How to Finally Declutter Your Entire Home in 2025: Clear Your Space, Clear Your Mind, and Clear Your Path

Chaos—I walked into my Uncle’s place.

I’d agreed to sand and varnish the floors.

I was greeted with boxes piled high, an old metal trunk full of junk, bookcases heaving with the weight of good intentions unfulfilled.

First, the space had to be cleared and the old carpet ripped up.

And the floor?

You could barely see the carpet. Scattered bits of paper, plastic cartons, all manner of odd bits and bobs—pen lids, buttons, the odd tool.

I wish I were exaggerating.

My Uncle Rob was a complex character (name changed, he’s long departed and wasn’t my real uncle but an uncle figure, a family friend who I looked up to in my youth).

I didn’t realise the state of someone’s home gives you a reasonably accurate sign of their inner workings.

The outer reflects the inner.

Your home may not be overtly cluttered like this.

Perhaps you’ve hidden clutter in the attic or the garage. Or your cupboards and shelves are rammed full.

Or it’s one room—the home office or the hallway—that’s a perennial mess.

However your clutter appears, it’s a sign of unfinished business, unmade decisions, and energy weighing you down.

You tell yourself you’ll tackle it tomorrow, but tomorrow becomes next week, next month… next year.

And in the meantime?

The mess stays. The weight of it presses down, a silent reminder things—both physical and emotional—are piling up.

You’ve tried before.

Bought storage bins, read minimalist blogs, even started a few times…

…and life got in the way.

You wonder if you’re not that kind of person.

But what if you are?

What if a fresh approach is all that stands between you and your dream home?

Let’s be real: this isn’t truly about clutter.

It’s about gnawing overwhelm whispering, You’ll never get it together.

It’s opening a drawer and feeling a pang of guilt, or seeing a wardrobe stuffed with items no longer relevant to your life.

The desire for clarity, peace, and control but feeling paralysed by where to start.

I hear you. And you’re not alone.

I grew up in a household full of clutter.

My mum, bless her, was an inveterate hoarder. Stuff accumulated, and debris littered most surfaces.

Of course, as a child, I was unaware—like a fish in water, unaware of the water.

Aged six, I had a friend round after school. The next day, all the children were sniggering and laughing at me.

The other boy had told everyone what a mess it was. Embarrassment welled up inside.

You may feel overwhelmed, defeated, or even ashamed by clutter.

But here’s the truth: you can change this.

Step by step, decision by decision, you will create space—in your home, mind, and life—freeing up energy.

Imagine walking into a room and exhaling, feeling lighter instead of burdened.

Imagine knowing where everything is, keeping what serves you, and trusting yourself to let go.

Trusting you have enough. Faith your needs will be met.

That’s what this journey is truly for.

A tidier house, sure. But moreover, a freer, clearer you.

Ready to begin?

Let’s do this.

Month 1: Mindset Shift & Laying the Foundation

Month 1 is shifting your mindset and setting a strong foundation. By the end of these first four weeks, you’ll already feel a difference—less overwhelmed and more in control.

Here’s where to start…

Block out your diary, cancel any non-urgent appointments, and focus.

Get clear on when you intend to start and finish, and see this as a project in self-discovery and inner transformation as much as an outer transformation of your environment.

Step 1: Get Crystal Clear on Your Dream Home (And Make It Real)—Week 1

Clutter isn’t simply excess stuff. It’s unmade decisions, unfinished tasks, and energy weighing you down.

The mess in your space mirrors the mess in your mind, creating a cycle of stress and overwhelm.

Before diving in, pause.

Breathe.

Ask yourself: Why do I want to declutter?

Is it to create a peaceful sanctuary? A welcoming, uplifting, and cosy home instead of a low-vibe, energetically dense abode bringing you down.

Is it for mental clarity? Breaking free from the burden of too much stuff.

Or because you’re exhausted—embarassment at the sight of visitors leads to a mad dash to hide, rearrange and pretend order before they even enter.

Whatever it is, name it. Write it down.

This is your anchor when doubt creeps in.

Set Your Intention & Visualise Your Ideal Space

Close your eyes.

Picture your ideal home—light, airy, calm. Surfaces clear, everything in its place.

Imagine walking through each room—how does it feel? What’s different?

Capture this vision in a journal. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about feeling in alignment—within yourself and the space around you.

