Have you ever looked around your home and thought, “Where do I even start?” You’re not alone.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. In fact, the best approach is finding a method that fits your personality, your time, and your season of life.
Here are 14 simple decluttering methods you can try to start making real progress.
1. The Drawer Rotation Method
Start by folding your clothes vertically so you can see everything at a glance. When you put clean clothes away, place them at the back of the drawer-this naturally rotates your wardrobe forward.
Over time, you’ll quickly see what you actually wear… and what you don’t.
Pros:
• Helps you evaluate clothing regularly
• Keeps drawers tidy over time
• Saves space with vertical folding
Cons:
• Only works for dresser drawers
• Doesn’t apply to stored/seasonal items
• Folding can take extra time
2. The One Item a Day Method
Remove one item from your home each day. That’s it. At the end of the year, that’s 365 fewer items-and a much lighter home.
Pros:
• Easy to start
• Builds consistency
• Creates a daily habit
Cons:
• Progress can feel slow
• Easy to lose momentum
• Clutter can still build up alongside it
3. The 20-Minute Method
Set a timer for 20 minutes and declutter a small space. When the timer goes off, stop. This keeps things manageable and prevents burnout.
Pros:
• Great for busy schedules
• Less overwhelming
• Builds consistency
Cons:
• Not ideal for large projects
• Doesn’t allow for deep decision-making
4. The Five-a-Day Method
Choose five items each day to remove from your home—donate, toss, or relocate.
Pros:
• Simple and structured
• Easy to maintain
• Builds momentum
Cons:
• Slower results
• Can feel repetitive
5. The 20/20 Rule
If you can replace an item for under $20 and within 20 minutes, you can let it go. This is especially helpful for those “just in case” items.
Pros:
• Great for everyday clutter
• Helps reduce duplicates
• Easy to apply
Cons:
• Doesn’t apply to high-value or sentimental items
6. The Box & Banish Method
Place uncertain items in a box and store it out of sight. If you don’t use them within a set time, let them go.
Pros:
• Low-pressure decision making
• Helps with indecision
• Great trial method
Cons:
• Easy to forget the box
• Can delay decision-making
7. The Reverse Hanger Method
Turn all your hangers backward. After wearing an item, turn it the correct way. After a few months, anything still backward can go.
Pros:
• Easy to track what you wear
• Visual and simple
Cons:
• Takes time to work
• Only applies to hanging clothes
8. Use a Decluttering Checklist
Create a list of areas to declutter and work through them one at a time.
Pros:
• Gives direction
• Helps manage time
• Encourages progress
Cons:
• Can feel overwhelming if too long
• Needs customization
9. The 90/90 Rule
Ask yourself:
• Have I used this in the past 90 days?
• Will I use it in the next 90 days? If not—it’s likely time to let it go.
Pros:
• Clear decision-making
• Helps eliminate “just in case” items
Cons:
• Doesn’t work for seasonal or sentimental items
10. The 12/12/12 Challenge
Find:
• 12 items to throw away
• 12 items to donate
• 12 items to put back where they belong
Pros:
• Fun and engaging
• Great for families
• Quick results
Cons:
• Can feel scattered
• Not ideal for deep decluttering
11. Packing Party Method
Pack everything like you’re moving. Only take items out as you need them. After a few months, donate what’s left.
Pros:
• Very effective
• Forces real decisions
Cons:
• Time-consuming
• Disruptive to daily life
12. The 30-Day Minimalism Game
Declutter:
• Day 1 → 1 item
• Day 2 → 2 items
• Day 3 → 3 items…and so on
Pros:
• Builds momentum
• Feels like a challenge
Cons:
• Becomes intense later
• Time-consuming
13. The KonMari Method
Declutter by category (not room) and keep only what “sparks joy.”
Pros:
• Deep and intentional
• Reduces duplicates
Cons:
• Time-intensive
• Not for everyone
14. The Four Box Method
Sort items into:
• Keep
• Donate
• Trash
• Relocate
Pros:
• Structured
• Easy to follow
• Efficient
Cons:
• Can be overwhelming
• Requires space to sort
The truth is – there’s no “one right way” to declutter.
The best method is the one you’ll actually stick with.
Start small. Stay consistent. And give yourself permission to do this imperfectly.
If you want support creating systems that actually work for your home and your life, I’d love to help.