Last updated on March 13, 2025
Feeling like your home is turning into a never-ending sea of stuff?
Trust us, we’ve all been there. Clutter has a sneaky way of piling up, and before you know it, your cozy space feels more like a storage unit.
But here’s the good news: simplifying your life doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
With a few easy steps, you can start letting go of the excess and create a space that feels lighter, calmer, and more “you.”
Let’s dive into 14 simple tips to help you simplify your life and get rid of all that stuff!
Save To Pinterest
[1] Start Small and Keep It Real
We know, it’s tempting to want to declutter the whole house in one weekend.
But realistically, that’s a recipe for burnout.
Instead of overwhelming yourself, start small.
Take on one drawer, shelf, or closet at a time.
Breaking it down makes the process feel less overwhelming, and each small win builds momentum for bigger tasks ahead.
Set “mini-goals” with each task. For example, if you’re decluttering your closet, challenge yourself to donate five items.
Small wins build up over time and help you stay motivated.
[2] The Magic of a ‘Clutter Out’ Box
One of the best tricks to decluttering is creating a dedicated ‘Clutter Out’ box.
This is where you put things you’re ready to let go of.
Every week, go through it and decide what to donate, sell, or trash.
It helps create a habit of decluttering without overloading yourself with decisions.
When unsure about an item, label it with the date you last used it.
If you haven’t used it in six months, it’s a sign it’s time to let it go.
This tactic removes emotional guesswork from decision-making.
[3] One-In, One-Out Rule
This rule is a GAME-CHANGER.
For every new item that comes into your home, make sure one old item leaves.
Bought a new pair of jeans?
Time to let go of that pair you haven’t worn in a year.
This keeps clutter in check and encourages mindful shopping, so your space stays balanced.
When shopping, use the “48-hour rule.”
If you’re eyeing something new, wait 48 hours before purchasing.
Often, that waiting period helps you realize you don’t actually need the item.
[4] Set a Timer
Overwhelmed by how much there is to clean up?
Set a timer for 15–30 minutes and focus on one specific area.
When the timer goes off, you’re done!
This keeps you focused and prevents decluttering from becoming an all-day affair.
Plus, it’s amazing how much you can get done in a short burst of time.
Make it fun! Play your favorite upbeat music or set a reward for yourself once the timer runs out.
Whether it’s a break with a good book or a snack, it makes decluttering less of a chore.
[5] Sentimental Stuff? Here’s the Deal
Letting go of sentimental items can be tough, but holding onto everything isn’t practical.
Take photos of items with special memories and store them digitally.
That way, you can keep the memory without the clutter.
Another tip? If you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, store it in a box and revisit it in six months.
If you haven’t thought about it, it’s probably time to let it go.
Repurpose sentimental items into something useful—turn old T-shirts into a quilt or sentimental photos into a digital slideshow.
This way, the memories stay alive in a form that doesn’t take up too much space.
[6] Declutter Your Digital Life
Clutter isn’t just physical—it’s digital too!
Emails, apps, and photos can all add to the mental load.
Take time to declutter your inbox, organize your files, and delete what’s no longer needed.
Trust us, a clean digital space feels just as good as a clean room.
Unsubscribe from 3 newsletters or services a week.
Slow but steady, this habit prevents your inbox from piling up with unwanted emails and helps you stay organized online.
[7] Think Before You Buy
Next time you’re about to make a purchase, ask yourself: “Do I really need this?”
More often than not, the answer will be no.
Being mindful of new purchases helps you avoid accumulating clutter, and you’ll start appreciating the things you already have even more.
Try a “shopping fast” for a month—challenge yourself to buy only necessities for 30 days.
You’ll notice how much of your spending is on things you can actually do without.
[8] Create a Daily Tidy Routine
Spending 5–10 minutes a day tidying up can keep clutter from building up.
Make a habit of putting things back where they belong—you’d be surprised how much of a difference this small action can make.
It’s like giving your home a mini refresh every day.
Attach tidying up to an existing habit. For example, while your coffee is brewing in the morning, tidy up the kitchen.
Adding this to an already established routine makes it feel less like a chore.
[9] Decluttering Is a Lifestyle, Not a One-Time Task
The key to staying clutter-free is regular maintenance.
Every few months, schedule a declutter day where you go through any areas that tend to accumulate stuff—whether it’s the junk drawer or your closet.
Keeping on top of it means you’ll never have to face a mountain of clutter again.
Create a “Sunday Sweep” where you take 10 minutes every Sunday to walk through your home and put things back in place.
It’s a quick and easy way to keep clutter from building up.
[10] Give Yourself Grace
Decluttering can be emotional, and it’s okay if it takes time.
Celebrate the small wins—whether it’s clearing out one drawer or donating a few bags of clothes.
Remember, progress is progress, and every step you take brings you closer to a simpler, more PEACEFUL life.
[11] How to Simplify with Kids
Simplifying with kids can feel impossible, but trust us, it’s doable!
Start by involving your kids in the decluttering process.
Turn tidying up into a game—challenge them to pick five toys they no longer play with to donate.
Also, consider creating a designated “TOY ZONE” in your home.
By limiting toys to one area, you can contain the clutter and teach kids the importance of organization from a young age.
[12] How to Simplify Mom Life
For moms, decluttering isn’t just about clearing space—it’s about reclaiming time.
Simplify your day-to-day by creating easy systems: have bins labeled for quick clean-up, keep a weekly donation bag ready for outgrown clothes, and use timers to declutter in short bursts while the kids are napping or busy.
Simplifying mom life means creating routines that work around your busy schedule.
[13] How to Clean a Junk Room
A junk room can be overwhelming, but the key is to break it down.
Start with visible surfaces first—clear out items from the floor and tables.
Once that’s done, tackle one area at a time, sorting items into keep, donate, sell, or trash.
If the room is packed with random items, sort by categories (clothes, toys, papers, etc.) and handle one group at a time.
[14] How to Clean Out a Junk Drawer
Cleaning a junk drawer doesn’t have to be a dreaded task.
Set a 10-minute timer and dump everything out.
Once you’ve sorted through the items, only put back things that serve a purpose.
Use small trays or dividers to keep things organized, and commit to doing a quick tidy-up every month to prevent it from becoming a mess again.