Next, take “before” photos. They might sting, but they’ll become your proof of progress.

No judgment—honesty. This is where you begin.

Tip: Write out your vision on a single sheet and keep it with you when decluttering. When the going gets tough, tune in again to YOUR WHY. Feel it, as you think it.

Step 2: Create a Realistic Decluttering Plan

Big projects fail when they feel impossible. Let’s make this manageable:

• Set a schedule: 15 minutes a day, an hour on weekends. Small, consistent steps win over good intentions or a whole day clear out, leading to burnout.
  
  You know your limits. You might get a huge amount shifted in one day—it happens. But be wary of starting, not finishing, being surrounded by chaos and feeling despondent.
• Choose WHERE to start: One room or area at a time. Completing one space is a significant accomplishment. It’s efficient (less running back and forth) and gives you a tangible sense of progress.
• Decide on an order: Some people focus on living spaces first, others on storage areas (loft, garage, shed, basement, etc.). This plan ensures everything gets covered, but you choose where to begin.

It might be the area you’re dreading, or you might prefer to start small.

Preparation Is Key

Do it right, and you should not leave that spot at all (whether you finish in one go or several).

Gather your supplies: boxes/trash bags, labels, a timer.

Having tools on hand prevents excuses.

And don’t forget rewards.

Plan a small treat after your sessions—a cup of tea, a short walk, a favourite song on repeat. Progress deserves celebration.

Get Organised

The 4-Box Method keeps it efficient:

• Trash – Broken, expired, or unusable items.
• Donate/Recycle – Items in good condition.
• Redistribute – Things belonging elsewhere.
• Undecided – Give yourself a deadline to decide using the Clutter Test outlined below.

Tip: Put your phone on airplane mode while decluttering to avoid distractions.

Your Journey

This is your time to address and change these issues in your life.

To help you as you transition, stop what you are doing, take out your journal, and answer ten questions.

Uncovering the Root Causes of Clutter

1. What was the environment like in your childhood home—was it tidy, chaotic, or in between? How has this influenced your relationship with clutter?
2. Do you accumulate things because they give you a sense of control or safety when other areas of life feel uncertain?
3. Have you ever told yourself, “I might need this one day”? How often does “one day” actually come?
4. Have you inherited clutter from family members, and do you feel obligated to keep it out of guilt or duty?
5. Do you find yourself saying, “I’ll deal with this later”? How long have you been saying this?

Overcoming Resistance, Feeling Stuck, and Pushing Through Emotional Blocks

1. When you start decluttering, do you feel a tightness in your chest, resistance in your body, or an urge to stop? What is the resistance trying to protect you from?
2. What’s the worst case scenario if you cleared your space? And what’s the best possible outcome?
3. If you had to move to a new home in one week, what are the first items you would take with you? What would you leave behind?
4. Do you believe you deserve to live in a clutter-free, peaceful space? If not, what old belief is telling you otherwise?
5. What would happen if you stopped viewing decluttering as a chore and started seeing it as an act of self-care and freedom?

This Is Your Plan

What follows is a guide. Adapt it to your needs. 

Need to jump ahead and start there or ignore what isn’t relevant? Great!

Take the structures and rearrange but don’t deviate from your objective.

Watch out for sneaky objections, distractions or thoughts trying to derail your progress.

Fall off your horse or run out of energy one day? 

No problem—breathe, relax, regroup and start again the next day.

Step 3: Start Small – Declutter One Area—Weeks 2-3 

Overwhelm kills motivation.

If tackling the most cluttered area feels daunting, start with an easy win.

The drawer crammed with random chargers, receipts, and spare keys you can’t find when you need them. Low-hanging fruit like:

• Expired food
• Junk mail and papers
• A single drawer or shelf
• A small storage space (e.g., one box in the attic or a single kitchen cupboard)

Build momentum and ignite your spark of desire to sort, clear and organise yourself. Any time you feel overwhelmed or want to distract yourself. Stop. Breathe—3 long, deep breaths in and out.

Do more as needed. This will help you refocus on the task at hand.

Use Keep, Donate, Discard with the 4-Box Method (above)

If an item serves a purpose or brings joy, keep it. If not, let it go. And if it’s broken or useless? Thank it for its service and discard.

Set a timer. 

Decluttering is like exercise—better in short, consistent bursts. 

