Do you ever feel like your small space is closing in on you? Clutter has a way of making even cozy spaces feel cramped and overwhelming. But I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way!
With the right decluttering tips for small spaces, you can transform your small space into a haven of calm and order. Decluttering will not only make your home feel more spacious but it’s also proven to reduce stress and boost your mood.
So, let’s discover how to declutter your small space effectively.
Decluttering Mindset
Embrace a Minimalist Mindset
Minimalism isn’t about getting rid of everything you own or living in a stark white room. It’s about intentionally focusing on the items that bring you joy and value while letting go of the things that don’t. In a small space, this mindset shift is crucial because it forces you to prioritize and make the most of the space you have.
The Power of Designated Spaces
Think about it: if everything in your home has a designated place, how can clutter even build up?
The key is creating “homes” for all your belongings. This could be as simple as assigning a drawer for socks or designating a shelf for books.
When storage is limited, get creative! Use under-the-bed boxes, baskets on shelves, or hooks on the backs of doors.
Overcoming the “What If I Need It?” Fear
This is one of the biggest obstacles to decluttering. We cling to items “just in case.” But let’s be honest, how often do you need that chipped mug or the outdated electronics in the back of the closet?
Challenge yourself to let go of things you haven’t used in a year. If you truly need it down the line, you can always replace it.
Decluttering Approaches & Strategies
The 30-Day Decluttering Challenge
If the idea of decluttering your entire home is daunting, break it down with the 30-Day Challenge!
It’s simple: for 30 days, you get rid of a set number of items each day, gradually increasing the amount.
This bite-sized approach makes decluttering less intimidating and helps you build momentum.
The KonMari Method for Small Spaces
The KonMari Method, popularized by Marie Kondo, encourages you to keep only items that “spark joy.”
In a small space, this needs a slight modification. Instead of just holding an item and feeling for joy, ask yourself:
- Does this spark joy?
- Does this serve a practical function?
- Do I have the space to comfortably store it?
Only if the answer to all three is “yes” does it stay!
The One-In, One-Out Rule: Your Key to Clutter Control
This simple rule is a game-changer for small spaces. Every time you bring a new item into your home, another item must leave. This does several things:
- Prevents Impulse Buys: It makes you pause and ask, “Do I really need this? Is it worth getting rid of something else?”
- Keeps Your Possessions in Check: Your stuff can’t endlessly multiply, because your space has a fixed capacity.
- Forces Mindful Choices: You prioritize what you truly love and use, since there’s limited room.
How to Make it Work:
- “One Out” Doesn’t Mean Trash: Donate, sell, or give the item away to someone who will use it.
- Exceptions: Consumables (food, toiletries you’ll actually use up) don’t usually count.
- Similar Item Swaps: If you buy a new sweater, an old one leaves. Replace a chipped mug with a new favorite.
- Start With Easy Wins: Try it in a specific category first – clothes, books, or kitchen gadgets – to build your decluttering muscle.
The One-In, One-Out rule creates a sustainable system for your small space, promoting a sense of mindful ownership over endless accumulation.
Focus on Clutter Hotspots
We all have those areas where clutter magically accumulates – the junk drawer, the under-sink cabinet, the random pile on your desk.
Tackle these hotspots one at a time with mini-decluttering sessions. Set a timer for 15 minutes and focus solely on that spot. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!
Smart Decluttering Tips for Specific Rooms
Decluttering Your Small Kitchen
Kitchens are notorious clutter magnets! Combat this with smart storage solutions:
- Prioritize smart storage solutions like containers, under-cabinet organizers, and shelf risers to maximize space.
- Get rid of duplicate items and outdated appliances you rarely use.
- Let go of cracked, chipped, or rarely used dishes and utensils.
- Hang pots and pans: Frees up valuable cabinet space.
- Embrace shelf risers: Maximize vertical space in cabinets.
- Purge those duplicates: Do you really need three whisks?
Mastering Your Small Bathroom
Bathrooms can feel cramped quickly, but some strategic decluttering changes all that:
- Utilize the walls: Shelves and hanging organizers are your friend. Utilize wall space by installing shelves or over-the-toilet storage.
