7 Essential Tips for Decluttering The Home (The Pro Guide)

 

Look around your home. Do you see piles of paper on the kitchen counter? A wardrobe overflowing with clothes you never wear? A spare room that has become a dumping ground for forgotten items? If so, you’re not alone. In our busy lives, clutter can accumulate quickly, leaving us feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

The good news is that the process of decluttering the home doesn’t have to be a monumental task. The key is to start with a clear plan and build momentum. As cleaning professionals, we’ve seen firsthand how a decluttered space is not only easier to clean but also contributes to a calmer, more enjoyable living environment.

In this guide, we’ll share our top seven professional decluttering tips to help you reclaim your space and create a home you truly love.

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1. Start Small to Win Big (The 15-Minute Rule)

 

The biggest mistake people make is trying to tackle the entire house at once. This approach inevitably leads to burnout. Instead, start with a very small, manageable area.

Commit to just 15 minutes a day. Pick one spot – a single kitchen drawer, a small bookshelf, or the top of your bedside table. Set a timer and focus solely on that area. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish. These small, consistent wins build the momentum you need to take on larger projects.

 

2. Use the Four-Box Method

 

When you’re ready to tackle a larger area like a closet or a room, the Four-Box Method is your best friend. Get four boxes and label them:

• Keep: Items you love, use regularly, and have a designated place for.
• Donate/Sell: Items in good condition that you no longer need but someone else could use.
• Bin: Items that are broken, expired, or no longer usable.
• Relocate: Items that belong in another room. (Deal with this box last!)

This simple system forces you to make a decision about every single item, which is the core of effective home organisation.

 

3. The “One In, One Out” Rule

 

Once you’ve made progress, how do you prevent the clutter from returning? Implement the “One In, One Out” rule. For every new item you bring into your home, an old item must leave.

Buying a new pair of shoes? Donate an old pair. Get a new book? Pass one on to a friend. This simple habit is one of the most effective long-term strategies for maintaining a clutter-free home.

 

4. Ask the Right Questions

 

Struggling to decide whether to keep something? Don’t just ask, “Will I use this someday?” That’s a trap that leads to holding onto things indefinitely. Instead, ask more specific questions:

• Do I truly love this?
• Have I used this in the last 12 months?
• If I were shopping right now, would I buy this again?
• Is it worth the physical and mental space it’s taking up?

If the answer to these questions is no, it’s time to let the item go.

 

5. Decluttering Makes Cleaning More Effective

 

From our professional experience, a decluttered home is a dream to clean. When surfaces are clear, we can perform a much more thorough and efficient job, whether it’s for a regular service or a detailed spring cleaning. Removing surface clutter allows for proper dusting, sanitising, and deep cleaning, which is often impossible when items are in the way.

 

6. Give Everything a “Home”

 

A common reason clutter accumulates is that items don’t have a designated storage spot. Once you’ve decided what to keep, make sure every single item has a logical “home.”

• Use drawer dividers for utensils and office supplies.
• Invest in clear storage bins for seasonal items in the garage.
• Use hooks inside cupboards for things like measuring cups or keys.

When everything has a place, tidying up becomes a quick and simple task rather than a major project.

 

7. Don’t Confuse Organising with Decluttering

 

It can be tempting to rush out and buy beautiful new storage containers. However, organising clutter is not the same as getting rid of it. Complete the decluttering process first—sorting through your belongings and purging what you no longer need. Only then should you purchase storage solutions for the items you’ve decided to keep. This prevents you from simply hiding clutter in prettier boxes.

 

Your Calm and Tidy Home Awaits

 

Decluttering the home is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and enjoy the peace and clarity that a well-organised space brings.

Once the clutter is gone, why not treat yourself to a professional deep clean to make your home truly shine? Contact AustClean today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us handle the hard work.