How to Declutter and Purge your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for Every Stage of Life

A serene and clutter-free modern bedroom with a spacious walk-in closet, designed for minimalism and functionality.

Decluttering and purging your home isn’t just about creating a tidy space – it’s about making room for what truly matters in your life. Whether you’re an empty nester, a parent with young children, transitioning to a new lifestyle, or simply looking to clear emotional and physical clutter, decluttering can help you live more intentionally. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process, no matter where you are in your journey.

1. Set Your Intentions

Before you start the process, take a moment to reflect on why you’re decluttering. Why am I doing this? There is a reason your are thinking about it! Are you downsizing, preparing for a life change, or simply looking for more space to breathe? I am going to warn you, this is going to get really ungly before it gets better. You are going to ask yourself why you started the task, but I promise you it is going to be worth the mess. Very similar to renovating! Setting clear intentions helps guide your decision-making and gives you the motivation to push through the challenging parts of purging.

Ask yourself:

• How do I want to use this space in the future?

• What do I want to hold on to, and what is no longer serving me?

• Is having this helping me be who I want to be? Liv like I want to liv , not how I am living now?

Your reason for decluttering will shape the way you approach the task. Whether you’re freeing up space for a new chapter, making room for personal growth, or creating a calmer environment for you and your family, knowing why you’re doing it will keep you focused and motivated.

An organized closet makes it easier to get dressed and saves you money

2. Start Small and Break It Down

Decluttering your entire home in one go can feel overwhelming, so it’s important to start small. Focus on one area at a time – whether it’s a drawer, single room, a closet, or even a specific category of items, like clothes or toys. This method not only makes the process more manageable, but it also lets you see tangible progress, which is incredibly motivating.

Start with high-traffic areas that are used most often. Kitchens, living rooms, and family spaces tend to accumulate the most clutter. Once you tackle these spaces, you’ll feel more energized to continue. If you have children, consider involving them in the process, making it a family activity to sort through their toys or clothes.

3. Sort Items Into Categories

As you begin to go through your things, create three categories: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Discard. Be honest with yourself about each item’s value to your life. Ask yourself:

• Do I need this item?

• Does it bring joy or serve a purpose?

• Is it something I will actually use? When was the last time I used it?

Items that are broken, outdated, or have no sentimental value should be discarded. Donating or selling items that are in good condition is an excellent way to give them a second life, helping others while also clearing your space.

Organizing your drawers makes you purge items you no longer need or have space for. You can find what you need in seconds.

4. Let Go of Sentimental Items

It’s easy to hold on to sentimental items, especially those tied to your children or past memories. But often, these possessions are only taking up space without serving a meaningful purpose in your life. If my adult kids don't want to take it to their home, why should I keep it in mine? They didn't want their ribbons and trophies, so why am I hanging on to them? As an empty nester I have thought to myself, do I want my kids to have to deal with this if something happens to me.

Consider alternatives to physical storage, like taking photos of sentimental items or creating digital albums.

Letting go of sentimental items can feel difficult, but it can also be liberating. Keep the things that truly matter and bring joy. You don’t have to hold on to everything. If parting with certain items feels overwhelming, give yourself permission to take it slow. Start with less emotionally charged things and move on to the more meaningful items once you feel ready. I will make a "maybe" pile when going through clothing. By the time I have gone through everything I am less likely to hang onto it. You get into a rhythm when purging. It gets easier to part with objects the longer you do it.

5. Dispose Responsibly

Once you’ve sorted everything, think about how you’ll dispose of what no longer serves you. This is where being mindful about the environment and giving back can come into play. Donate items that are still in good condition to a local charity or community organization. Also I reccommend donating to a local charity that has financial transparency, like the Salvation Army. You can also sell valuable items online through platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. One man's junk is another man's treasure!

If the items are broken or beyond use, recycle them responsibly. Don’t forget to check your local recycling center for guidelines on how to dispose of electronics, furniture, or other materials that might require special care.

Having the right sized containers that fit your space helps you stay organized. Measure that shelf width and height to be able to get the best storage solutions. Everything needs a home.

