How to Start Decluttering: Ditch the Chaos Without Stuff-Shifting
Y’all, my living room was a straight-up toy explosion—four kids, newborn to six, flinging Legos, stuffies, and those random toy bits that never find their match.
I’d spend hours hauling toys from the living room to their bedroom, then to some “toy room” I thought would fix it, all while hoping to dial down the visual chaos.
Spoiler alert: I was just shifting stuff around, and the mess kept winning.
Sound familiar?
If your home feels like a never-ending battle against clutter, you’re not alone.
Here’s how to start decluttering for real—no more stuff-shifting.
Here’s my simple TRIM method to help you reclaim your space and maybe a bit of your sanity, too.
Know Your Why
After that toy chaos wake-up call, I realized stuff-shifting wasn’t enough. I knew I needed to get rid of some stuff, but “I’m tired of it all” wasn’t a strong enough reason to keep going when motivation faded.
I needed a why.
Your why is fuel for when overwhelm kicks in. For me, it was craving a calmer home where we spent less time managing stuff and more time on simple moments and adventures.
Ask yourself, “Why do I want to declutter my space?
Maybe you want more family time, less financial stress from unintentional purchases, or space for a hobby or side hustle. Whatever it is, write it down—it’s your anchor.
When decluttering feels daunting, your why reminds you what’s at stake: a life with less chaos and more of what you love.
Pro Tip: Your first why? Probably not the full deal. Ask yourself, “Why do I want this?” Then, “Okay, but why that?” Keep digging—three layers deep usually gets you to the good stuff.
Where to Start Decluttering
You’ve got your why—but where do you begin when toys, clothes, and random junk take over?
If one particular spot, like an overflowing kitchen counter, drives you nuts, start there for a motivational win.
However, if your whole house feels like a tornado hit, don’t panic, friend—you have options.
- Room-by-Room Approach: Tackle one room at a time to stay focused. Work through it systematically, then move to the next.
- Visible Container Matrix: Prioritize smaller projects for quick wins and momentum. Start small to keep overwhelm at bay.
There’s no pressure for an overnight transformation.
Progress depends on your clutter level, clutter threshold ( how much visual stimulation you can handle before you’re overstimulated) and available time, but the goal is intentional improvement.
Decluttering should be a lifelong habit—start now to build routines that last.
Pro Tip: Download my FREE Simplify in 60: Decluttering Guide for detailed steps on both approaches to make how to start decluttering feel like a doable plan that’s been mapped out.
The TRIM Method
Alright, with your why and starting spot locked in, you’re ready to dive into my TRIM method.
It’s my no-nonsense way to clear the chaos without just shoving stuff around.
Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Prep Your resources:
- Trash bag or recycle bin (you know, for the obvious junk).
- Donation bag/bin—use something you can donate so you don’t fish stuff back out.
- Safety Stock Bin for those “I’m not sure” items you’re not ready to ditch. Make sure to set an “expiration date” on each item. If you haven’t used it by the expiration date, feel free to let it go.
- Optional but HIGHLY RECOMMEND: Keepsake Bin (one per family member) for sentimental stuff you love but don’t need on display.
TRIM Rules:
Don’t pull everything out at once. Seriously, avoid those overwhelming doom piles—they’re the worst.
Deal with one item at a time. If it needs fixing (like new batteries or a dab of glue), do it now. If it’s not worth the effort, maybe it’s not meant for you right now—consider letting it go.
TRIM Steps:
Trash:
Scoop up obvious junk—candy wrappers, broken toys, expired coupons. Don’t overthink it; if it’s not a quick toss, skip it for now.
You’ll circle back later.
Pro Tip: Don’t start stuff-shifting here. Find more trash later? Toss it then. But pull out a bunch of stuff to ‘maybe find some trash’.This step’s just for the easy to see wins.
Rehome:
This step is for re-homing lost items. Spot something out of place, like a hammer chilling in your office from that time you hung pictures? Take it back to its home (like the garage) if you know where it goes.
Pro Tip: Don’t stress about finding new homes yet— And PLEASE don’t “try to find homes” for any items we’ll get there-I Promise.
Identify What’s Serving You:
Keep stuff that’s serving you in your current season of life (hint: I used it all the time 10 years ago doesn’t count here).
Things you use for their function or find enjoyable. For the remaining items in your space, determine if they are an:
1.Obvious Donations: No-brainer? Straight to the donation bin.
2.Intentional Items Needing a Home: Ask, “Where would I look for this? Where do I use it? What’s it belong near?” Find its spot and put it there now.
- Example: A pairing knife, will always belong in the kitchen. There’s simply no need for one in the bathroom.
3.Is It Valuable?
- Monetary Value: Keep it and store it right, or research how to pass it on. Consider selling it.
- Sentimental Value: Stash in a special spot or your Keepsake Bin, or donate if someone else might cherish it.
Pro Tip: Snap a pic of sentimental stuff—it makes letting go easier.
4.“I’m Just Not Sure” Items:
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Did I even know I had this? If not, toss it or pop it in the Safety Stock Bin to decide later.
- When’s the last time I used it? Over a year? Say bye. Used recently? Give it a home.
- Can I borrow or rent it? Think libraries for books, neighbors for crockpots.
- Does it make me feel guilty or down? Let it go—your stuff should lift you up.
- Does it need fixing? Do it now—batteries, glue, whatever. If it’s not worth fixing today, it’s probably not worth keeping.
- Example: That broken lamp you swear you’ll fix someday? If it’s not worth your time now, it’s not serving you.
Mind the Limits:
If your “container” (shelf, closet, bin) is overflowing, you’ve got too much. Keep decluttering ‘til lids close, drawers slide easy, and you’re not playing adult Tetris to grab stuff.
Back when toys owned my house, I learned the hard way: stuff-shifting doesn’t work.
My TRIM method has helped me and many other women find calm amid chaos.
One client even told me after a session:
Start small, lean on your why, and use my TRIM method to tackle one item at a time.
Want a handy printable of the TRIM steps? Grab my FREE Simplify in 60: Decluttering Guide.
Need a little extra hand-holding? I’m here for personalized coaching—let’s chat, friend!
Drop your decluttering struggles or wins below—I’d love to cheer you on.