The Collins Dictionary defines decluttering as the process of simplifying or getting rid of mess, disorder, or complications. Decluttering tips would then be the strategy that would get you started.
And I couldn’t agree more!
Imagine entering a room that feels light, airy, and inviting—a space where every item serves a purpose and everything feels calm. Now, think about how it would feel to wake up each day in an environment that inspires clarity and creativity rather than stress and overwhelm.
If this made you feel relaxed, then, my dear friend, you need a dose of decluttering—a magical beginning to physical minimalism.
Some immediate decluttering tips to get you started
The word decluttering might sound heavy, but trust me, it’s the simplest and most rewarding process you can introduce to your life.
Take it from me, who, like you, was once trapped under the huge mess of possessions and an inability to let go. But when minimalism entered my life, I understood where I should be investing my energy instead of just randomly spending time here and there.
The journey is long and continuous, but there is always a beginning, and today, I want to help you with it. I have prepared some easy and simple decluttering tips for you, with which you can begin your decluttering journey and understand the meaning of declutter a little more clearly:
1. Remove the extras
Remember the definition I shared above? Yes, decluttering is about removing everything that is unnecessary.
The extras—unnecessary items we accumulate over time—often distract us from what truly matters. Just think about all those extras—outdated clothes, unused gadgets, faded pairs of shoes, broken furniture, unnecessary duplicates—and how much space they have occupied and created chaos in our lives. When we remove the extra stuff from our lives, we clear up our physical space and create mental and emotional room for a more intentional life.
Perhaps one of the simplest decluttering tips is removing the extras. This strips away the excess and uncovers clarity and calm.
Decluttering Tip: Start with items with little sentimental value and are easier to let go of, such as clothes you haven’t worn in over a year or faded kitchenware.
2. Say bye to all those “just in case” items
Yes, precisely what you pictured! Say bye to that long list of “just in case” things lying unused and surely unseen in your house for God knows how many years now.
I know the feeling; I have been there. And I can vouch for the sense of lightness and happiness once I let those go. They never added any value and never will, so it is only sensible to let them all go. Had it been necessary, it would have come in use by now. The fact that it hasn’t means it is no longer eligible to serve any purpose in your life. So, free yourself of these items and feel the relief of being unburdened.
Decluttering Tip: Set a specific “expiration date” for these items. If you haven’t used the item by that date—whether six months or a year—commit to letting it go. Mark the date on the item or create a reminder on your phone.
3. Donation day
Look at it from this point of view: What is no longer necessary to you could be helpful for someone else or someone in actual need.
Imagine all the purposes your excess would serve to someone who cannot afford them or doesn’t have the opportunity to get access to them. Picture all those unused clothes being worn by someone who hasn’t worn a proper piece of clothing in years. Picture the pure joy your child’s old toy brought to that little child who never played with a toy because their parents couldn’t afford it. That old book, unused headphones, that kitchenware, and, of course, that old favourite pair of shoes; your go-to pair a few years back - are all a memory now.
They no longer add any meaning to you, but for someone else, they are probably the only meaning. So, donate and give, decluttering the meaning it truly deserves and adding happiness to someone else’s life. Instead of letting things collect dust, let them find new purpose in someone else’s life.
Decluttering Tip: Create a dedicated donation box and place it in a convenient area of your home. Whenever you come across an item you no longer use or need, put it in the box, and once it’s full, donate all of it.
4. One in-One out
This is the easiest to follow if you practice it from the heart.
Every time you bring something new into your home, get rid of a similar existing item. This simple rule will help you maintain a decluttered space and prevent you from accumulating more than you need. In fact, it will not only help reduce physical clutter but also encourage mindful consumption.
I cannot tell you how mindful I have become ever since I started practicing this. Initially, I started with clothes and gadgets, but now I apply them to everything. These days, I have started donating my old books from my childhood collection to a neighbouring school for every new book that I add.
Decluttering Tip: Keep a list on your phone or a small notepad to track your ‘one in, one out’ progress. Write down what you brought and removed against it. This will help you remain motivated to keep going.
5. Create a decluttering schedule
Finally, if you are reading this, it means you are interested in decluttering and wish to participate in the process. So, remember this one line: practicing decluttering and achieving physical minimalism isn’t a one-day activity; it’s a process.
You must commit to the process, and one of the most effective ways is to create a decluttering schedule. Dedicate 30 minutes on any convenient day of the week to tackle a particular area in your home. You must understand that by doing this, you are going to make room for what truly matters in your life.
Decluttering Tip: Involve your family members; if you have children around, that’s even better. See, decluttering is a therapeutic joy, and when the entire family comes on board, it becomes a process from the heart. And what’s better is that you all get to spend time together and revisit old memories associated with your belongings.
Why do the above decluttering tips matter?
The sad reality of our lives today is the constant feeling of being buried under piles of possessions and that nagging struggle to find peace in our own homes.
But there is magic in decluttering, and embracing physical minimalism will help you manage your life better and destress from the burden of clutter. By following decluttering tips, you don’t tidy up only for a day but rather embrace a lifestyle that involves a continuous journey of simplicity and meaningful intentions.
Minimalism helps simplify your daily routines, reducing stress and freeing you up for things that add meaning and purpose. The journey toward physical minimalism is not about deprivation but creating space—space for things that genuinely matter in your life.
Food for thought: Minimalism is about living with intention—so surround yourself with things that support your best self and follow these decluttering tips to let go of the rest.
This blog was written by Ayesha Mollah, a professional blogger who has embraced minimalism since 2023 and is on the path toward understanding and accepting the greater meanings of life.