6. Organize What You’ve Decided to Keep

Now that you’ve pared down your belongings, it’s time to organize the things that remain. Create systems that make sense for your lifestyle and family. Invest in functional storage solutions that will help you keep things organized in a way that is easy to maintain. This could mean using baskets, shelving, or multi-purpose furniture. I will source storage solutions prior to purging. Don't forget to take your measuring tape with you when shopping for storage solutions. When everything has a home things stay neat and organized.

For families, encourage children to take responsibility for their belongings by setting up simple systems they can easily follow. Label bins, use color coding, or make it interactive to help them stay organized and engaged. I love my label maker.

7. Adopt New Habits for a Clutter-Free Life

Decluttering is not a one-time project; it’s a lifestyle. As you finish purging and organizing, think about how you can maintain this new level of tidiness. Create a routine for keeping things in order, such as setting aside 10 minutes each day to tidy up. This simple habit will keep clutter from building back up. I have a rule that I should only handle an object once. I am not going to pick something up off of the floor and set it down where it doesn't belong. It makes for more work. Put it away in it's home.

If you’re aiming for a more minimalist lifestyle, adopt the “one-in, one-out” rule: I HAVE to do this for shoes. If I am thinking about purchasing a pair , I have to decide which pair needs to go before my wallet comes out. For every new item you bring into your home, let go of one that no longer serves you. This helps maintain balance and ensures you’re only keeping what truly matters.

There are financial benefits to an organzized closet. You won't be purchasing another black t shirt because you can see you already have one. You will wear what you own because it will be easier to put together outfits. We usually only wear 25% of our closet. You will be less likely to shop after you have purged. Our closets growing up had allot less in them. We live in the world of over abundance and don't use everything we own. I am personally guilty of having things in my closet with price tasks still on them. Wear what you have and don't save something because you are waiting for an occasion. It will go out of fashion and you will regret not wearing it, or worse regret that you wasted your hard earned money on something you didn't enjoy

Deep clean the space before you put everything back that you are keeping. Clean and organized .

8. Do a deep clean

After you have purged, do a deep clean. Get the cleaner out and wipe down those shelves and drawers, clean those storage containers, vacuum the floor. This clears out the old energy giving you a clean slate. You will feel better about the space and be more thoughtful about what you are introducing back into the space. Remenber CLEAN and organize. They go hand in hand.

9. Reflect on the Benefits of Your New Space

Once your home is decluttered, take time to reflect on how you feel in your newly organized space. Amazing!!!! Is there more room to relax? Do you feel more at peace? Decluttering not only creates a cleaner environment but also helps clear your mind and spirit.

For families, you’ll likely notice a shift in the energy of your home. With less clutter, your living spaces become more functional, and everyone can enjoy a greater sense of calm. For those seeking a more minimalist lifestyle, you may feel lighter and more aligned with your values. Not to mention your home will stay cleaner longer.

10. Revisit Your Goals and Adjust

Over time, your needs and goals will evolve. Make it a habit to revisit your decluttering and organizing practices periodically. I live in a place with 4 seasons. After every season I can re-visit my wardrobe and see what I have or haven't worn. If I didn't wear something all winter, I am probably not going to. An opportunity to let it go.

If your family grows or you’re going through a new stage in life, you might find that your space needs change. Regularly assess whether your home environment aligns with your current lifestyle, and make adjustments as needed.

You may also find that you’re more in tune with your possessions, keeping only what truly supports your life and letting go of anything that weighs you down. This ongoing process can become a natural part of your routine, supporting both your physical space and your mental well-being.

Closet goals! A perfectly organized and neat closet helps you see what you have. Makes for easy living and saves you time and money.

In Conclusion

Decluttering is a journey that goes beyond cleaning out closets – it’s about creating space for the things that matter most, whether that’s simplifying your lifestyle, creating a home that better supports your family, or making room for spiritual growth. By taking it step by step, setting clear intentions, and being mindful about what you keep and let go of, you can transform your space into a place of peace, functionality, and intention. Whether you’re an empty nester, a busy parent, or someone focused on living more purposefully, decluttering can help you move closer to the life you envision.