How to Clean an EXTREMELY Cluttered House (Without Losing Your Sanity)
So, your house is messy—like chaotic hurricane meets abandoned storage locker level messy.
Trust me, I get it. Sometimes life gets messy, quite literally, and the thought of cleaning up isn’t just overwhelming, it’s downright terrifying.
But don’t worry—I’ve been there, and I’m here to help. We’re tackling this together, one dusty corner at a time.
Cleaning an extremely cluttered house may feel like climbing Everest with nothing but flip-flops, but with the right strategy (and maybe some coffee—or wine?), you can do it.
Let’s break this down into manageable steps, sprinkle in a little humor (because let’s face it, we’ll need it), and get your space looking like a home again. Ready?
Let’s go!
Step 1: Start With the Right Mindset
Before you even pick up that trash bag or sponge, take a deep breath. You can do this. No, really—you can!
Why Mindset Matters
A cluttered house can make you feel all kinds of stress and guilt. That voice in your head saying, How did I let it get this bad? Yeah, shut that down.
Mistakes happen, life gets busy, and clutter builds up. The important thing is—you’re tackling it now!
Pat yourself on the back for even opening this article. That’s progress right there.
Pro Tip: Make It Fun
- Blast your favorite playlist (or a motivating podcast).
- Set a timer for 20 minutes and see how much you can get done in a short burst.
- Promise yourself a reward when you’re done (ice cream, binge-watching your favorite show, a nap—you’ve earned it).
Step 2: The “Quick Wins” Strategy
Now let’s get down to business. The fastest way to feel like you’re making progress is by focusing on quick wins first.
What Are Quick Wins?
These are small tasks that give you instant results. Think: clearing off a table that’s buried under six months of mail or making the bed for the first time in… well, no judgment. 😉 Little victories will help you gain momentum and keep you motivated.
Where to Start
- Trash First: Grab a garbage bag and toss out obvious trash. Empty wrappers, old receipts, expired food—get rid of it all. Why is there a pizza box under the couch? Seriously, just go.
- Clear Pathways: Focus on the main pathways in your house. Can you walk freely from point A to point B without tripping over 15 things? If not, make that happen.
- Dishes and Laundry: If your kitchen sink and laundry pile are overflowing, tackle those now. Trust me, having clean dishes and clothes will make you feel like an adult again.
Step 3: Tackle Clutter One Room at a Time
Ever heard the saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time”? Cleaning is the same way.
Tackling all the clutter at once will burn you out faster than you can say Marie Kondo. The solution? Focus on one room at a time.
The 5-Minute Priority Check
Before diving into a room, ask yourself:
- What’s the most visible mess here?
- What’s bothering me the most?
- What’s realistic to accomplish in 15–30 minutes?
Room-by-Room Breakdown
- Kitchen
- Trash old food from the fridge and pantry. (Bye, fuzzy leftovers!)
- Wipe down counters and clear the sink.
- Living Room
- Clean off coffee tables and the couch.
- Gather items that belong elsewhere. (Yes, you can put your socks back in your drawer.)
- Bathroom
- Empty the trash.
- Wipe down the sink and toilet. (Just…do it.)
- Check for expired items in drawers or cabinets.
- Bedroom
- Make the bed (magic hack—it instantly makes the room feel cleaner).
- Put clothes in the closet or laundry.
Step 4: Sort It Like a Pro (The 3-Box Rule)
Decluttering gets a lot easier when you keep it simple. Enter: The 3-Box Rule.
How It Works
Grab three boxes or bags and label them:
- Keep: Stuff you love and actually use.
- Donate/Sell: Items in good condition but don’t spark joy, as Marie Kondo would say.
- Trash: Things that are broken, useless, or inexplicably sticky.
Go through your clutter and decide immediately which box it belongs in. No “But what if I need this random broken charger someday?” If you haven’t used it in the last year, let it go.
Step 5: Deep Clean Each Room
Once the clutter is under control, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cleaning. Yes, this might involve—you guessed it—dusting. (Boo!)
The Basic Steps
- Vacuum/Sweep: Floors collect everything. Start here.
- Wipe Surfaces: Dust, crumbs, and who-knows-what can hide on surfaces. A good wipe-down works wonders.
- Tackle Mirrors/Windows: Clean these for an immediate wow factor. Suddenly, your house looks brighter.
And please—don’t forget baseboards. They’re gross, you just don’t know it until you actually look.
Step 6: Stay (Somewhat) Organized
Here’s the truth: A perfectly clean house doesn’t just happen. You’ve got to work at maintaining it. Why, universe, why?!
Easy Maintenance Tips
- 15-Minute Daily Cleanup: Spend just a few minutes each day tidying up.
- One In, One Out Rule: For every new item you bring into the house, get rid of one old one.
- Catch-All Basket: Keep a basket for random stuff that doesn’t have a proper home. Sort through it weekly.
Step 7: Ask for Help (No Shame in This Game)
Look, if the mess is too overwhelming, it’s totally okay to ask for help. Whether it’s involving your family, bribing friends with pizza, or hiring professionals, don’t be too proud to seek a hand.
Step 8: Celebrate Your Success!
Once your house is clean (or at least no longer out of a horror movie), give yourself a pat on the back.
You did it! Light a scented candle, put your feet up, and enjoy your space again. Heck, take before-and-after pics and show them off. You’ve earned it.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning an extremely cluttered house isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. By breaking it into small, manageable steps and staying consistent, you can turn your disaster zone into a cozy, welcoming home.
And remember—no house is perfect. Life happens. When the clutter starts to creep back in (because it will), just take it one day at a time. You’ve got this! 😊
