach

Start by focusing on one room at a time. This helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed and keeps the task straightforward and manageable.

Start with a small, easy room, such as a bathroom or a bedroom. This builds momentum and gives you a sense of progress.

In each room, divide the space into smaller sections. For example, in the kitchen, sort through your pantry, cabinets, and counters separately.

This helps you see what you have and decide what to keep.

Use a simple three-box method: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Trash. Place items into these boxes as you go, so you stay organized.

Make quick decisions. If you haven’t used an item in the last year, consider if it really belongs in your home. This rule can help remove things that are just taking up space.

After clearing one room, clean the space before moving on to the next area. A clean space feels lighter and motivates you to stay focused and continue.

Tracking your progress can help too. Mark off completed rooms on a list to see how much you’ve done. This keeps you focused and on track.

Take breaks if needed. Decluttering can be tiring, and taking short breaks helps maintain your energy and focus.

You can repeat this method with every room in your home. It makes decluttering less stressful and more organized.

5. Start with One Drawer

Begin by choosing just one drawer to declutter. This focused approach makes the task less overwhelming and easier to complete. You can pick a drawer that bothers you the most or one that gets used every day.

Empty the drawer completely. Remove everything and place it on a transparent surface.

This helps you see what you really have and decide what to keep or toss.

Sort the items into three piles: Keep, Donate or Sell, and Trash. Be honest about what you use. Items you haven’t touched in months probably don’t need to stay.

Before putting things back, clean the drawer with a damp cloth. This step is simple but makes a big difference in how fresh your space feels.

Put back only the items you truly want and need. Use small boxes or dividers to keep things organized if you can. This helps you find stuff quickly and keeps the drawer neat.

Set a time limit, like 15-30 minutes, to avoid getting stuck. You can finish the whole drawer in one go or split it into parts. Starting small builds momentum for bigger decluttering projects.

6. Create ‘Donate,’ ‘Trash,’ and ‘Keep’ Bins

Set up three separate bins or boxes for sorting your items: Donate, Trash, and Keep. This way, you can quickly decide where each item belongs without confusion.

The Donate bin is for things that are in good condition but you no longer need. Clothes, books, toys, and household items that someone else could use go here.

The Trash bin is for broken, damaged, or unusable items. Anything that can’t be fixed or reused should be thrown away. Keep this bin separate to avoid mixing trash with donations.

The Keep bin is for items you want to keep using. Only place things here that you use, love, or need. This helps prevent clutter from returning.

You can label the bins clearly using stickers or markers. For example:

Having these bins ready makes sorting faster and more organized. It also helps you stay focused without second-guessing what to do next.

7. Clear Surfaces First to Simplify life and declutter

Start by clearing all flat surfaces in your home. Tables, countertops, and desks often collect lots of small items. Removing clutter here makes a big difference.

When you have little kids at home, the flat surfaces have more small items.

I know my daughter will keep her little crafty things made on the Dining table or kitchen table so that she will not forget them while going to school.

Look at what is truly needed on these surfaces. Keep only essentials, such as a lamp, a few books, or a daily-use item. Store or throw away everything else.

Use this simple checklist to clear surfaces:

Once surfaces are clean, it will be easier to maintain a tidy space daily. Clean spots appear larger and feel more calming.

Make clearing surfaces a regular habit. Spend 5 minutes each day putting things back in their place. This keeps clutter from building up again.

8. Let Go of ‘Just in Case’ Items

You might keep things because you think you might need them someday. These are referred to as “just in case” items. However, holding on to them often leads to clutter and stress.

Ask yourself if you have used the item in the last year. If the answer is no, it’s likely safe to let it go. Keeping things for an unknown future can stop you from enjoying your space now.

Here are some examples of “just in case” items to consider removing:

If you feel unsure, try this: put “just in case” items in a box and store it away for 3-6 months. If you don’t need anything from that box by then, consider donating, recycling, or disposing of the items.

Remember, holding onto these things can crowd your space and mind. By letting go, you make room for what matters now.

9. Follow the ‘One In, One Out’ Rule

The ‘One In, One Out’ rule helps you keep your stuff under control. When you bring something new into your home, you remove one old item. This prevents clutter from accumulating over time.

This rule applies to various items, such as clothes, books, or kitchen supplies. For example, if you buy a new shirt, get rid of one old shirt you no longer wear. It keeps your wardrobe balanced.

You can also use a simple list to track what you bring in and take out:

This rule prompts you to think before making a purchase. You ask yourself if the new item is worth one of your current possessions.

