How to Create a Foolproof Decluttering Plan
Having a decluttering plan is a helpful way to clean out the extra stuff in your home without getting distracted or giving up. Let’s face it, decluttering is hard, so the more help you can have in your corner, the better off you will be.
A step-by-step plan is also the most effective way to learn how to declutter so you can streamline every room, drawer, and cabinet inside of your home.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could wave a magic wand and have your home completely decluttered, cleaned, and organized? In one swoop, you could have every item in its place without breaking a sweat.
And what if you also had systems to help you keep each and every room clean and clutter-free? Easy ones that your family can follow, too?
And while we’re at it, let’s also magically create a decluttering plan. One that helps you go from task to task, keeping your focus on what you are doing instead of what you are skipping.
Okay, that would be a pretty amazing thing to have, don’t you agree?
Why do you need a decluttering plan?
Decluttering isn’t just about making your home look spotless — it’s a pathway to a more organized, stress-free, and productive life.
While the idea of clearing out your space sounds simple, it can often feel overwhelming without a clear strategy. That’s where a decluttering plan comes in.
It’s your roadmap to reclaiming your home, and your peace of mind, one step at a time.
Turning Chaos into Order
One of the benefits of having a decluttering plan is the ability to work on things without getting overwhelmed by focusing on the step instead of the entire task.
A plan keeps you focused and on track.
Without a plan, it’s easy to start pulling things out of closets or drawers only to end up with an even bigger mess.
A plan helps you focus on one area at a time, breaking the process into smaller, more manageable tasks.
For example, you can dedicate one day to organizing your kitchen or tackle just one shelf per session. This not only keeps you from feeling overwhelmed but also ensures that the changes you make are sustainable.
Reducing Stress and Creating Calm
Clutter doesn’t just take up physical space; it can also weigh heavily on your mind. Walking into a messy room after a long day can make it hard to relax and unwind.
A neat room, on the other hand, promotes a sense of calm. Studies have shown that clean, organized spaces can reduce stress and anxiety, giving you the freedom to focus on what really matters in your life.
When you have a plan in place, you know where to start and how to move forward, which can help calm that initial “where do I even begin?” panic. Plus, as you see your progress — whether it’s a cleared counter or a decluttered closet — you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that boosts your mood and motivation.
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What is clutter?
Clutter is basically anything that does not have a home. A specific place where you keep each specific item so when you need it, you know exactly where to find it.
Take your silverware drawer, for example.
This is something that just about every single home has a specific place for. A drawer that is meant to do one thing. Hold the knives, forks, and spoons so that when it is time for you to eat a meal, you can find the specific utensil you need to get the job done.
A clutter-free home takes this simple concept and applies it to every item that is found inside. From towels to tools. Pens to the television remote.
Each item has a specific place where it can be found at all times. Every time. By anyone.
More Great Clutter Reads:
Where Should You Keep Your Things in an Organized Home?
If you are still sticking with me, then the next question in your mind right about now is probably this; where should you keep each of your things?
Lucky for us, the answer is really quite simple.
For each item you find that you know does not have a home, ask yourself this.
If I needed this item, where would be the first place I would look to find it?
If you are not yet sure of the exact place yet, (don’t worry – it will come), at the very least, ask yourself; where is the first room I would look for?
If you are struggling to select the perfect home, you can start out by narrowing down the location just a bit until you can fine-tune this new way of thinking.
What is a decluttering plan?
A decluttering plan is a road map that will take you from step one to done until everything is cleaned out and organized. It is by far my favorite tool to use when cleaning out and cleaning up a home.
Once you find one or even create one of your own, the pages will guide you through each room one by one until your entire home begins to take shape. It removes the overwhelm and frustration that often accompanies a project like this.
Does this sound like you?
You walk into your kitchen after a long day. There is stuff all over the counters and kitchen table. The sink is full, and the dishwasher is loaded and waiting to be run.
There is food on the counter because there is no room in the pantry, and so many papers are tacked to the refrigerator you can barely find the handle.
The trash is overflowing, and the cabinets are a complete mess. You roll up your sleeves with grim determination and dive in. After an hour of jumping from mess to mess, you take a break to admire your work.
And you see that things are worse now than before you started!
The reason for this is so simple you may not see it.
Sure, you began with good intentions, but you missed a very important step. You forgot to create a plan. A step-by-step path to follow so things look better as you go along instead of worse.
Worse means you give up and walk away.
Better means you begin to get excited about what the end result will be.
How to create a decluttering plan.
Let’s break it down into simple, manageable steps to make the process less overwhelming. Taking it one step at a time keeps things easy, and when you’re working toward creating a home you truly love, keeping it simple is what ensures the changes will last.
Step #1. Set Realistic Goals
So many times, we do it without thinking, and for some chores, like washing the dishes, that is just fine, but in this case, you are transforming, and with any transformation, you need a “why.”
That “why” is your finish line. Your trophy, so to speak.
Take a minute to identify your “why” and write it down on an index card.
Post that card where you can see it to help you better remember your end goal. This is the finish line you are working so hard to reach with your decluttering plan.
