How to Declutter Home Fast: The Ultimate Room-by-Room Guide
Knowing how to declutter home fast can make all the difference, whether you’re preparing for a move or just tackling seasonal clutter. Decluttering helps reduce stress and anxiety by creating a calm, organized space that sharpens focus and boosts mood, and improving overall mental well-being.
Over 15 years, I’ve helped countless families across Western Canada streamline their homes before big transitions. One thing’s clear, decluttering saves time, saves money, and creates a more organized, stress-free experience.
Why Decluttering Before Packing Is Essential
Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up, it’s a game-changer for any home. This room-by-room checklist will guide you step by step, helping you clear out unnecessary items and create a clutter-free space.
For Seasonal Decluttering: A clean, organized home is easier to maintain and feels more spacious.
For Moving: Purging unused items and packing only the essentials saves time, reduces costs, and makes unpacking a breeze in your new place.
Pro Tip: Start small and start early. Focus on one area at a time, like a drawer or corner of a room. Use a trash bag for broken items and a box for donations to keep things moving efficiently.
If you’re decluttering before a move, our team at Gilbert’s Mountain Movers can help you pack and transport everything safely. Check out our packing services to learn more.
Room-by-Room Decluttering Checklist
Whether it’s tackling seasonal clutter or preparing for a move, focusing on one room at a time makes the process easier and faster. Use this step-by-step guide to stay on track.
Entryway
The entryway is the first impression of your home and often the messiest.
- Sort items: Declutter shoes, coats, and accessories. Toss or donate anything unused or damaged.
- Create a system: Use hooks or baskets for daily essentials like keys or mail.
- Prepare for storage: Pack off seasonal items, like winter boots or umbrellas, in labeled boxes.
Pro Tip: If you’re getting ready to move, ensure you get the write packing materials and have proper labeling for an easy move and unpacking in your new home.
Living Room
The living room tends to collect clutter from everyone in the house.
- Clear surfaces: Declutter coffee tables, side tables, and shelves. Remove items that don’t serve a purpose or bring joy.
- Sort piles: Create piles of stuff to keep, donate, or toss.
- Pack smart: If you’re moving, label and pack decorative items you won’t need right away.
Pro Tip: Create a “clutter basket” to collect items that don’t belong in the living room. At the end of each day, return these items to their proper places to maintain a clutter-free space.
Kitchen
A clutter-free kitchen makes cooking and moving stress-free.
- Purge expired items: Check pantry staples and fridge contents. Toss anything past its expiration date.
- Simplify tools: Donate duplicate or rarely used utensils, and keep only what you use daily.
- Pack strategically: Place everyday items in an “essentials” box for quick access after a move.
Pro Tip: Group similar items together, like baking supplies or coffee essentials, in labeled bins or containers. This not only declutters but also makes daily tasks faster and more efficient.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms should feel like a sanctuary, not a storage space.
- Sort clothing: Go through your closet and dresser. Separate clothes into piles: keep, donate, and toss.
- Declutter surfaces: Clear bedside tables, desks, and dressers of unnecessary items.
- Organize for the season: Pack off-season clothing into storage bins or suitcases.
Pro Tip: If you’re decluttering before a move, label clothing boxes by season to save time when unpacking. Having good folding techniques and packing materials can make all the difference.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms can easily get overcrowded with unused products.
- Purge expired items: Toss old makeup, medications, and empty bottles.
- Streamline storage: Use labeled bins for toiletries, first aid supplies, and cleaning products.
- Minimize clutter: Keep countertops clear by storing essentials in drawers or cabinets.
Pro Tip: Use clear, stackable bins to organize toiletries by category (e.g., skincare, haircare, first aid). Label each bin to make it easy to find what you need and keep counters clutter-free.
Storage Spaces and Garage
These areas are often packed with items you don’t need or forgot you had.
- Sort into zones: Separate items into categories like tools, seasonal decor, and sports equipment.
- Get rid of items: Donate or toss broken or unused items. Ask a friend or family member to help with the heavy items.
- Maximize vertical space: Use shelving racks and hooks to create a more organized layout.
Pro Tip: If you’re running out of room or unsure if there is enough room at your new place. Consider using temporary storage solutions to keep your items safe and secure until you need them.
Decluttering Tips for Success
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but these tips will keep you on track and make the process faster:
- Work one room at a time: Avoid jumping between rooms. Focus on finishing one area before moving to the next.
- Set a timer: Dedicate 30 minutes to decluttering each day. Small, consistent efforts add up quickly.
- Sort items into three categories: Keep, donate, and toss. This helps you make decisions faster without second-guessing.
- Ask for help: Invite a family member or friend to keep you motivated and provide a second opinion.
- Don’t waste time: If you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go.
Pro Tip: If you’re decluttering for a move, pack as you go. Use labeled boxes to keep things organized and make unpacking easy. If you're planning a long journey or a move during the winter season, be prepared for the elements.
Slow is Smooth. Smooth is Fast
Knowing how to declutter home fast can transform your space and make life easier, whether you’re preparing for a move or simply doing a seasonal refresh. By focusing on one room at a time, sorting items into categories, and staying consistent, you’ll create a clutter-free home without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re planning to move after decluttering, Gilbert’s Mountain Movers is here to help. From piano moving to senior moves, and white glove premium services. We’ve got the expertise to make your transition smooth and stress-free.
Call us or request online today for a free estimate.
Bonus Tips
What is the 20 20 rule for decluttering?
The 20/20 rule, developed by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists, offers a practical approach to decluttering. It suggests that if an item can be replaced in under 20 minutes and for less than $20, you can let it go. This method encourages letting go of unnecessary items while providing reassurance that essential replacements are quick and affordable.
What is the 90 90 rule for decluttering?
Ask yourself: Have I used this item in the last 90 days? If not, ask, Will I realistically use it in the next 90 days? If the answer is no, it’s a clear sign you can let it go.
This simple rule helps you decide what’s truly necessary, keeping your space clutter-free and intentional.
Which room to declutter first?
Jane Stoller, author of Decluttering for Dummies, advises starting with the entryway. “Organize this space first—it sets the tone for your entire home.”