10 Ultimate Tips to Decluttering for a Simpler Life
A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that 77% of individuals living in cluttered homes experience elevated stress levels compared to those in organized spaces. Research from the Journal of Environmental Psychology indicates that engaging in decluttering activities can lead to a 50% increase in happiness and satisfaction after completing the task.
At some point, many of us look around and realize we’ve been carrying not just years of memories — but years of stuff. Extra chargers, “someday” hobbies, piles of makeup or books we never use. And the weight of it? It can feel like a quiet burden.
Decluttering isn’t just about making your home neater. Instead, it’s about creating mental space, reducing decision fatigue, and letting go of consumer habits that no longer serve us. For women in midlife, it’s about choosing enough — and realizing less truly can feel like freedom. With that in mind, here are 10 ultimate tips to declutter that make this process manageable and even enjoyable.
After you have decluttered, it’s time to party! Are you hosting a Friendsgiving this year? Be sure and read my 10 Surprising Mistakes to Avoid When Hosting Friendsgiving: How to Make it Unforgettable
Understand What Decluttering Really Means
Decluttering is the intentional process of letting go of what you don’t use, need, or love. In other words, it’s not about living with nothing — it’s about living with what matters. One woman shared her turning point: realizing she didn’t need two sets of headphones, a drawer full of slow chargers, or stacks of art supplies she’d forgotten she owned.
That “I’ll get to it one day” pile? Typically, it rarely gets touched. And each untouched item quietly weighs on us.
Top Questions to Ask Yourself While Decluttering
| Question | Purpose / Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Do I use this item regularly? | Helps identify items that are functional versus those that sit unused. |
| Does this item spark joy or make me happy? | Inspired by Marie Kondo’s method, ensures you keep items that positively impact your mood. |
| Have I used this in the past year? | One-year rule helps eliminate items that are not essential or rarely used. |
| Is this item broken, damaged, or expired? | Ensures you remove clutter that serves no purpose or could be hazardous. |
| Can I replace this easily if I need it in the future? | Helps reduce attachment to items that are inexpensive or easily obtainable. |
| Do I have duplicates of this item? | Identifies redundant items that can be removed to save space. |
| Does this item fit my current lifestyle? | Aligns belongings with your current life stage, habits, and goals. |
| Would I buy this again today? | Evaluates the true value of keeping something based on your present priorities. |
| Does this item add value to my life or home? | Keeps only items that are functional, meaningful, or beautiful. |
| Could someone else benefit from this item? | Encourages donating or gifting, reducing clutter while helping others. |
Top Decluttering Methodologies: Pros, Cons & Best For
| Methodology | Overview | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KonMari Method | Marie Kondo’s “spark joy” approach | Encourages mindfulness, emotional satisfaction, highly motivating | Time-consuming, can feel overwhelming with large clutter | Emotional connection & long-term joy |
| Four-Box Method | Sort into Keep, Donate, Trash, Relocate | Structured, effective for whole rooms | Less mindful, may keep too many items | Practical, methodical decluttering |
| Minimalist Method | Keep only essentials, limit items per category | Long-term simplicity, intentional living | Can feel extreme, requires discipline | Long-term lifestyle & simplicity |
| Room-by-Room Method | Focus on one room at a time | Manageable, visible progress | Slower overall, can feel disjointed | Stepwise approach & manageable pace |
| Reverse Decluttering | Remove obvious junk first, refine later | Quick wins, immediate results | May overlook sentimental items | Speed-focused decluttering & motivation |
| Marie Kondo + Storage Hybrid | Combines joy-focused method with storage solutions | Balances emotional satisfaction & functionality | Requires planning & storage solutions | Emotional + practical balance |
| One-In, One-Out Rule | For every new item, remove one old item | Prevents future clutter, simple & sustainable | Does not reduce existing clutter | Ongoing maintenance & prevention |
Quick Comparison: What Method Fits Your Goal?
| Goal | Best Method |
|---|---|
| Emotional satisfaction / joy | KonMari, Marie Kondo + Storage Hybrid |
| Practical, step-by-step organization | Four-Box Method, Room-by-Room Method |
| Quick results / motivation | Reverse Decluttering |
| Long-term simplicity / minimalism | Minimalist Method |
| Maintaining clutter-free home | One-In, One-Out Rule |
Follow the Golden Rule
The golden rule is simple:
If you don’t use it, love it, or need it — it goes.
Old chargers, unused makeup, or books you’ll never read again? Let them go. Decluttering is about freedom, not guilt.