Step #2. What is your deadline?
Knowing how much time you have to completely declutter and organize a room is more important than most folks realize. When you give your project a deadline, it ensures you will actually get it done. A project without a deadline is just an idea that will never come to fruition.
Take a minute to give yourself a “complete by” date.
This could be for a party, family gathering, or your own satisfaction. By confirming a date in writing, you are flipping a switch in your mind that this is more than an idea but instead a project that must be done.
Step #3. How long will it take?
When you know how long a project will take, you can more easily break it down into small tasks. This is by far the best way to make decluttering less overwhelming.
Since there is no exact way of knowing how long each room is going to take, you will want to just do an estimate.
The easiest way to do this is to actually go into the space you hope to work on. Take a good look around and list out all the things you need to do. As you do this, keep a running tally of the time for each task. Just an estimate to help give you a full time idea.
Step #4. Make a list.
Next, on your decluttering plan, you will want a list of the smaller tasks of your big project. From decluttering to cleaning and finally to organizing. Be sure to list every single part so you can just go through your list on autopilot, confident nothing will get left out.
I find it best to make this list when I am actually in the space I am working on.
Seeing things in real-time helps to build a list that is complete. Using a clipboard, write everything down no matter how small the task is.
I know you may be thinking that you do not need to be thorough here, that you will remember you have to dust the furniture in the room but trust me on this. The more mental energy you can keep focused on the list and not remembering what is not on the list the quicker you will get this project done.
The goal of making a list is to help you to get in and done just as quickly as possible.
Step #5. How much time do you have?
Go back to step number 2 and look at your “finish by” date.
Next, take a look at your family, work, and personal schedule. Consider how much time you can dedicate to this project each day or week. Using a bright colored marker, write in the words “work on my decluttering/organizing in (fill in the blank) room.”
I find that smaller pockets are easier to block off for this project. Never underestimate how much you can get done in 10-20 minutes!
D/M PRO TIP: Don’t underestimate the power of a minute. You may be surprised at how much you can get done in just a few minutes. Cleaning out your underwear drawer takes 10 minutes.
Washing the woodwork in your closet just 5 minutes. And sorting through jewelry 8 minutes. Take advantage of the smaller pockets of time to really make a dent in your decluttering/organizing project.
Step #6. Take It One Step at a Time
Now that you have a schedule and a list, all you need to do is follow along.
Just like with a complicated recipe, follow along step by step, knowing that in the end, you will have a beautiful dish.
Don’t skip anything. Be thorough and intentional with every step on your list and schedule. Remember, this plan is meant to make this project easier for you to do and, in the end, maintain.
Focus just on each small step at a time and try to be as thorough as possible.
Putting your plan into action
Let’s see this plan in action so you can visualize the benefits of having a plan and how successful it can be.
You had a long day, and all you want to do is put on sweats and plop down in front of the television. You see on your schedule that you have 10 minutes blocked off to sort through the scarves in your closet. Instead of being frustrated, you are excited that you will be able to take another step closer to your goal of a cleaned-out and organized closet. You put on headphones and begin your playlist of songs.
D/M PRO TIP: Have a playlist of songs for these quick projects on your phone. Label them by length so you can find the music blocks you need quickly. 5 songs equal approximately 20 minutes.
Set up a block for 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, labeling each accordingly. Music has a way of distracting our minds so we can better focus on the job at hand. Also, music time blocks act as a timer to keep you focused so you can get the job done in the time you have allocated.
After just 3 songs, you have gathered up all of your scarves, sorted out the ones you want to keep, and tied them onto a hanger in a simple and organized way.
Another item is checked off your closet’s to-do list and after only a few minutes, you are on the couch relaxing.
By having a decluttering plan, you will finally be able to work your way through your home. Room by room, drawer by drawer, closet by closet. By breaking things down into small pocket-sized tasks, you will remove the overwhelm of this daunting project and now be able to look at it as just another item on your weekly to-do list.
Before you know it, you will begin to see your home transform from its cluttered state into a home you truly love.
More Decluttering Resources:
- How to Declutter Your Entire Bedroom Fast
- Transform your Messy Closet the Easy Way
- Fix your Cluttered Craft Room for Good
How to Create a Decluttering Plan
This step-by-step plan is the most effective way to decluttering your home.
Tools
- Notebook or Planner
- Calendar
- Timer
- Pens
- Sticky Notes
- Index Cards
Instructions
- Set realistic goals. Write them down on an index card to remind yourself of the purpose behind your efforts.
- Assign a specific completion date for your project.
- Assess the space you plan to declutter and list all tasks involved. Then, create a rough time estimate for each task to gauge how long the entire project will take.
- Create a detailed task list.
- Review your deadline and personal schedule. Check how much time you can dedicate daily or weekly to your decluttering project.
- Follow your list and schedule one task at a time.
Notes
- Gather all your tools before you start so you’re not running around looking for things mid-task.
- Begin with an area that feels manageable or gives quick results. If you want, you can start in your bedroom or somewhere smaller, like a bathroom cabinet or kitchen junk drawer.
