Easy Decluttering Tricks That Free Up Space and Energy

Have you ever looked around your home and wondered, “How did it get this full?” I’ve been there—more than once. There was a point when every drawer was crammed, every surface cluttered, and every room buzzing with visual noise. It wasn’t just about the stuff—it was the energy drain that came with it.

The good news? Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming or extreme. You don’t need to toss everything you own or aspire to a minimalist aesthetic. What you need is clarity, a little consistency, and a few easy-to-start tricks that can help you reclaim space and sanity.

Here’s what worked for me—and what just might spark a calm, more open space for you, too.

Why Decluttering Isn’t Just About “Stuff”

When I first started decluttering, I thought it was all about storage bins and “neat freak” tendencies. But I quickly realized it was emotional. Letting go of items meant letting go of outdated versions of myself, of guilt, of pressure to keep things “just in case.” And what I gained? Mental space, ease, and lightness.

1. A Calmer, Clearer Mind

Clutter messes with more than your floor space. It competes for your attention, raising stress levels and zapping your focus. The more I cleared, the more mental clarity I felt. It was like decluttering my home decluttered my thoughts.

2. More Time and Energy

I used to waste time searching for things or re-shuffling piles. Now, everything has a place—and I’m not constantly fighting chaos.

3. Room for Joy

When your space only holds what you love or use, everything feels better. That rush of relief when you walk into a clean room? That’s joy. That’s presence.

How to Start When You Don’t Know Where to Start

Let me share something I learned the hard way: you don’t have to do it all at once. Small wins build real momentum. I started with my bathroom drawer. One half-empty lotion bottle turned into a full shelf cleared. And I wanted to keep going.

1. Start Tiny

Pick the easiest, most visible space—maybe your nightstand, entry table, or makeup bag. You’ll get that “instant win” feeling and a visible payoff.

2. Set a Timer

Fifteen minutes. That’s it. You’d be amazed what a focused quarter-hour can do.

3. Use the “One In, One Out” Rule

Every time you bring something new into your home, something else goes. It's simple. It's sustainable.

Decluttering Room by Room (Without Losing Steam)

Different spaces need different energy. So instead of trying to declutter your whole home in a weekend (don’t do that), try this room-by-room rhythm.

Living Room

• Ditch the Dupes: If you have five throw blankets or too many remotes, simplify.
• Storage-Ready Furniture: Ottomans with storage or coffee tables with shelves can do double duty.
• Curate, Don’t Clutter: Pick 3–5 decorative items you truly love. Pack away or donate the rest.

Bedroom

• Closet Cleanout Hack: Try the hanger trick—turn all your hangers backward. After a month, donate anything still hanging the “wrong” way.
• Simplify the Nightstand: Remove the clutter magnet. Keep only what you need to rest.
• Under-Bed Boost: Store seasonal items or extra linens neatly in bins.

Kitchen

• Be Honest About Appliances: Haven’t used that juicer in a year? You probably won’t next week either.
• Zone Your Tools: Keep daily-use items within reach, occasional-use ones in higher spots.
• Clear the Fridge Weekly: Toss expired sauces and mystery leftovers. Label and rotate.

What About Sentimental Stuff?

Decluttering doesn’t mean erasing your memories—it just means honoring them differently. I had a whole box of letters, cards, and childhood trinkets that I never looked at... until I finally did.

1. Create a Memory Bin

One box. That’s your container for sentimental items. If it doesn’t fit, it might be time to reconsider what’s truly meaningful.

2. Photograph the Memory

Snapping a photo before letting go preserves the feeling without keeping the bulk.

3. Turn It Into Something New

Old T-shirts became a cozy quilt. A broken necklace became art in a shadow box. Sentiment doesn’t have to sit in storage.

Making Decluttering Stick

Clearing space is one thing—keeping it clear is another. Here’s what helped me avoid the cycle of re-clutter.

1. Five-Minute Resets

Each night, I do a quick five-minute sweep. It’s amazing how much peace it brings to the next day.

2. Pause Before You Purchase

Ask yourself: Do I need it? Love it? Have a place for it? If the answer is no, let it go.

3. Schedule Mini Check-Ins

Every few months, pick one area to declutter again. You’ll stay ahead of the mess before it grows.

Spark List!

1. Closet Capsule Challenge: Try wearing only a select number of clothing items for a month.
2. Weekly Digital Detox: Set a routine to clear out unnecessary emails and apps.
3. Gift Experiences, Not Things: Shift birthday and holiday giving to experiences rather than items.
4. Declutter Date: Make decluttering a fun event with music and snacks — invite a friend!
5. Gratitude Journaling: Focus on what you have, avoiding the cycle of wanting more “stuff.”

Let It Go, Let It Glow

Decluttering isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about clearing a path to the life you want to live. Every item you release gives you back a little more energy, a little more calm, and a little more freedom to enjoy your space. Start with what feels manageable. Stay consistent. And trust that in letting go, you’re making room for something better.

Here’s to more space, more peace, and more joy—right where you are.