10 Tips to Declutter Your Home and Life
Here are practical lessons that make decluttering sustainable:
- Decluttering isn’t organizing. Don’t confuse the two. First, clear things out. Organizing comes later.
- Start small. One drawer, one shelf, one makeup bag. Progress compounds. For example, I started with the floor of my office and then moved to the closet in the same day! I was so excited seeing the floor clutter free that it sparked something in me to do more. Before I knew it, my entire trunk of my car was full of things for the Good Will.
- Don’t buy organizers first. Minimize first, then decide what storage you actually need. Often, people find they need far fewer bins, if any at all.
- DIY solutions work. Cardboard dividers, small tins, or jars you already own can serve better than stacks of new plastic organizers.
- Sentimental items: Photograph them, keep a few, and let go of the rest. For instance, I found a huge box of my daughter’s old artwork and school items from when she was young. I photographed them all and then used Picaboo to make a coffee table book of them. I didn’t feel as bad when I threw them out after.
- Be honest about hobbies. Watercolor kits, knitting needles, and crafting supplies you haven’t touched in years? Release them. Focus on one project at a time. In fact, I found 20 bottles of paint that were dried out and still in a box of future craft ideas. I realized that I would need to buy new paint if I ever did use them, so why was I keeping them?
- Simplify makeup and skincare. Look at ingredients — many overlap. Depot shadows or combine products rather than buying more. I can’t tell you how many freebies or colors I didn’t like I was holding onto.
- Use what you have. Go on a “no-buy” challenge and see how long it takes to use up your vitamins, makeup, or lotions.
- Rethink décor. A dusty figurine collection might not bring joy anymore. Ultimately, a clean surface feels better than cluttered beauty. I ended up tossing some random figurines that a friend had bought. Sometimes it is hard to let go of gifts, but if they are only taking up space, it’s okay to let it go.
- Work in sections. Drawer by drawer, shelf by shelf. Don’t pressure yourself to finish it all at once.
Decluttering isn’t about aesthetics. Instead, it’s about convenience and calm. One woman put it beautifully: “Does a well-decorated but dusty room look better, or does a clean, dust-free room look better? I chose the latter.”
Focus on What Feels Right
Decluttering isn’t about making your home Pinterest-perfect. Place items where they are convenient, not aesthetic. Donate decorations you can’t maintain. Additionally, let go of items that no longer spark joy. A cleaner, simpler environment promotes mental clarity and peace — the ultimate goal.
The National Sleep Foundation reports that a clutter-free environment can significantly boost productivity. People who work in organized spaces are 40% more likely to complete tasks efficiently and with greater attention to detail, compared to those in disorganized environments.
With all of that extra peace, you might want to check out these articles.
- How to Start Something New After 50
- Ultimate Solo Travel Tips Every Woman Should Know
- How to Let Go of Emotional Baggage
Shop Simple Living Tools
Support your decluttering journey with these Amazon finds:
- Clear storage bins – perfect for stacking and seeing what you own
- Adjustable drawer dividers – for makeup, office supplies, or kitchen tools
- Heavy-duty donation bags – keep one in each closet for easy drop-offs
- Label maker – helps maintain order once you’ve pared down
- Over-the-door organizers – a smart way to reclaim space in small rooms
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will earn commission if you purchase from my links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps me continue creating free and valuable content. Thank you!
The Health Benefits
- Decluttering half her belongings dramatically improved one woman’s mental clarity. As a result, she could finally focus, tackle tasks, and enjoy her home without distraction. Physical space creates mental space — and that’s the beauty of decluttering for a simpler life.
- According to The Sleep Foundation, maintaining a tidy environment can improve sleep quality. Individuals who live in organized spaces experience 30% fewer sleep disturbances and enjoy more restful sleep compared to those who live in cluttered settings.
- A study in The Journal of Applied Psychology found that decluttering fosters a greater sense of control and mastery over one’s environment. Participants who engaged in decluttering reported a 25% increase in feelings of self-esteem and psychological well-being, as they felt more in control of their personal space.
- Improved Air Quality: Decluttering can help reduce the accumulation of dust, mold, and allergens, leading to better indoor air quality and potentially fewer respiratory issues.
- Encourages Physical Activity: The physical activity involved in decluttering and organizing can serve as a form of moderate exercise, promoting physical health and well-being.
Final Thought
Decluttering doesn’t mean living in an empty house. It means creating space for peace, energy, and joy. As women in midlife, we get to ask: What deserves to come with me into this next chapter? And what can I release with gratitude and freedom?
Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is simply let go.
