Welcome to the world of decluttering! If you’re like most people, you want a tidier living space but may not know where to start.
I’m here to help.
With my comprehensive printable decluttering checklists, you’ll be on the path to creating a home that looks, feels and functions better in no time! Decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what steps to take or how to organize your efforts.
But with these printable checklists as your guide, decluttering your home will be easier than ever. The lists are designed for both beginners and experienced organizers alike so no matter your level of experience, you’ll have everything you need to get started!
Closets and Storage Areas
Getting your closets and storage areas organized can feel like a tall order. But it’s all about taking things one step at a time (or one shelf at a time!) to make progress towards your ultimate goal of having an orderly home.
Start by decluttering what you don’t need or use any longer. As the saying goes, “A place for everything, and everything in its place.”
This means that before you start organizing your closets and storage areas, get rid of anything that you no longer want or need. Donate items in good condition or consider selling them online if they are valuable enough.
You can use this as an opportunity to clear out some clutter and make a little extra money too!
Organizing is the fun part once you have decluttered – set aside some time for this activity when you aren’t rushed and can focus on how best to organize your belongings according to how often they are used.
Invest in containers, shelves, bins and racks that help keep things neat and accessible. Labeling these items will help maintain an orderly system so you know exactly where to find something when needed.
With this completed, you can move onto tackling the kitchen and pantry!
Kitchen and Pantry
Now that we have tackled our closets and storage areas, it’s time to move onto the kitchen and pantry! The kitchen is one of the most used and bustling rooms in your home.
Keeping it organized can help make meal prep easier and more enjoyable.
Here are a few tips for tidying up your kitchen:
Start by giving your pantry a thorough cleaning. Throw out any expired food items or anything that you don’t need or use anymore.
Once everything has been cleared out, wipe down all of the shelves with an all-purpose cleaner.
You may want to consider reorganizing your items based on what you use most frequently, so that you can easily grab them without having to search through everything else.
Next, move onto the actual kitchen counters and surfaces. Clear off any items that don’t belong there such as mail, paperwork, dishes etc., and put them away in their rightful place.
Wipe down all of the surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner and then sort through any items you want to keep on the countertop – such as appliances or other tools – grouping like items together to create a neat display.
By completing these simple tasks, your kitchen will be much neater and easier to navigate!
And now we move onto tackling our garage and shed – another area where clutter tends to accumulate quickly!
Garage and Shed
Garages and sheds are often the most neglected areas of the home when it comes to tidiness. With seemingly endless organizational possibilities, it’s no wonder why so many people feel overwhelmed when faced with decluttering these spaces!
But fear not with just a little effort, you can transform your garage or shed into an organized dream.
To begin, take everything out of the space and sort it into three piles: items you want to keep, items that need to be donated or sold, and trash. This will give you a clear view of what needs to be done in order to properly organize the space.
After purging unnecessary items, create an organizational system that works for you. Here are some ideas on how to get started:
- Make use of shelving units and wall-mounted bins for storing smaller items like tools and gardening supplies
- Hang hooks and racks on walls for bigger items like ladders or bicycles
- Utilize pegboards with various hooks and holders for easy access to frequently used items
With these tips in mind, you can now make your garage or shed the envy of all your neighbors!
Moving on from here, let’s tackle decluttering the living room and family room two key areas of any household.
Living Room and Family Room
Living rooms and family rooms are two of the most important places in your home. These areas can easily become cluttered with toys, books, games, and more.
To keep these spaces tidy and inviting, it’s essential to declutter them on a regular basis.
Start by gathering all items that should be stored away such as toys, books, magazines, and other items that don’t belong in the living room or family room.
Once you have everything you need to store away in one place, decide which items should be kept and which ones should be donated or discarded. Be sure to ask yourself if an item sparks joy or adds value to your life before deciding whether to keep it or not.
Once you have identified what needs to stay and what needs to go, organize the remaining items into categories such as bookshelves for books and magazine racks for magazines. This will help create a sense of order while making it easier for you to find things when needed.
With just a few simple steps, you can ensure that your living room and family room remain clutter-free and inviting.
Now let’s move onto the bedroom and home office section of decluttering checklists.
Bedroom and Home Office
The bedroom and home office are the two unique places in your home where you can be productive and get some much-needed peace of mind. They are an oasis of calm and should be treated as such.
