Published: May 15, 2025

7 Decluttering Tips to Simplify and Downsize

Feeling overwhelmed by too much stuff? You’re not alone. Whether you’re preparing for a move, downsizing your home, or just craving a simpler lifestyle, decluttering is a great way to bring clarity, peace of mind, and more space into your life. Even small, consistent steps can make a big difference. But let’s face it—getting started can be the hardest part. The good news? With a few smart decluttering strategies, you can make the process feel much more manageable. Here are 7 decluttering tips to help you simplify your space and downsize with confidence.

Start With One Room at a Time

Trying to tackle your whole home at once can quickly lead to burnout. Instead, start small. Pick one room—or even just a closet or drawer—and focus on that area until it’s done. Seeing progress in one space can be incredibly motivating and will give you the momentum to keep going. Consider starting the process with a high-traffic area first, like the kitchen or bathroom, where clutter tends to accumulate quickly. 

Use the Four-Box Method

When it’s time to get serious about decluttering, the four-box method can be a game-changer. Label four boxes as: Keep, Donate, Trash, and Storage. As you go through your belongings, place each item into one of the boxes. This method forces you to make a decision about every item and prevents you from creating a “maybe” pile that adds to the clutter. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan for where everything goes.

Be Honest About What You Actually Use

One of the most helpful strategies is to ask yourself when you last used an item. Be honest with yourself about what truly matters and what is used daily. If it’s been over a year—or if you didn’t even remember you had it—it’s probably time to let it go. This is especially useful when going through closets, kitchen cabinets, and storage bins. If something doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy, it’s likely just taking up space.

Set Decluttering Goals and Deadlines

Decluttering is easier when you have a clear goal in mind. Are you downsizing to a smaller home? Preparing for a move? Or just tired of the mess? Whatever your motivation, set specific goals and give yourself a deadline. For example, “I want to clear out the garage by the end of the month,” or “I’ll donate two bags of clothing this weekend.” These mini-milestones during the process help keep you accountable and on track.

Digitize When Possible

Paper clutter is one of the hardest types to manage. From old receipts and bank statements to photos and manuals, it can pile up fast. Fortunately, many of these items can be digitized. Scan important documents and store them securely in the cloud. You’ll reduce physical clutter and make your files easier to find when needed. The same goes for photos—digital albums are a great way to preserve memories.

Don’t Be Afraid to Let Go of Sentimental Items

Letting go of sentimental items is one of the most difficult parts of decluttering, but it can also be one of the most freeing. Remember: keeping everything doesn’t make the memories stronger. Choose a few meaningful pieces to display or store, and let go of the rest. If it helps, take photos of your belongings before you donate or toss them. That way, you can hold onto the memory without holding onto the clutter.

Make Decluttering a Regular Habit

Decluttering isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process. Consistency is key to maintaining a clutter-free space. Build it into your routine by doing small purges every few months. Go through your closet seasonally, do a quick kitchen sweep every few weeks, and tackle one storage bin at a time. The more often you declutter, the easier it becomes to stay organized and prevent things from piling up in your home again.

The decluttering process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a clear plan, a few proven strategies, and a little patience, you can create a cleaner, more peaceful living space. Start small, stay consistent, and remember—every item you let go of is one step closer to a simplified, downsized life. Whether you’re preparing for a move or just ready for a fresh, these seven decluttering tips will help you get there in no time.

To rent a container to help you declutter, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Northeast OH, Cleveland & Akron, or call (440) 613-7743.