How to Declutter Your Home in 7 Days

Day 1: Living room

Let’s get rid of decor clutter, such as lamps, candles, wall decor, and throw pillows that are not practical and serve no purpose in the space. I’ve been asking myself how much time do I really want to spend dusting these items.

Books

Books are sentimental to me. However, I rarely find myself reaching for the same book I’ve already read, so I thought it was time to let some go.

You can always try to sell some of your books on websites like Bookscouter or Amazon, but first see if you can donate them to your local library or if you have a little library for neighborhood book exchanges.

Photos

I let go of blurry or random photos. If you don’t want to keep physical albums, scan and digitize old photos. Take your time to enjoy the photos and relive the memories as you sort through them.

If you have anything you never listen to or watch, let them go.

Furniture

Get rid of furniture by posting it on neighborhood groups or apps like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. People are willing to pick them up as long as they’re in decent shape.

Accessories

I go through the same process with shoes and accessories. I let go of unworn belts, unmatched socks, rusted jewelry, and worn-out shoes.

Skincare and makeup

It’s time to let go of empty bottles, expired makeup, and products you don’t like.

I keep in mind that how much I paid for a certain item should not be a deciding factor when I decide to keep it or throw it away.

If something doesn’t add value to my life, I shouldn’t hesitate to let it go.

Purses and wallets

Our purses and wallets can get heavy and cluttered. I dump everything out and put back what is truly necessary.

Day 3: Kitchen

The kitchen is a clutter magnet.

Pots and pans

I like to donate plates, cups, pots, and pans to the local homeless or women’s shelters or nursing homes.

Pantry and refrigerator

I decluttered old spices I never use, empty supplement bottles, old condiments, and expired food in the fridge and freezer. I wiped down the inside of the fridge with a little bit of vinegar and water solution.

The junk drawer

My goal is to eliminate the junk drawer so I am trying to find a home for every item in that drawer.

Day 4: Bathroom

Toss empty shampoo bottles, samples, body lotions, soaps, expired medicines, and old razors and toothbrushes.

Determine how many sets of bed sheets and blankets you need. Call your local animal shelter to donate old towels and linens.

Day 5: Office

Old tech can be donated to a women’s shelter. I hold on to old chargers and wires simply because I think I’ll need them in the future. If I don’t know what they are or haven’t touched them in months, I’ll toss them.

Paper clutter

I’ll organize notebooks, receipts, manuals, and warranties in an accordion folder. You can also scan these items with Adobe Scan to make PDFs.

Old hobbies and art supplies

I used to make greeting cards and still have tons of materials left over. If you have materials from your old hobbies, call schools and other non-profits to see if you can donate them. Toss non-working pens and markers.

Day 6: Digital clutter

I have so many photos and videos and duplicates on my phone and devices. My goal is to keep the best and delete the rest.

While you’re doing this, streamline your contacts. Unsubscribe from brands, companies, and publications you don’t need.

Desktop

Don’t forget your desktop. Clutter slows it down. Create folders and remove unnecessary icons.