It helps you buy less and keep only what you use.

Try this rule for 30 days. You might find your space feels less crowded. It also saves you money by avoiding unnecessary purchases.

10. Utilize Vertical and Hidden Spaces

You can save a lot of room by using vertical space in your home. Think about walls, door backs, and tall shelves. These areas often go unused but can hold a multitude of items.

Install hooks or pegboards on walls to hang tools, bags, or kitchen utensils.

This keeps things off counters and floors, reducing clutter. You can also use tall bookcases or shelves to store books, boxes, or decorations.

Look for hidden spaces in your furniture. Under beds, inside ottomans, or behind cabinet doors are perfect spots to store items you don’t need every day. Use storage bins or baskets to keep these spaces tidy.

Here are some ideas to try:

• Hang floating shelves on empty walls
• Use over-the-door organizers for shoes or cleaning supplies
• Store boxes or bins under the bed with wheels
• Add hooks under kitchen cabinets for mugs or utensils

By utilizing vertical and hidden spaces, you can make your living area appear neater. It also makes it easier to find what you need without having to search through piles.

Try to think about every inch of your space to get the best use from it.

11. Make Decisions With Confidence

When decluttering, you must decide what to keep and what to let go of. Confidence makes this easier. Trust your feelings and needs instead of overthinking.

Ask yourself simple questions like:

• Do I use this regularly?
• Does it add value to my life?
• Have I used it in the past year?

If you answer “no” to most, it’s likely time to part with that item.

Create a rule to stick to, such as the “one-year rule.” If you haven’t used something in a year, consider removing it.

Another way is to sort items into three groups:

This visual helps you make clear decisions.

Avoid guilt or second-guessing. You are choosing what fits your life now, not what was helpful in the past.

If unsure, put the item in a box and set a reminder. If you don’t use it by a set date, get rid of it.

Remember, making decisions with confidence speeds up the decluttering process and leads to a simpler space.

12. Set Limits for Sentimental Items

Sentimental items can be some of the hardest to part with. You want to keep memories, but too many items create clutter.

Setting clear limits helps you hold on to what matters without overload.

Decide on a specific space for sentimental things. This could be one box, drawer, or shelf. Once that space is complete, it means you need to remove something before adding more.

Use this simple rule to guide you:

Ask yourself if each item truly brings value or happiness. If not, it might be time to let it go. This helps reduce clutter and keeps your space manageable.

You can also take pictures of items you want to remember, but don’t need to keep physically. This way, you keep the memory without the stuff.

By setting limits, you control your space and make better choices about what to keep. This keeps sentimental clutter from taking over your life.

13. Simply your Wardrobe to Simplify life and declutter

Start by sorting your clothes into three piles: keep, donate, and toss. This helps you see what you wear and what takes up space.

Choose items that fit well and match your style. If something hasn’t been worn in a year, it’s probably time to let it go.

Limit your wardrobe to basics that mix and match easily. This saves time picking outfits and reduces clutter.

Organize your clothes by type or color. You can use bins, shelves, or hanging organizers to keep everything visible and neat.

Create a capsule wardrobe by picking 20-30 versatile pieces. These can cover your daily needs without overcrowding your closet.

Use clear storage bags for out-of-season clothes. This keeps them fresh and frees up space for current items.

Here’s a simple checklist to follow:

You’ll find your wardrobe easier to manage and your mornings less stressful after simplifying it this way.

14. Digitize What you Could

You can reduce physical clutter by turning many items into digital versions.

This saves space and makes your things easier to find and manage. Using the right tools and getting support can help keep you on track.

Using Apps for Organization

Apps help you store and organize important papers, notes, photos, and even receipts. Look for apps that allow you to scan documents using your phone’s camera. Many apps can automatically sort files by date, type, or tags.

Some popular choices include Evernote, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneNote. These let you search for files quickly, so you don’t waste time digging through piles.

You can also use apps to track tasks or set reminders. Keeping digital to-do lists reduces paper clutter and helps you stay focused on what matters.

Seeking Accountability Partners to Simplify life and declutter

Finding someone to support you makes digitizing less overwhelming. An accountability partner checks in on your progress and motivates you to stay on track.

This person can be a friend or family member with similar goals.

You can set regular times to update each other on your tasks.

Sharing your plans helps you stay honest about how much you’re doing. Plus, partners may offer helpful tips or tools they use for organizing digital items.

