15 Ways I’ve Nailed Creating a Clutter-Free Home

Ever feel like no matter how much you tidy, the clutter just keeps creeping back? Well, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and let me tell you, it took me a while to crack the code to keeping my home clutter-free -I have kids for crying out loud!

I’m sharing 15 personal breakthroughs that transformed my space from chaos to calm. From daily habits to smart storage solutions, these tips can help you create a lifestyle that keeps the mess at bay.

Get Rid of That Storage Unit

Hanging onto a storage unit can often cost more than it’s worth. Think about it—you could likely replace everything inside for what you spend annually on the rental fee, not to mention the cost of renting moving trucks and the time you invest in maintaining it.

Plus, let’s be real, the items you store are usually not as valuable as you might think. If they were, and you still don’t use them, what’s the point in keeping them?

Joshua and I just went through our storage unit and guess what? Nothing in there was of any value, and the things we might have used again, rats had already claimed as their own. It was a wake-up call: if you’re not using it, it’s just clutter, costing money and space.

Chores Are Gifts

At our place, chores didn’t stop once we became adults. The difference now is that we think of them less as a burden and more as a mini 15-minute session of tuning up our space, which we can do once or twice daily.

This involves quick, easy tasks like loading the dishwasher, folding laundry, managing the recycling, and ensuring everything’s back where it belongs.

By dedicating just a little time each morning and evening, you essentially gift yourself a clean, welcoming home to wake up to.

Make the Essentials Count

To truly love your living space, try enhancing the everyday essentials that fill your home. Focus on things you use daily but overlook, like your lamps or even your clock. A personal favorite I found recently is a spice rack.

This isn’t just any spice rack -it features aesthetically pleasing, clear-labeled jars that organize spices efficiently—perfect even for tight spaces like my camper’s spice cabinet. With everything visible and accessible, I spend less time rummaging for cinnamon and more time enjoying the cooking process.

It looks great, saves me time, and helps me to love cooking more.

Swap Your Clothes Seasonally

Managing closet space effectively can make a huge difference in how you perceive your wardrobe. One strategy I love is swapping clothes seasonally. There’s just something exciting about rotating out winter gear for summer styles or vice versa—it almost feels like shopping without spending a dime!

If your closet is on the smaller side, like mine, try vacuum-sealing your off-season clothes. Once sealed, they take up much less space and can be easily stashed in a crate in your attic or slid under your bed.

Always Be Ready to Purge

Keeping your home clutter-free means regular decluttering. I make it a habit to look over my stuff frequently. For instance, before I restock on groceries, I clean out the fridge, which helps me keep track of what I have and what I need.

Similarly, when it’s time to switch out seasonal clothing, I take a moment to ask myself, “Will I wear this again this season?” If the answer is no, I know it’s time to donate it.

Keep What You Can Care For

A golden rule I follow is to only keep what I can manage. If you find yourself constantly behind on chores like laundry, or you’re not maintaining your belongings, like repairing a torn bag, it might be a sign you own too much.

Belongings that require more effort than you can provide end up being clutter, not treasures. Simplifying your belongings to include only those you can actually care for not only frees up space but also reduces stress and saves you some time.

The 4-Pile Rule

When tackling clutter, I’ve found it super helpful to divide everything into four specific categories. Here’s my go-to system: one pile for items to move to another room, one to donate, one for trash, and lastly, the “marinating” pile.

This last pile gets packed into a box and labeled with a future date, about six months to a year out. If I haven’t needed to open the box by then, it’s clear those items aren’t essential, and I can let them go without regret.

Go In With a Plan

Stepping into organization with a clear plan makes all the difference. For example, in your closet, set specific rules like keeping only clothes within a certain size range, or discarding anything that’s stained or needs repairs. When it comes to baby clothes, I keep a meticulous list to prevent overaccumulation. Here’s a peek at my essentials for each age:

• 7 play onesies
• 7 sleep onesies
• 7 nightgowns
• 7 shirts
• 7 bottoms
• 15 socks (because, let’s be honest, socks have a way of disappearing around here!)

Toss the Lids

One simple trick that’s really changed how I organize is avoiding lids on laundry baskets, bins, and similar containers. Lids can discourage us from putting things away because it’s just one more step. Instead, I opt for clear sweater boxes—they’re a game changer.

Not only are they ideal for storing sweaters, but they’re also perfect for organizing pantry staples like beans, rice, and pasta, or corralling kids’ toys. They’re versatile enough to fit on nearly any shelf and hold a surprising amount of stuff.

Focus on Decluttering, Not Just Storing

Many people mistake acquiring more storage solutions for getting organized. The real goal should be to eliminate clutter, not just find new places to store it.

If you buy baskets, containers, and hooks without first sorting through your items, you often end up with the wrong sizes or types, which just contributes to more mess. It’s crucial to assess what you actually need before buying organization tools.

However, if you’re already working with limited space and need to maximize it, consider integrating some specific tips to optimize your storage areas effectively.

Too Much Paper

Despite the dream of a paperless world, we’re still drowning in paper clutter! It’s a real challenge, especially since many of us hesitate to throw it away.

But here’s the thing—around 80% of the paper that comes into our homes doesn’t need to be kept. That’s why it’s crucial to consistently weed out unnecessary paper items like magazines, catalogs, and old receipts daily.

Developing a routine to handle paper clutter as it comes in can significantly reduce the piles and free up space, making your environment more manageable and less stressful.

Get Rid of That Big Piece of the Past

It’s tough to let go of items with sentimental value, like Grandpa’s old blue recliner or Grandma’s sewing machine. However, often it’s not the item itself but the memories associated with it that we cherish.

If these large pieces don’t fit in your home, consider taking a photo to preserve the memory and then passing the item on to someone who can appreciate and use it.

On the flip side, if there are smaller heirlooms you truly love, like grandma’s old photographs, don’t let them suffer in storage. Show them off!

Flat Surfaces Are Not Drop Zones

It’s all too easy for flat surfaces like dining tables or counters to become clutter magnets—yes, Joshua Lee, I’m talking to you! If you find that your dining table constantly collects random items, it’s time to be proactive!

Clear it off completely, place a flower arrangement in the center, and set it up with place settings. This will make your space look nice and also act as a gentle deterrent against casually tossing keys, mail, or bags onto the table.

Put Everything on Your Calendar

Keeping track of everything on a calendar might sound over-the-top, but it truly helps maintain clarity and focus. From errands to exercise and even those pesky house cleaning chores—mark them down. Prioritizing activities that matter most to you ensures that you don’t just let life happen to you; you actively shape your day. If something isn’t scheduled, it’s too easy to let it slip through the cracks. So, make your calendar your best friend and watch how it transforms your productivity and peace of mind.

Don’t Be a Procrastinator

Procrastination can turn a few small tasks into a mountain of mess. My advice? Tackle things immediately, especially the little stuff. Open your mail the moment it comes in. Wash dishes right after using them—yes, even though it’s a drag, it saves you from a pile-up later.

Always put items back where they belong right after you’re done. Keeping on top of these simple actions prevents clutter from accumulating and keeps your space—and your mind—clear and ready for anything.