- Use baskets and drawer dividers to streamline your toiletries and beauty products.
- Declutter under the sink: Use bins and baskets for organization
- Toss expired products: Makeup and toiletries don’t last forever. Toss expired makeup, old towels, and sample-sized toiletries you never use.
- Limit decorative items: Countertop clutter is the enemy here.
Bedroom Bliss in a Small Space: Small Bedroom Decluttering
Your bedroom should be a sanctuary. Decluttering helps cultivate that feeling!
- Under-bed storage is key: Use bins for out-of-season clothes or extra linens. Master under-bed storage for out-of-season clothes and extra linens.
- Streamline your closet: Adopt a seasonal rotation to avoid a crammed closet. Implement a seasonal clothing rotation to maximize your closet space.
- Create a calm atmosphere: Limit décor on nightstands and dressers.
- Create a sense of tranquility by choosing a calming color scheme and minimizing clutter on surfaces.
Decluttering Small Living Room, Big Impact
Even a small living room can be stylish, inviting, and functional. Here’s how to declutter for maximum impact:
- Prioritize Multi-Functional Furniture: This is your best friend in a small space! Consider pieces like:
- Storage Ottomans: Doubles as extra seating and a place to stash blankets or magazines.
- Coffee Tables with Built-In Drawers: Perfect for hiding remotes and coasters.
- Nesting Tables: Provide additional surfaces when you have guests, but neatly stack away when not needed.
- Sofas or Daybeds with Underneath Storage: A hidden gem for extra linens or out-of-season clothing.
- Display with Intention: Avoid overcrowding shelves and surfaces. Curate a collection of your favorite books, a few meaningful photos, or a single eye-catching plant. This intentional approach creates a sense of spaciousness and prevents visual clutter.
- Don’t Forget “Negative Space”: This refers to the empty areas between objects and on walls. Leaving some negative space helps your living room feel “lighter” and less cramped.
- Cozy, Not Cluttered: Embrace a few carefully chosen throw pillows and blankets to add warmth without overwhelming the space.
Make the Most of Your Decluttered Space
Think Vertical!
In a small space, your walls are precious real estate! Declutter successfully, and then maximize your square footage:
- Floating Shelves: Add storage and display space without taking up floor area.
- Over-the-Door Organizers: Perfect for shoes, cleaning supplies, or even pantry items in a small kitchen.
- Hooks & Baskets: Hang coats, bags, and scarves neatly by the door, or use baskets on shelves for a decorative storage solution.
- Command Strips: For renters, these are a lifesaver! Hang lightweight art or storage solutions without damaging walls.
Underbed Storage Secrets
The space under your bed is a potential goldmine! Let’s make it work for you:
- Choose the right containers: Look for bins that fit the height of the space to avoid wasted room. Clear containers make finding what you need easier.
- What to store: This is perfect for out-of-season clothes, extra linens, or hobby supplies you don’t use daily.
- Label everything: This saves you rummaging around every time you need something specific.
Maintaining Your Small Space Sanctuary
The Power of Tiny Habits
The best way to avoid a clutter relapse is to build small habits into your routine. Try these:
- The One-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than a minute, do it right away. Hang up your coat, put dishes in the dishwasher, file that paper.
- “Put It Away Now” Practice: Dedicate just a few minutes each evening to put away items that have migrated throughout the day.
- Bedtime Reset: Spend five minutes before bed tidying surfaces and clearing your “landing strip” – that spot by the door where keys and mail pile up.
Regular Declutter Check-Ins
Even the best of us fall off track sometimes. Schedule regular mini decluttering sessions. These can be as brief as a 15-minute junk drawer tidy-up on a Sunday afternoon.
Consider implementing a “Clutter Check-In Calendar” – a visual reminder to focus on a small area each week or month. This makes it a habit, not a dreaded chore.
Absolutely! Here’s the section on handy tools and resources to aid your decluttering journey.
Decluttering Tools & Resources
Best Decluttering Tools for Small Spaces
- Storage Bins & Baskets: Come in endless sizes and styles to fit your space and decor. Look for stackable, clear, or underbed-friendly options.
