A tidy home doesn’t just look better, it feels better too. And with this year running by, many homeowners are thinking about how to create a cleaner, calmer space without taking on a full renovation project. Decluttering is a simple place to begin. These five practical decluttering projects are perfect for busy families who want fast results they can see and feel.
1. Clear the Entryway
The entryway sets the tone for your entire home. It’s the first place you see when you return and the first impression for guests. Yet, it often becomes a drop zone for shoes, bags, keys, and mail. Start by removing anything that doesn’t belong. Keep only the essentials: a coat rack, shoe storage, a bench with baskets underneath, and a small tray for keys. Use hooks for bags and seasonal accessories. Once the area is simplified, it becomes easier to maintain, and it gives your home a fresh, welcoming feeling every time someone walks through the door.
2. Tidy Up the Kitchen Counters
Kitchen surfaces can quickly become crowded with small appliances, unopened mail, and random items from the rest of the house. This clutter makes it harder to cook, clean, and enjoy the space. Begin this decluttering project by removing everything from the counters. Only return the tools you use daily, such as a coffee maker or toaster. Store other appliances in cabinets. Use trays or bins to group items like spices or utensils so they stay in place. Keeping the counters clear not only makes the kitchen feel larger but also encourages better habits.
3. Organize the Bathroom Cabinets
A cluttered bathroom can make daily routines feel chaotic. Often cabinets are filled with half-used bottles, expired products, and random extras. Pull everything out and sort it into categories. Toss anything you no longer use. Use drawer dividers and labeled containers to keep similar items together- hair products in one bin, skincare in another, and so on. Keep everyday essentials within reach and move extras or infrequently used products to a linen closet or upper shelf. This simple reorganization can make mornings feel calmer and help everyone in the house find what they need without digging through drawers.
4. Simplify the Bedroom Closets
Closets often become storage spaces for things we intend to deal with “later.” Clothes that no longer fit, shoes that hurt to wear, and piles of extra bedding take up space and add visual stress. Remove everything from the closet to get started on this decluttering project. Try on clothes you haven’t worn in months and let go of anything that doesn’t make you feel good. Use matching hangers to create a cleaner look and place seasonal items in labeled bins. Shoes can go on racks or into clear boxes. You don’t need to completely clear out the closet– just reduce it to what you love and use. The goal is to make the space functional and easy to manage, not magazine perfect.
5. Purge Miscellaneous Storage Areas
Every home has a drawer, closet, shelf, or spare room that acts as a catch-all. These areas tend to collect cables, cords, batteries, forgotten holiday decorations, broken toys, and things people “might use someday.” Pick one spot to tackle and start small. Take everything out and be honest. If you don’t remember you have it, you likely don’t need it. Group related items and discard duplicates. Use clear bins to keep things visible and label each container. Keep a small box nearby for donations or items to give to friends and family. Once this space is organized, you’ll be surprised how often you use it—and how much lighter your home feels.
Decluttering doesn’t mean stripping your home of personality. It’s about clearing out what no longer serves a purpose so the things that matter can stand out. Each of these five decluttering projects focuses on a high-traffic area where belongings build up quickly. Investing just a few hours in each space can make a noticeable difference in the way your home looks and feels, without remodeling, repainting, or replacing a thing.
