What is decluttering?

Published: October 25, 2025
Updated: October 25, 2025

The very act of uncluttering puts sophisticated systems in action, which reduce your unnecessary possessions, taking the clutter out of your environment and creating organized spaces. The result is a less cluttered environment, an easier place to find things. Cluttered spaces become functional spaces, putting into action some well-thought-out decision as to possessions. There is an anonymous release from the rage of daily living situations.

Begin with spaces like kitchen counters or entryway tables, which are obvious spaces that cause daily anxiety when overloaded. My bathroom cabinet was the initial area I began with years ago, and that gave me the confidence to tackle larger areas of the home.

Mental Clarity

  • Reduces decision fatigue from visual overload
  • Lowers cortisol levels linked to clutter stress
  • Creates mental space for focused thinking

Time Savings

  • Eliminates daily searches for misplaced items
  • Cuts cleaning time by up to forty percent
  • Prevents weekend marathons reorganizing chaos

Functional Spaces

  • Makes rooms serve their intended purposes
  • Creates efficient workflows in kitchens
  • Restores calm in bedrooms for better sleep

The one-in, one-out policy helps to maintain the organization after the initial organizational process. For each new item you bring into your home, you should make sure you discard or donate something you already have. This helps keep you from needing to reaccumulate unnecessary items. Use the one-in-one-out strategy consistently with clothes, books, and kitchen items, and you will see an impact.

Decluttering Schedule
AreaSurfaces (counters, tables)FrequencyDailyTime Required
5 minutes
AreaDigital files/emailsFrequencyWeeklyTime Required
15 minutes
AreaClosets/storageFrequencyMonthlyTime Required
30 minutes
AreaSentimental itemsFrequencyAnnualTime Required
1-2 hours

Address sentimental items by taking pictures of significant items you may want to donate. Keep only one curated memory box per individual for tangible keepsakes. This way, you can honor the memories. Still, you won't have remnants of possibly unused assets surrounding you, taking up space.

Use the twelve-twelve-twelve method for quick wins. Find twelve things to donate, twelve things to discard, and twelve things to put back in their home. In thirty minutes, you'll see the progress made toward your piles, creating an increased desire to work on larger projects.

Read the full article: 10 Best Decluttering Tips for Your Home

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