Ways to Declutter: 5 Decluttering Methods to Fit Any Lifestyle

If you’re getting uncomfortable with the amount of clutter in your home, that means you’ve realized there’s a problem and it’s time to make a change.

But maybe the thought of decluttering just feels confusing and even more overwhelming than the clutter itself? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Here are 5 ways to declutter using different strategies. With these choices and my other declutter tips, you’ll easily find the best way to declutter your home that fits your current needs and clutter-clearing style.

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How many times have you thought about what life would be like if you reclaimed your space, making it clutter-free, clean, and organized? Hundreds? Thousands?

However, decluttering requires getting rid of stuff, and parting with possessions is often an emotionally overwhelming experience. Not to mention the ‘simple’ act of just deciding where to begin!

Perhaps you’ve started decluttering projects in the past that have quickly turned into an even greater mess that you couldn’t handle. Or maybe the process was taking so long that you felt like you would never see any real progress.

Please, please don’t give up on your dreams of living in a comfortable and decluttered space!

Fortunately, there are many creative ways to declutter that can make the process easier for your unique lifestyle needs. 

From slow and stress-free to challenging-but-quick, here are five ways to declutter… 

Easy Ways to Declutter Your Home

Because I’m an overthinker, my mission in life is to make everything as easy as possible. 

I also know that what seems ‘easy’ is not the same for everyone. Therefore, over the years I have come up with a few ways to declutter that work for a variety of emotional states and clutter levels. These are my three favorites.

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Slow Decluttering 

I developed this mess-free slow decluttering method when I finally decided to get serious about decluttering in 2018.

The concept is simple… make it a habit to declutter 10 items and/or 10 minutes every day, which is why I also call it 10/10 Decluttering. Everything counts, and making decisions about each item gets easier every day as you practice and see results.

On average, you can get rid of at least 300 items every month… and easily more when you hit your decluttering stride.

This is hands-down my favorite way to declutter, and it’s helped me let go of thousands of items over the years.

Best for: Anyone who has tried and failed at decluttering large piles or entire rooms at once, and those who are inspired by small, consistent wins and snowballing progress.

S.P.R.I.N.T. Method

If the idea of slow decluttering over weeks or months makes you twitch with impatience, try this S.P.R.I.N.T. method to declutter quickly. When you’re really motivated, you could finish an entire room in an hour.

S.P.R.I.N.T. stands for: 

S = Set a goal
P = Prepare
R = Race against the clock
I = Invigorate
N = No excuses
T = Treat yourself

Ready to give it a try? Click through to read all the details and time limits of each step to declutter in a day.

Best for: People who are truly ready to let things go and/or NEED to declutter quickly.

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30-Day Challenge

When you just don’t know where to begin your decluttering journey, a 30-day declutter challenge gives you a place to start and daily areas to work on. 

And because I love options, there are actually two ways to use this challenge: fast and finished, or slow and repeatable.

Grab the 30 Day Declutter Challenge Printable and get started today!

Best for: Someone who needs a structured plan of daily tasks.

Minimalist Decluttering

Many top minimalist bloggers and organizers have their own ways to declutter. Keep reading to learn about two decluttering methods from a couple of minimalist masters.

KonMari Method

Let’s start with one you’ve probably heard of many times over the past few years. You may have even been inspired by watching her program ‘Tidying Up with Marie Kondo’ on Netflix. 

Author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo is considered by many to be a decluttering guru. With over four million books sold, she definitely knows how to speak to our inner minimalist.

Marie’s method involves placing a higher focus on what to keep instead of what to toss. The basic principles involve categorizing your items and then taking time to sort through each category with the mindful intention of keeping only the ones that bring you joy.

For example, if you collect pottery, you would place your entire collection on a table. Then you would pick up and inspect each item, carefully determining which ones you ACTUALLY love for their unique characteristics or sentimentality.

Best for: People who can make a LOT of decisions quickly about entire categories of household items. 

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Minimalist Game

Two of my favorite minimalist bloggers are Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of the blog The Minimalists.

They came up with a fun way to clear clutter, and they call it the Minimalist Game. This method begins on the first day of a calendar month and requires you to choose and declutter the number of items that correspond with each day.

Getting rid of one thing on the first day is easy, but can you come up with 30 or 31 items to part with at month’s end? If you can stick with it, your home will have at least 465 fewer pieces of clutter.

You can increase accountability and make it a challenging competition with friends or family. Just remember… no trading clutter! 😉

Best for: Those who gain momentum as days pass and enjoy an increasing challenge to dig more deeply through their clutter every day.

More Decluttering Resources:

Your Successful Decluttering Field Guide — Decluttering doesn’t have to be exhausting, and it doesn’t have to be messy. This beautiful 100-page guide walks you through every step so you can WIN at decluttering. Start with your why, learn how to get rid of stuff easily, and see how quickly just a few minutes a day will make a huge difference in your home and your life. 

Exactly Where to Start Decluttering Your Home

62 Things to Declutter That You Won’t Miss at All

Stop Being a Victim of Clutter

5 Keys to Make Decluttering Sentimental Items Easier

Is Decluttering the Secret to Less Stress and Better Mental Health?

Stop Making These 14 Excuses to Avoid Decluttering Clothes

Final Thoughts on The Best Way to Declutter

While of course I’m partial to ways to declutter that work best for overthinkers, the MOST important thing is to pick one method that resonates with you and start making progress!

You really can have a more peaceful and clutter-free home as you Build Your Best Life.

You’ve got this!

Grab this list of 62 easy things to declutter and start your journey today. Fill out the form below to have the list sent to your inbox.

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