Ready to finally reclaim your home from the chaos? In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to declutter your home room by room using a proven method that works in real life — not just Pinterest.
With over a decade of experience as an interior designer, I’ve helped people just like you cut through the clutter and create spaces that actually feel good to live in.
Whether you’re tackling a crowded closet or a messy kitchen, you’ll get real steps that bring real results.
| Step | Room | Main Task | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whole Home | Set a schedule and assign time blocks for each room | Start with quick wins to build momentum |
| 2 | Entry Area or Hallway | Prepare decluttering tools and create sorting stations | Label bins: Keep, Donate, Relocate |
| 3 | Bathroom | Remove expired products and clear surfaces | Use trays or bins for daily essentials |
| 4 | Kitchen | Clear counters and organize drawers and pantry | Declutter by zones for faster progress |
| 5 | Closets | Sort clothes by type and frequency of use | Use uniform hangers and seasonal bins |
| 6 | Living Room | Contain clutter in decorative baskets or drawers | Keep surfaces minimal and intentional |
| 7 | Bedroom | Remove visual clutter and organize nightstands | Keep only calming and essential items in view |
Step 1: Set Your Decluttering Schedule ⏰
Before anything else, commit to a plan. Trying to tackle your whole home in a weekend is a fast track to burnout.
📝 Do this:
- Block off time on your calendar — 1 to 2 hours per room
- Start with easier areas first (think: bathrooms or linen closets)
- Schedule breaks to avoid overwhelm
⚠️ Skip this step and you’ll likely start strong and quit halfway.
Step 2: Grab the Essentials 🧺
Don’t start without your gear. You need a simple toolkit for sorting and tossing.
🧰 What you’ll need:
- Trash bags (one for trash, one for donations)
- Three boxes or baskets labeled: Keep, Donate, Relocate
- A notepad for any repairs or replacements you notice along the way
💡 Pro tip: Keep cleaning supplies nearby. Decluttering is the perfect time to wipe down dusty shelves and baseboards.
Step 3: Start with the Bathroom 🧴
It’s small, straightforward, and offers a quick win — perfect for building momentum.
🧼 What to tackle:
- Expired medications, skincare, and cosmetics
- Duplicates (how many half-used lotions do you need?)
- Towels with holes or stains — time to say goodbye
🏆 Quick win: Replace mismatched containers with stackable bins or clear trays for a cleaner look.
Step 4: Declutter the Kitchen One Zone at a Time 🍽
This space sees the most action and clutter — mail piles, random gadgets, expired food.
🔍 Focus areas:
- Pantry: Toss anything expired or stale
- Utensil drawers: Keep only what you actually use
- Counters: Clear everything except daily essentials
🥡 Hot take: You don’t need three sets of measuring cups. Pick the best, donate the rest.
Step 5: Conquer the Closets 👕
Closets are sneaky clutter magnets. But when done right, this step makes your mornings 10x easier.
🧦 Closet checklist:
- Anything you haven’t worn in a year? Let it go.
- Broken hangers, orphan socks, shoes that hurt — all out.
- Sort by season and category for easier access
📌 Pro tip: Use matching hangers for a cleaner, boutique-like feel.
Step 6: Reset the Living Room 🛋
This is your comfort zone, but it’s often overrun by remotes, cords, magazines, and kid stuff.
📦 Try this system:
- Designate one stylish basket or box for miscellaneous items
- Limit decor — one tray or shelf of curated pieces makes a bigger impact
- Bundle cords and hide power strips with a cord box or under-furniture organizers
🎯 Your goal here: Create space for living, not just storing.
Step 7: Make the Bedroom a Restful Zone 💤
You can’t relax in a room full of visual noise. Your bedroom should feel like a retreat.
🛏 Key actions:
- Clear nightstands except for the essentials (lamp, book, glass of water)
- Remove clutter from under the bed — use storage bins if needed
- Keep surfaces minimal and calming
💬 Client quote: “Once I decluttered my bedroom, I started sleeping better. No joke.”
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a full weekend and a truckload of motivation. What you need is a room-by-room plan — one that breaks the cycle and actually works with your lifestyle.
🛠 The 7 steps, in a nutshell:
- Schedule the time
- Grab your tools
- Start with the bathroom
- Tackle the kitchen
- Reset the closets
- Simplify the living room
- Make the bedroom peaceful
Each step is one more move toward a home that works for you, not against you.