You can start decluttering these areas by taking a few simple steps:
- Start small, tackle one area at a time: One of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to decluttering is trying to do too much at once. It is important to take things slowly, starting with one area of the room or office before moving on to the next.
- Have a plan for what you will keep: Before beginning any decluttering project, it is important to have a clear idea of what items you want to keep and what items you are willing to part with. This will help keep you focused and make sure that nothing gets overlooked.
- Donate or discard items that no longer serve a purpose: Donating or discarding items that no longer serve a purpose is an important step in the decluttering process. Keeping items that are not needed clogs up valuable storage space and can cause unnecessary stress.
By following these simple steps, you will quickly be able to transform your bedroom and home office into a tidy and organized space that allows for greater productivity and better mental health.
To further improve your living space, it’s time to move onto tackling the bathroom.
Bathroom
Bathrooms can be one of the most challenging spaces to declutter. With all of the products and items that you need to store in such a small space, it can quickly become cluttered and unorganized.
The best way to tackle this area is to focus on organizing items and assessing what products you truly need. Start by taking everything out of your bathroom cabinets, drawers, and shelves, then sort through each item.
Keep only the items that you use regularly, or those that are essential for proper hygiene. Any expired medicine or cosmetics should be discarded, as well as any extra toiletries that you no longer need.
Next, create designated storage areas for each product type in your bathroom. This will make it much easier to find items when you need them while also preventing clutter from building up over time.
Utilize containers and organizers wherever possible to keep things in their place and make sure they are clearly labeled if needed. Make sure to store heavier items at the bottom shelves or drawers so they don’t tumble out when opened.
Finally, look for ways to add style to your bathroom without adding too many unnecessary items- like adding a few decorative framed photos or an interesting plant holder that takes up minimal space but still adds some personality and charm!
Now that the bathroom is organized, it’s time turn our attention towards the laundry room another common source of clutter
Laundry Room
Moving from the bathroom to the laundry room, it’s time to tackle another part of the home that can easily become cluttered and disorganized. This is a great opportunity for you to make sure you have everything in its place and create a peaceful environment.
Begin by taking stock of what you have – it can be hard to organize if you don’t know what you’re working with! Take out any items that don’t belong in the laundry room, and set aside a designated place for them.
Once they’re gone, start sorting through all your cleaning supplies and household items. Now it’s time to get down to business!
Group together like items such as laundry detergent, fabric softener, stain remover, and other cleaning supplies. You might want to consider investing in some storage bins or baskets to keep them all together.
Then, if there are any clothes that need mending or buttons that need replacing, take care of those now so they’ll be ready when needed! Finally, organize your washer and dryer with storage bins for small items such as lint traps and fabric softener sheets.
This is just the beginning! With a few simple steps already taken towards decluttering your laundry space, you are well on your way towards having an organized home entryway.
All these small changes will pay off with big results; soon enough you’ll find yourself enjoying a tidier space with less clutter and more organization.
Home Entryway
The home entryway is the first impression guests get of your living space, so it’s important to make a good one. If you’re starting to feel like your entryway is a ticking time bomb of clutter and disarray, take a deep breath: it’s not too late to turn things around.
With some mindful organizing, you can have your entryway looking shipshape in no timeall it takes is some elbow grease and dedication!
Start by taking a good look at the space and assessing what needs to be done. What items are necessary for everyday usage such as coats, keys and umbrellas?
What items can be removed or stored elsewhere? This process of culling will help you decide what needs to stay and what can go.
Next, create designated storage areas for different categories of itemsthis will help keep clutter under control. You may also want to consider adding decorative touches such as wall art or plants which will help give your entryway a warm welcome.
With these tips in mind, you should now have all the tools needed to tackle your entryway decluttering project with confidence.
Now it“s time to move on to tidying up the kids” bedroom and playroom here’s hoping that organizing those spaces will be child’s play!
Kids’ Bedroom and Playroom
It“s time to tackle the kids” bedroom and playroom! This is often a daunting task, as children tend to accumulate a lot of toys and clothes.
To make it easier, break down this area into two sections: one for the bedroom and one for the playroom. Start by organizing your child’s bedroom.
Go through their dresser drawers and closet, sorting items into piles of what to keep, donate, recycle or throw away.
Create a system that works for your family by utilizing innovative printable storage ideas, such as designated bins for pajamas, dressy clothes, and everyday wear. This will make it easier for your child to put things away on their own, as you can provide them with clear labels and instructions for each bin.
Additionally, you can include colorful images or symbols on each bin for an extra touch of fun.
