The Ultimate Decluttering Guide for Every Room

Clutter has a way of sneaking up on us. One day, your kitchen counter is spotless, and the next, it’s buried under unopened mail, a half-finished craft project, and a collection of water bottles. (We all have them, and we don't really need all of them. Still, we can't seem to part with them.)

Decluttering isn’t just about having a Pinterest-worthy home. It’s about creating a space that works for you. We've created this checklist to guide you through the process so you'll feel less overwhelmed and actually enjoy your home again.
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Tips for Getting Started

Set Your Goals

Before you start tossing things in a donation bin or shoving them from one closet to another, take a moment to think about what you want. 

• Are you clearing space for a home office? 
• Hoping to streamline your morning routine? 
• Trying to negotiate a pathway through your living room without tripping over toys? 

We've been there, and knowing your “why” will help you stay focused when you hit decision fatigue.
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Gather Your Supplies

You don’t need fancy storage containers to start decluttering, but you do need a game plan. Here are a few things that you might find handy:

• Boxes, bins, or trash bags. These don’t need to be decorative. You’ll use them for sorting.
• Sharpie markers and sticky notes or masking tape (to create temporary labels)
• Clorox wipes (for cleaning as you go)
• A can-do attitude and an open mind

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Create a Realistic Timeline

Rome wasn't decluttered in a day. It takes time, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to pull an all-nighter and wake up buried under a pile of your stuff. Break it down.
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Celebrate the Small Wins

Every drawer you clean out, every shelf you organize, and every pile you tackle is a celebration! Take before-and-after pictures, reward yourself with a coffee break, or just take a moment to appreciate the newfound space.
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Nashville Home Organizers' Decluttering Strategy

If decluttering your entire house feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Instead of tackling everything at once, we follow a structured, room-by-room approach to make decluttering actually manageable.

For even more in-depth decluttering tips, check out our blog post: How to Declutter Your Home.

Decluttering can get messy fast, so have a sorting system. We recommend using three boxes or bags labeled:

• Keep – Items you use regularly and truly need. You will likely need to rehome them once you’ve decluttered. 
• Donate – Things in good condition that someone else could use. Think - does this serve me? If not, let it go. 
• Trash – Broken or expired items. 

Instead of tearing apart every room at once, break your decluttering into chunks:
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• Daily tasks – Five-minute wins like clearing countertops, tossing junk mail, and putting things back where they belong.
• Weekly sessions – Tackling a small project, like organizing a drawer, a closet shelf, or a single category of items (hello, endless water bottles).
• Monthly deep dives – Addressing bigger projects like the pantry, garage, or sentimental storage bins.

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The goal is to build momentum instead of creating an explosion that leaves you questioning all your life choices. Remember that small steps are still progress. You can’t do it all at once.
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Decluttering Room by Room

Decluttering your whole house can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down room by room makes it manageable. Tackle one space at a time with these simple steps!

Kitchen

Because you spend so much time in the kitchen, it can get out of hand fast!  Focus on clearing out what you don’t use and creating an efficient setup. More kitchen organizing tips here.
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• Toss expired food, mismatched lids, and duplicate gadgets.
• Keep everyday essentials within easy reach.
• Store items by category (baking, snacks, spices).
• Use drawer dividers and clear bins for better visibility.

An organized kitchen makes meal prep and daily life easier.
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Home Office

​They say a cluttered workspace leads to a cluttered mind. Stay focused with these decluttering steps:
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• Pare down paperwork! Go digital for bills and statements, and shred unnecessary paper.
• Organize your office supplies. Store them in labeled containers or drawer organizers. Wondering where to find desk organizers? Get thrifty! Local thrift stores usually have a lot of desk storage supplies.
• Keep a trash can near your desk, because nothing creates clutter quicker than trash!

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Bedroom and Closet

Your bedroom should be a peaceful retreat, not a storage unit. Start with your closet, and you’ll be amazed at the difference. Check out our closet organization tips.
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• Donate clothes you haven’t worn in a year.
• Use slim hangers to save space.
• Store seasonal items in bins under the bed.
• Keep nightstands clutter-free with a small tray or drawer organizer.

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Bathroom

Between half-used products and endless toiletries, the bathroom can easily become chaotic. Simplify by keeping only what you use daily. Get bathroom organization ideas here.
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• Toss expired products and empty bottles.
• Use drawer organizers for makeup and toiletries.
• Maximize vertical space with shelves or over-the-door storage.
• Keep only essentials on the countertop.

• Use baskets or bins to keep everything in its place. If you are looking for storage bins for under the cabinet, try your local dollar store. They have affordable containers for those out-of-sight places. ​

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Living Room

The living room or family room should be an inviting place to kick your feet up and relax with family and friends. Keep it neat with these quick fixes:
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• Keep decor that you truly enjoy and donate the rest.
• Use a cable organizer or decorative box to store remotes and cords.
• Limit tabletop clutter and keep shelves curated, not overcrowded.
• Replace blankets and throw pillows that need repair or no longer match your style.

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Kids' Rooms

Toys, clothes, and craft supplies can take over fast. Create systems that are easy for kids to follow. Read our kids' room dos and don’ts.
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• Use labeled bins for easy toy cleanup.
• Rotate toys to keep things fresh.
• Store clothes by category in drawers.
• Create a reading nook with a small bookshelf.

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Mudroom or Entryway

The entryway is where clutter piles up—shoes, coats, mail, and keys. Keep it functional with these simple strategies. More mudroom tips here.
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• Designate a spot for shoes, bags, and coats.
• Use hooks for grab-and-go convenience.
• Keep a basket for mail and keys.
• Add a bench for easy shoe removal (and storage!)

• Limit each person to a few go-to shoes and coats, and store the rest elsewhere.

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Garage

The garage often turns into a catch-all for everything that doesn’t have a home. Take it back with these tips:
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• Get rid of broken or unused items.
• Use shelving and clear bins for storage.
• Hang tools and sports gear to free up floor space.

• Use wall-mounted racks or pegboards to free up floor space.
• Store seasonal items and holiday decorations in labeled, clear bins for easy access. More holiday storage decluttering tips here.

It’s best to declutter your garage when it’s not so hot outside! Read more Home Organizing Ideas for Winter.

What To Do With Unwanted Items

If they are still in good condition, someone else could use them. Here are a few great options for donating gently used items:
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• Local Thrift Stores or Charities – Think Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Read about some of our favorite Nashville donation centers here. 
• Women’s or Family Shelters – These organizations often need clothing, household goods, and toiletries.
• Schools, Churches, or Community Centers – They may welcome books, toys, and seasonal decor.
• Buy Nothing Groups or Facebook Marketplace (Free Section) – A great way to give directly to someone in your area.

Be sure to check donation guidelines because some places limit what they’ll accept.

How Nashville Home Organizers Can Help

Decluttering isn’t a one-and-done task. It’s a lifestyle shift. Keep the momentum going by doing a little each day, staying mindful of what comes into your home, and remembering how good it feels to live with less.
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And if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed? You don’t have to do it alone.  Whether you need help jumpstarting your decluttering journey, want hands-on support with a big project, or just aren’t sure where to begin, we can help! Contact us!

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