8 Decluttering Habits That Will Change Your Life!

Let’s be real for a second, life is messy. Whether it’s that pile of clothes sitting on “the chair” (you know the one), the junk drawer that’s more like a black hole, or your jam-packed calendar that feels like an organizational nightmare, clutter just keeps coming back.

Got the urge to tackle it? Good, because I’m about to share 8 decluttering habits that are not only going to organize your home but quite literally change your life.

Yep, we’re talking next-level productivity, calm vibes, and finally being able to find your keys when you need them.

Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this. 😉

1. The “One In, One Out” Rule

The concept is mind-blowingly simple, for every new item you bring into your space, one must go.

Bought a new shirt? Donate or toss one you haven’t worn in a year. Got a fancy new tech gadget? Say goodbye to that clunky old thing collecting dust.

Why does this work so well? It stops the cycle of stuff. By committing to this rule, you create a natural block against over-accumulating. Bonus, you’ll save money because you’ll think twice before buying random stuff you don’t need.

Personal tip, I started this habit with my closet, and guess what? I haven’t suffered a wardrobe-induced meltdown in months. Win. 🎉

2. Tackle the Junk Drawer (And Keep It That Way)

Ah, the dreaded junk drawer. Everyone has one, right? It’s like a tiny Bermuda Triangle where pens, old receipts, and keys vanish forever.

Here’s the trick, empty it completely, then only put back the essentials (you know, stuff you actually use).

Use small organizers or dividers to section it off (pens in one spot, batteries in another), and vow to never toss random things in there again.

Need a mantra? Repeat after me, “Not everything needs a drawer.”

Real talk, my junk drawer got so out of hand once, I found a Christmas ornament in there… in July. 😳

3. Declutter for Just 10 Minutes a Day

Got 10 minutes? You can declutter. Seriously, you don’t need to dedicate an entire weekend to tidying up (though, hey, if you’re feeling ambitious, go for it!).

The trick is consistency, set a timer, pick a single area (like your desk), and tackle as much as you can in those 10 glorious minutes.

Overwhelming spaces like your wardrobe or the kitchen? Break them into smaller zones (e.g., just the pantry or one drawer). Before you know it, you’re making huge progress without breaking a sweat.

Pro tip, put on a playlist or a podcast to make it feel less like work. Hype music = decluttering on steroids. 💪

4. Stop Keeping “Just In Case” Items

You know what I’m talking about, that skirt you’ll wear “when you lose 10 pounds,” the duplicate kitchen gadgets “just in case one breaks,” or random gift bags you’ve been hoarding since 2015. Spoiler alert, most of these items are dead weight.

Decluttering experts swear by asking yourself, “If I don’t use this in the next six months, will I survive?” (Answer, You will. I promise.) Donate or toss items without hesitation when their only purpose is “just in case.”

Confession, I once held onto a fondue pot for five years. FIVE. Didn’t make one fondue. 🙃

5. The “Everything Has a Home” Rule

Ever noticed how clutter happens mostly because things don’t have a designated spot? Adopt this golden rule, everything in your home should have a specific place where it “lives.”

Keys? A cute dish by the door. Mail? A neatly labeled folder. Random chargers? A gadget drawer (organized, of course). This habit eliminates the whole “Where does this go?” guessing game and keeps chaos at bay.

Pro tip, labeling helps, especially if you live with others. Because guaranteed, your family’s going to ask, “Where does the [insert thing here] go?” about 37 times. 😅

6. Learn to Let Go of Sentimental Clutter

You saw it coming, those boxes of old birthday cards, souvenirs from every trip you’ve ever taken, and random knick-knacks that remind you of something (but you can’t quite remember what). Yep, I went there.

Start asking yourself, Is this item truly bringing me joy, or is it just taking up space? Keep a few meaningful items—things that spark actual memories—and let the rest go.

And for what you decide to keep? Display them proudly instead of shoving them in boxes where they’ll never get seen.

Pro tip, if letting go feels too hard, take pictures of the sentimental stuff before donating or tossing. You’ll still have the memories (and more room in your closet).

7. Declutter As You Go

Here’s a revolutionary idea, declutter while you live your life. Sounds weird, right? But hear me out. Every time you open a drawer or use something, take a second to evaluate, “Do I still need this?”

• Toss expired food and spices when you’re cooking.
• Recycle junk mail as soon as it comes in.
• Donate clothes right after you try them on and think, “Nah.”

This habit keeps your space in-check without requiring a massive effort later.

Reality check, how much mental energy is that clutter stealing from you? Might be time to show it the door. 🚪

8. Practice Gratitude for What You Have

Okay, I know this sounds a little woo-woo, but stick with me. Sometimes, the root of clutter is over-consumption.

When you constantly feel like you need more, you end up buried in stuff you never actually use.

Start cultivating gratitude for the items you already have. Take a moment to appreciate your favorite sweater, the books on your shelf, or even the sleek organization in your kitchen drawers.

When you love what you own, you’ll stop craving what you don’t.

Bonus, you’ll naturally buy less and become more intentional about what you bring into your life.

Quick Recap: Here’s Why These Habits Work

Decluttering isn’t just about having a Pinterest-worthy home (though, TBH, that’s a nice bonus). It’s about taking back control of your life. 

By creating systems, cutting the cable on unnecessary stuff, and slowing the tide of things, you’ll get more time, space, and energy to do what actually matters.

Plus, you’ll finally stop wondering, “Where the heck did I put my wallet?” every morning. That alone is life-changing, IMO. 😊

Final Thought: Ready to Declutter Your Life?

Here’s your challenge, pick one of these habits and start today. Trust me, you’ll feel the difference almost instantly.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming, it’s about small, simple steps that snowball into big, life-changing results.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go tackle my own junk drawer (again).

What’s the first spot you’re going to declutter? Let me know, I’m cheering you on! 🎉