8 Decluttering Tasks That Bring Big Results

Clutter has this sneaky way of creeping in, doesn’t it? One moment you’re admiring your clean countertops and minimalist vibe, and the next—bam!—you’re knee-deep in expired coupons, random power cords, and mystery containers from a past life.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need to overhaul your entire home to feel a major difference. You just need to focus on the right spots.

These 8 strategic decluttering tasks aren’t just about tossing junk. They’re about reclaiming peace, space, and a sense of control—without the emotional breakdown.

I’ve personally tackled each one, and let me tell you, the results feel glorious. Ready to lighten your load and breathe easier in your space?

Let’s dive in.

1. Elevate Your Entryway

Why it’s powerful: Your entryway is the first impression—for guests and yourself. When it’s clear and tidy, it signals that the rest of your home follows suit (even if it doesn’t yet 😉).

Practical Upgrades:

• Clear out unnecessary shoes, umbrellas, and unopened mail.
• Designate a drop zone with a tray or basket for keys, wallets, and daily essentials.
• Add vertical storage, like stylish hooks or a floating shelf, to keep clutter off the floor.

Design Tip: Swap out mismatched storage bins for a cohesive look—think woven baskets or sleek acrylic trays.

2. The Infamous Junk Drawer (AKA Chaos in a Box)

Let’s not pretend we don’t all have one. Mine used to be a black hole of expired coupons, dried-out pens, and screws with no home. 😬

How to Tame It:

• Empty it completely. This step is non-negotiable.
• Sort items into categories: tools, stationery, tech accessories, etc.
• Purge duplicates and random bits (yes, even those mystery keys).

Upgrade: Invest in adjustable drawer organizers or small containers to keep everything in its place. It’s a small change that delivers big satisfaction.

3. Refresh Your Linen Closet

Overflowing with threadbare towels and fitted sheets that have long since lost their elastic? Time to curate.

What to Keep:

• Two full sets of linens per bed.
• Two towels and one washcloth per person, plus one or two extras for guests.
• Anything matching your current decor or actually used.

What to Donate or Repurpose:

• Mismatched pillowcases.
• Faded or torn towels (cut them into cleaning rags).
• Crumpled sheets you haven’t used in years.

Storage Hack: Roll towels to save space and make everything look spa-level organized.

4. Reassess Your Wardrobe

Closet clutter doesn’t just take up space—it messes with your mornings. Let’s streamline your fashion choices and reduce decision fatigue.

Closet Detox Plan:

• Remove every item. (Yes, your whole closet. Sorry, but it works.)
• Try on anything you’re unsure about. Be honest—does it still fit? Do you feel good in it?
• Sort into piles: keep, donate, repair, or toss.

Signs It Needs to Go:

• It doesn’t fit and hasn’t for years.
• It’s damaged beyond reasonable repair.
• You forgot it even existed.

Bonus Tip: Turn your hangers backward. After you wear something, return the hanger normally. In 6 months, you’ll know what you haven’t touched.

5. Reclaim Your Fridge & Pantry

If your fridge looks like a biology experiment and your pantry’s stocked with decade-old quinoa, welcome to the club. But don’t worry—we’re fixing that.

Clean-Out Strategy:

• Remove everything (yes, this again).
• Toss expired or questionable items. Use common sense, not just labels.
• Wipe every shelf and bin. Vinegar and water do wonders here.

Organize Like a Pro:

• Group by category: breakfast, snacks, baking, canned goods.
• Use clear bins to corral smaller items.
• Label shelves if it helps everyone else stay on track.

Pro Move: Use a Lazy Susan for sauces or oils. It keeps everything accessible and prevents spills.

6. Sort and Store Your Paper Trail

Paper clutter builds up faster than you can say “Do I need this?” Between receipts, statements, manuals, and coupons, it’s chaos. Time to go full CEO on your documents.

What to Ditch:

• Outdated warranties or manuals. Most are online now.
• Old receipts, especially if they’re unreadable.
• Duplicates of financial statements or expired insurance documents.

What to Keep (in clearly labeled folders):

• Tax documents (for at least 7 years).
• Birth certificates, passports, and legal contracts.
• Property and vehicle records.

Digital Solution: Consider scanning important docs and storing them securely in the cloud. No more paper mountains.

7. Declutter Your Digital Life

You know it’s bad when your phone has 97 unread emails and your desktop is a mess of screenshots and half-named files. Digital clutter causes low-key stress you don’t even realize you’re feeling.

Digital Tune-Up Steps:

• Delete unnecessary files and screenshots.
• Create folders with clear, logical names. (Yes, that means no more “New Folder 8”)
• Unsubscribe from newsletters and promotions you never read.

Helpful Apps: Try something like Unroll.Me to batch unsubscribe or Google’s built-in filters to automatically sort incoming emails.

Bonus: Declutter your phone apps too—if you haven’t used it in 6 months, it’s not essential.

8. Refresh Your Bathroom Storage

Bathrooms are tiny sanctuaries… that can easily become disaster zones. If you’ve got half-empty bottles, expired meds, and makeup from your emo phase, it’s time.

What to Toss:

• Expired beauty products or medicine. (Check those labels!)
• Samples or hotel freebies you never use.
• Duplicates or products that didn’t work for you.

What to Keep & How:

• Daily-use items in a tray or drawer insert.
• Backup products stored in labeled bins.
• Hair tools and cosmetics grouped by use.

Storage Upgrade: Add a tiered organizer or a spinning caddy under the sink. You’ll feel like you live in a fancy Airbnb.

Final Thoughts: Less Stuff, More Calm

Decluttering doesn’t have to be dramatic. You don’t need to spend a week sorting your entire life. What you can do is choose one of these eight areas and knock it out in an afternoon. The momentum you build? That’s the secret sauce.

Start with a drawer. Or the fridge. Or your email inbox. Then pause and soak in the calm that follows. The relief of knowing where things are, the joy of seeing empty space—it’s the kind of magic that’s absolutely worth the effort.

And remember: your home isn’t a museum. It’s a living, breathing space that deserves attention and love. You’ve got this. Declutter a little, celebrate a lot. 🏡✨