Have you ever stepped into a home where every closet, cupboard, and drawer was packed “just in case” something might be needed someday? My mother’s home was exactly that. Though it was neat and organized, it was overflowing with things she had kept for years. When she moved into a nursing home, I was left with the overwhelming task of sorting through it all. With my brother in a wheelchair and my family busy with work, I spent months driving eight hours each way, sorting, packing, and making endless decisions. It was exhausting.
That experience changed me. I vowed I wouldn’t leave my children with the same burden. I started purging my home, determined to simplify my life. The result? A sense of relief I never expected. I didn’t get rid of everything—memories still matter—but I let go of the excess. Donating to a local rescue mission made it even more rewarding, knowing my unused items could help others.
Want to declutter but don’t know where to start? Follow these three simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Sorting Tools
Grab two sturdy boxes and a garbage bag. Label one box “Donate” and the other “Hold for Six Months.” The bag is for trash—because, let’s face it, some things just need to go.
Step 2: The 80/20 Rule—What Do You Really Use?
Go item by item and ask yourself:
- Have I used this in the past year?
- Will I use it in the next year?
Most people use only 20% of what they own regularly—so why keep the extra 80%? If you’re struggling with clothes, try this trick: Turn all your hangers backward. After wearing something, return it the right way. In a year, whatever is still backward goes!
Step 3: Make a Decision and Let Go
For each item, decide:
- Keep (if used and needed)
- Donate (if unused but in good condition)
- Trash (if broken or unusable)
- Hold for Six Months (if uncertain—then revisit it later)
Worried you’ll need something later? You have options:
- Use a substitute. There’s always another way to get the job done.
- Borrow it. Family, friends, or neighbors might have what you need.
- Replace it. If the need ever arises (and chances are, it won’t), you can buy another.
Decluttering isn’t just about organizing—it’s about creating a peaceful, stress-free home. The less you have, the less you have to manage. I’ve learned that less stuff means more freedom.
Have you tackled a decluttering project? Share your best tips in the comments!
Did I achieve everything? No, but I got about 75% of my tasks done, and I had a LOT on that list. My husband teases me for trying to fit five pounds into a two-pound bag, but I’ve learned that having a plan—even an ambitious one—gets me further than having no plan at all.
One of my goals this year is to return to writing short blog posts. I’ve missed blogging and realized how much I enjoy it. So here I am, sharing not just my planning journey but also some practical tips that has helped me tackle one of life’s dreaded chores: managing paper clutter.
Last year, I tackled the monumental task of sorting through my late mother’s estate documents and organizing decades of family records. Using expandable plastic folders, I created a system for each family member. It was a huge accomplishment—and one I’m incredibly proud of.