Feeling overwhelmed by the endless piles of stuff in your home? You're not alone. Clutter has become a growing epidemic in American households, with the average person throwing away a staggering 81.5 pounds of clothing each year, according to the EPA. But what's the solution?
What this really means is that we've developed a culture of overconsumption and disposability that's wreaking havoc on our living spaces. The good news is that professional organizers have cracked the code on how to effectively declutter - room by room.
The 6 Best Room-by-Room Decluttering Methods
Decluttering can feel like an insurmountable task, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes all the difference. We spoke to top organizing experts to uncover their proven, room-specific strategies for reclaiming your space once and for all.
1. Start Small in the Bathroom
The bathroom is often a great place to start, says Nomita Vaish-Taylor, a professional organizer and writer for The Spruce. "Focus on quick wins like expired makeup, dried-out nail polish, and unused haircare products." This builds momentum and prevents decision fatigue as you tackle the bigger rooms.
2. Ruthlessly Purge the Closet
Your closet is a breeding ground for clutter, from clothes you never wear to shoes you forgot you owned. Designers recommend the "90/90 rule" - if you haven't worn an item in 90 days and don't plan to in the next 90, it's time to let it go.
3. Streamline the Kitchen
The kitchen can quickly become a dumping ground for gadgets, utensils, and food items you'll never use. Professional organizer Sheila Kim advises focusing on "mystery tech cables, reusable bags you don't need, and expired spices" to start decluttering this high-traffic space.
4. Tackle the Home Office
Papers, files, and office supplies have a way of multiplying exponentially. Jonathon Jachura of Today's Homeowner suggests "going digital" with documents and using drawer organizers to corral the remaining essentials.
5. Declutter the Living Room
This communal space can easily become a catch-all. This article recommends paring down accent pieces, coffee table books, and decorative items to create a more intentional, "lived-in" aesthetic.
6. Tackle the Garage/Basement Last
These storage spaces tend to accumulate the most clutter over time. Kate Van Pelt of The Spruce advises saving these for last, when you'll have the momentum and clarity to make tough decisions about what to keep versus toss.
The bigger picture here is that decluttering is an ongoing process, not a one-time project. By adopting these room-by-room strategies, you can steadily reclaim your living spaces and enjoy the lasting benefits of a clutter-free home.