- Drawer Dividers: Keep junk drawers and dresser drawers in order, maximizing every inch of space.
- Vacuum Storage Bags: Perfect for bulky items like seasonal clothes or comforters, they shrink down to save huge amounts of space.
- Label Maker: Essential for keeping storage organized and easily accessible.
- Decluttering Apps: Many apps offer challenges, checklists, and even platforms to sell your unwanted items. A few popular ones are Letgo (https://letgo.com/), OfferUp (https://offerup.com/), and Decluttr (https://decluttr.com/).
FAQ’s about Decluttering Your Small Space
1. I’m overwhelmed just thinking about it! How do I start?
Focus on progress, not perfection! Choose a single drawer, shelf, or even a small corner. Set a timer for just 15 minutes and declutter only that area. Small victories will build your confidence and motivation to keep going.
2. What if I don’t have space to get rid of stuff?
Prioritize donating, selling online (platforms like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp), or giving away items to friends or family. Explore temporary off-site storage only as a last resort, and with a plan to sort through it as soon as possible.
3. Is it okay to get sentimental about items?
Absolutely! Sentimentality is natural. Take a photo of cherished items you don’t use regularly, or create a small memory box for the most meaningful pieces. This allows you to honor the feelings tied to the object without letting them control your space.
4. How do I keep kids’ toys from taking over in a small space?
Toy rotation is your friend! Have a few bins of toys accessible at a time, and regularly swap them out. Kids get excited by the “new” toys, and it significantly cuts down on clutter.
5. My small space feels sterile after decluttering. How do I add warmth?
Focus on a few items you genuinely love. Vibrant throw pillows, a favorite plant, or framed family photos add personality without overcrowding your space.
6. What is the 12-12-12 rule for decluttering?
The 12-12-12 rule challenges you to find 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to put back in their proper place. It’s a great way to make a quick decluttering impact.
7. What is the rule of 5 decluttering?
The rule of 5 encourages you to get rid of five items every day. Consistency is key with this strategy.
8. What is the 20/20/20 rule for decluttering?
If you can decide whether or not to get rid of an item in under 20 seconds, do it! For items that take longer, spend no more than 20 minutes, and only declutter an area you can complete in 20 minutes. This prevents overwhelm.
9. What is the 333 method of decluttering
The 333 method involves wearing only 33 items of clothing for 3 months. It helps you realize how little you actually need and simplifies your wardrobe.
10. What is the 90/90 rule for decluttering?
Ask yourself “Have I used this item in the past 90 days? Will I use it in the next 90 days?” If the answer to both is “no,” it’s time to let it go.
11. How do you declutter daily?
Implement the one-minute rule and evening resets as discussed earlier. Small, consistent efforts keep clutter at bay.
12. What is the 3-second declutter rule?
It simply means if it takes you longer than 3 seconds to decide whether to keep something, you likely don’t need it.
13. What’s the 90 rule for minimalism?
The 90 rule for minimalism says to get rid of anything you haven’t used or enjoyed in the past 90 days.
14. What is extreme decluttering?
Extreme decluttering usually refers to getting rid of a very large percentage of belongings (often 50% or more) in a short period of time. While effective for some, it’s important to go at a pace that feels comfortable to you personally.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering your small space is incredibly liberating. By embracing a few simple strategies, you create a home that feels spacious, peaceful, and uniquely yours. Remember, it’s not about having less; it’s about making room for what truly matters.
So, are you ready to experience the joy of a decluttered small space? Start with just one small step today – tackle that junk drawer, clear off a shelf, or donate a few items you no longer love. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!
Editorial Director at The Easy Kitchen, she combines her extensive experience in the food and drink industry with a passion for kitchen innovation. With a background in kitchen management, recipe development, and product testing, Della offers readers a wealth of knowledge on cooking techniques, kitchen organization, and the latest culinary gadgets. Her articles aim to inspire cooks of all levels to explore new flavors and streamline their cooking process. When she’s not leading the editorial team or experimenting with new recipes, Della enjoys sharing her insights on creating efficient and enjoyable kitchen spaces.