Next move onto the playroom and declutter any toys that are no longer age appropriate or have been outgrown. Be sure to involve your little ones in this process so they can learn about donating gently used items to those in need.
Afterward, organize toys according to type or theme like puzzles together or all of their dolls in one spot so it’s easy for them to clean up when playtime is over.
Now you’ve got two neat spaces that are ready for fun! Onward we go to tackle the dining room and kitchen nook next
Dining Room and Kitchen Nook
The dining room and kitchen nook are often the busiest places in a home.
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, over 80% of Americans prefer an open-concept kitchen. Therefore, it’s important to keep these areas tidy and organized so that they can be used efficiently.
Here is a checklist of items to declutter and organize:
- Surfaces: Wipe down countertops, tables, chairs, shelves and other surfaces with a disinfectant or all-purpose cleaner. Consider putting away dishes that are not being used on a regular basis.
- Cabinets: Go through all cabinets one at a time, getting rid of anything that you no longer need or use. Check expiration dates on food items and pantry supplies as well.
- Appliances: Clean out refrigerator drawers and shelves; vacuum behind your refrigerator if possible. Take out small appliances like blenders, coffee makers, toasters etc., clean them thoroughly and put back where they belong.
Organizing the dining room and kitchen nook will make mealtime easier for everyone in the family. It also frees up space for other activities such as entertaining guests or doing homework at the kitchen table.
With these tips in mind, it’s time to move onto another area of the home – outdoor spaces!
Outdoor Areas
Outdoor spaces often get neglected when it comes to decluttering, but they can be just as important in creating a tidier living space. Start with the exterior of your home and work down to the ground level.
Begin by cleaning off any dirt or clutter that has built up on the outside walls. This will help make your home look more inviting and put-together.
Next, inspect your walkways and patios for any large items that may have been left behind. Move these items to their proper storage locations, such as a shed or garage, so they don’t take up unnecessary space.
Finally, use a pressure washer or hose to remove dirt from concrete surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks. Make sure to sweep away any debris left behind so that it doesn’t collect again over time.
By focusing on outdoor areas through decluttering, you can create an inviting atmosphere that is both attractive and organized. Take some time to assess what belongings are necessary and what could be put into storage or donated.
Doing this will help keep your outdoor area looking clean and neat while also making it easier for you to find what you need quickly when needed.
Additionally, if you take steps towards organizing items in the yard or patio now, it can save you plenty of time in the future when searching for something specific outdoors. Moving forward, it’s time to tackle those miscellaneous items that tend to accumulate over time…
Miscellaneous Items
When taking on a decluttering project, it can be easy to overlook the miscellaneous items that accumulate over time. From kitchen gadgets to extra decor, these small items can begin to pile up and create an overwhelming mess if not addressed quickly.
With a few helpful tools and engaging printable chore charts, you can easily organize and store these items to keep your home organized and clutter-free. Start by making a list of all the items you want to declutter and then create a chore chart with designated tasks for each day.
As you work through your list, use the chart to mark off tasks as you complete them. This will help you stay on track and make progress each day.
With a simple plan and a few printable charts, you’ll be able to keep your home clutter-free and organized.
It’s important to go through all of your miscellaneous items and determine which are still useful and worth keeping in your living space. As you sift through the clutter, here are a few key points to consider:
- Consider the frequency of use: Do you use this item often or have you been avoiding it? If it’s a seldom-used item, it may be best to part with it rather than keep it on hand.
- Assess its condition: Does this item need repairs or is it in good working order? If repairs are needed, decide if the cost associated with fixing the item is worth keeping it around.
- Decide on its purpose: Is this item necessary or just taking up valuable space? For example, do you really need five mugs when two will suffice?
By establishing some guidelines for sorting through your miscellaneous items, you’ll be able to effectively declutter and create more room for valuable belongings in your living space.
Taking on such an endeavor can seem daunting at first but by breaking down the task into smaller chunks, anyone can tackle their clutter and make their home tidier.
Quick Review
Clutter can be overwhelming, but it’s not something you have to live with forever.
With the right printable decluttering checklists and a little elbow grease, you can turn your living space into an oasis of tidiness.
It will take some work, but it’s worth it in the end to have a home that feels like a breath of fresh air.
Start small and work your way up before you know it, you’ll have hit the ground running and your living space will be looking like new!
Don’t forget to take breaks as needed Rome wasn’t built in a day, after all!
