Decluttering: Here are some tips to remove items that no longer serve purpose or add value to daily life

Hyderabad: Keeping a home clean and organized is not just about appearances; it improves efficiency, lowers stress, and makes daily life smoother.

Decluttering plays a central role in this process. Experts agree that small, consistent habits are more effective than occasional deep cleaning.

Why Decluttering Matters

Decluttering is the act of removing items that no longer serve a purpose or add value to daily life. A clutter-free space reduces decision fatigue and helps maintain hygiene.

“Clutter is essentially delayed decision-making. The more you postpone deciding what stays and what goes, the heavier the physical and mental load becomes,” says Dr. Meenakshi Rao, psychologist and minimal living researcher, told NewsMeter.

Start Small and Stay Consistent

Attempting to tackle the entire house at once often leads to burnout. Experts suggest beginning with a single drawer, shelf, or corner.

Tip: Set aside just 15–20 minutes daily for decluttering. Over weeks, these small sessions build into visible results.

Professional organizer Rohit Menon notes, “Consistency is more impactful than intensity. A little daily progress keeps clutter from piling back up.”

Categorize by Keep, Donate, and Discard

Sorting items into clear categories helps speed up decision-making:

• Keep: Items used regularly or deeply valued.

• Donate: Items in good condition that others may benefit from.

• Discard: Broken, expired, or non-functional objects.

Using labeled boxes or bags during the process avoids confusion. This method also ensures minimal regret later.

Apply the “One In, One Out” Rule

To prevent clutter from creeping back, adopt a replacement mindset. For every new item brought into the house, remove one similar item.

This practice helps balance belongings without relying on seasonal cleanouts. Many experts recommend extending this to clothing, kitchenware, and even digital files.

Organize by Function, Not Just Aesthetics

A clean home is not only about appearance but also usability. Items should be stored near where they are used.

For example:

• Keep cooking utensils close to the stove.

• Store cleaning supplies in easily accessible locations.

• Place daily-use shoes near the entrance.

“Organizing by function saves time and reduces the chances of clutter returning,” says Menon.

Use Vertical and Hidden Storage

Maximizing storage options helps maintain cleanliness without overcrowding visible spaces. Consider:

• Shelves and wall hooks for vertical storage.

• Beds with drawers for hidden storage.

• Baskets and bins to group small items.

This approach creates designated spaces, reducing the random scattering of objects.

Establish Daily Reset Routines

A “reset routine” ensures the house doesn’t fall back into disarray. Spend 10–15 minutes at the end of the day putting items back in their place.

Key steps include:

• Folding blankets and arranging cushions.

• Clearing kitchen counters.

• Returning items to designated storage.

This habit prevents clutter from compounding.

Involve Everyone in the Household

Decluttering is not a solo task when multiple people share the home. Assigning responsibilities by room or category encourages accountability.

Children can be taught to manage their toys and school items, while adults handle shared spaces like the living room or kitchen.

Regularly Audit Spaces

A quarterly or seasonal review helps ensure unused items don’t accumulate. Clothes, pantry items, and even paperwork should be audited. Expired products, outdated electronics, and unread mail are common culprits.

“Think of decluttering as a maintenance practice, not a one-time event,” advises Neeraj Khanna, lifestyle coach.

Digital Declutter for a Cleaner Home

Physical clutter often extends to digital spaces, which indirectly affects mental clarity. Deleting old emails, organizing files, and limiting device notifications helps maintain focus.

A tidy digital life often inspires consistency in physical spaces as well.

Conclusion

Decluttering is an ongoing practice rooted in decision-making, organization, and mindful consumption. By starting small, applying clear systems, and involving all household members, it is possible to maintain a clean and functional home. The key lies in making decluttering a lifestyle rather than an occasional chore.