Key takeaways
- Sort by category, not by room
- Use three piles: keep, donate and store
- Be honest about what you use
- Start with the space you are rebuilding
You do not need to be a minimalist to benefit from decluttering. A short sort before a project makes the new storage fit better.
Sort by category
Pull everything from one category, such as shirts or tools, in one place. Seeing it all at once makes it easier to decide what you really use.
Three piles
Keep what you use and love, donate what you have outgrown or no longer wear, and store what you want to keep but rarely need. The store pile becomes your overhead or high-shelf list.
Be honest
If you have not used it in a long time, ask whether it earns a place. Sentimental items can get their own box.
Start small
Begin with the space you are about to rebuild. The win is motivating, and the rest of the house can follow.
Get help
A fresh pair of eyes helps. A friend, or an organizing specialist, can keep things moving.
Related services
Questions about your own space? Call or text 800-224-9245, or use the quote form below.