Together, you can celebrate small wins and avoid slipping back into old habits.

100 things to declutter this year

15. Stop Shopping as a Hobby

Shopping can easily become a habit, not just a need. When you buy things for fun or out of boredom, your space fills up with stuff you don’t want or need.

Later, you become attached to things because you have spent money on them. I couldn’t throw away things that are not used.

For clothes, I will take them out, wear them a few times, and then throw them out.

To stop shopping as a hobby, try these simple steps:

• Set a budget for non-essential items.
• Wait 24 hours before making a new purchase.
• Find free activities to replace shopping, like walking or reading.
• Unsubscribe from marketing emails to reduce temptation.

When you avoid shopping for fun, you save money and reduce clutter. You also learn to appreciate what you already have.

Keep track of your spending. Write down every purchase, even small ones. This helps you see where your money goes and if you are shopping out of habit.

Remember, shopping should meet your needs, not fill time or emotions. Changing this habit will help simplify your life and keep your space tidy.

16. Create a Daily Declutter Habit

You can make decluttering easy by doing a little bit every day. Set aside just 5 to 10 minutes to look around and clear out small areas. This short daily habit stops clutter from piling up.

Try focusing on one small spot each day. For example:

• Your desk drawer
• A kitchen shelf
• A few clothes in your closet

This keeps the task manageable and quick.

Use a simple checklist to track what you declutter. Mark off areas as you clean them. This helps you stay organized and see your progress.

Tips for daily decluttering:

• Pick a regular time to do it (like after breakfast).
• Keep a box or bag nearby for items to donate or discard.
• Avoid doing too much at once to prevent feeling overwhelmed.

By incorporating daily decluttering into your routine, your space remains tidy without requiring extensive, tiring clean-ups. You’ll feel more in control and less stressed about messes.

17. Organize What is Left

After removing the unwanted stuff, focus on organizing what you decided to keep. Ensure that every item has a designated place. This makes it easier to find things when you need them.

Use containers or boxes to group similar items together. Label these containers clearly. This way, you will always know where to return things.

Consider a simple system like this:

Keep flat surfaces clear. Clutter often builds up there first. If you have a designated spot for everything, your space will stay tidier for longer.

Review your organization often. Adjust as needed if you find that specific items don’t fit well. This keeps your system working smoothly.

Remember, an organized space saves time and reduces stress. When your things are in order, your mind feels clearer. You can focus better on what matters most.

18. Embrace the Calm of Simplicity

You can find peace by choosing to live a simple life. When you remove extra clutter, your space feels less busy. This can help reduce stress and clear your mind.

Focus on keeping only what you truly need or love. This means saying no to things that do not add value to your life. The fewer distractions you have, the easier it is to relax.

Here are ways to embrace simplicity:

• Limit your belongings to what fits in designated spaces.
• Create daily routines that keep your life manageable.
• Spend time in quiet places to reset your mind.

When you simplify, you also give yourself time. Time that was once lost managing excess stuff can now be used for hobbies, rest, or connecting with family.

Remember, simplicity is not about having nothing. It is about making room for what matters most to you. This mindset will help you enjoy a clearer, calmer life.

Frequently Asked Questions: Simplify life and declutter

You can clear space by sorting items into piles for keeping, donating, and tossing. Focus on things you no longer use or need. Organizing step-by-step helps manage clutter without feeling overwhelmed.

What are effective strategies for purging unnecessary items from your home?

Start by setting small goals, like clearing one drawer or shelf at a time.

Use the “one-year rule”: if you haven’t used an item in a year, consider removing it. Be honest about what you need.

Donate or recycle items that are still in good condition. Throw away broken or worn-out items that cannot be repaired. Avoid keeping items out of guilt or future “might use” plans.

What items should be prioritized when attempting to simplify one’s personal belongings?

Begin with duplicate items, such as extra kitchen tools or clothing. Next, remove items that occupy a lot of space but offer little value, such as old paperwork or expired food. Focus on sentimental items last, but keep only those meaningful to you.

Look at items that cause daily stress or clutter. These often include unread books, unused gadgets, and leftover packaging.

Can you suggest a step-by-step guide to reduce clutter in a busy household?

1. Select a small area to start, such as a countertop or closet.
2. Empty the space completely and sort items into categories.
3. Decide what to keep, donate, or throw away.
4. Clean the area before putting back only the items you need.
5. Create designated areas for frequently used items to maintain order.
6. Repeat this process weekly until your whole home feels clearer.

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