However, it’s not uncommon to become energised in the process—and extend the duration to 1-2 hours or more.

Follow the one-touch rule: when you pick something up, make a decision immediately. No shifting it from one pile to another.

Still hesitant? Put it in the Undecided Box. Come back to it within 72 hours. Ask the three following questions.

Here’s How To Make Up Your Mind

Step 4: Organise & Maintain the Cleared Spaces—Week 4

Decluttering isn’t simply removing—it’s creating order.

• Every essential item needs a designated home.
• Use smart storage solutions: Drawer dividers, shelves, baskets.
• Adopt the “one in, one out” rule: New item in, old item out—it’s a simple way to prevent clutter from creeping back.

Finally, reflect. What worked? What felt hard? Adjust your approach so the next phase feels even smoother.

Month 2: Deep Decluttering – Tackling Bigger Spaces

Month 2 is rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck into the rooms you use most or the stagnant areas clogging vitality from flowing.

I call these the Dusty Dead Zones (DDZs): These places are rammed—no room to move and you can barely breathe. The junk room, basement, garage, attic or garden shed etc.

Step 5: Declutter High-Impact Areas or a Dusty Dead Zone—Weeks 5-6 (and 7 if required)

Now you’ve built momentum, it’s time to tackle the big ones: the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and living room—the spaces you use daily. Or the DDZs.

• Kitchen: Remove duplicate utensils, expired food, unused gadgets.
  If you haven’t touched the smoothie maker in a year, will you really start now?
• Bedroom: Clear out clothing with the 20/20 rule—if you can replace it for under $20 in less than 20 minutes drive, let it go.
• Bathroom: Get rid of unused toiletries and expired products. If you wouldn’t put it on your skin today, why keep it?
• Living room: This is where life happens—where you unwind, entertain, or spend time with family. Create an open and inviting space.

Living Room

• Clear surfaces first. Remove old magazines, unnecessary décor, and anything out of place. A clutter-free coffee table instantly makes the room feel lighter.
• Evaluate your furniture. Is there too much? Do you use every chair, table, or shelf? If a piece feels like dead weight, sell, donate or repurpose it.
• Declutter entertainment zones. Sort old DVDs, books, and board games. Keep what you love or use. Digitalise where possible.
• Sort throw blankets and cushions. Keep the ones serving both comfort and aesthetics. If they’re worn out or rarely used, let them go.
• Address sentimental clutter here or wait for Weeks 7-8. The living room often holds gifts, family heirlooms, or random keepsakes. Follow the guidance below.

By simplifying this space, you’ll create a calm and cosy environment that feels like a place you love to spend your time.

Beware Just-In-Case

The “just in case” item isn’t worth the mental clutter. And it’s the sign of a ‘lack’ mentality. 

You don’t trust the universe will provide what you need when you need it—even if it means a quick trip to the shops.

Clothes

If you find it particularly challenging to let go of clothes, here’s another approach:

Create a demarcation line: Take a coat hanger, and place a towel or cloth on it. Clip it in place to prevent absent mindedly removing or dropping it.

Place the hanger on the extreme left-hand side of your wardrobe. 

When you wash, dry and hang your clothes, place them to the left of this marker.

After a year has passed, you will have cycled through all the seasons.

Any clothes remaining on the right were never worn. Give them away without delay. No ifs and buts.

Newly purchased clothes should also be placed to the right of this demarcation line with a receipt for the date you bought it still in the pocket. 

It’s astonishing when new purchases are worn ONCE or not at all, yet kept—sometimes justified by ‘well I bought it so I’m keeping it’.

For what purpose? It’s illogical at best. Examine your emotional attachments. What if you give it away and it’s worn and cherished, giving some joy in another’s life?

Step 6: Keep the Best, Not Everything—Let Go of Sentimental Clutter—Weeks 7-8

Sentimental items are tricky. Old letters, childhood keepsakes, gifts from loved ones. But keeping everything dilutes meaning.

Instead, ask: What truly represents the memory? Keep the best. 

A single meaningful item holds more value than a forgotten box of trinkets.

• Sentimental items: Instead of boxes brimming with old keepsakes, choose a few meaningful ones. Take photos of the rest.
• Create one or two memory boxes for irreplaceable sentimental items—contain them so they don’t take over.
• Papers & Documents: Digitise/scan important ones, recycle the rest.
• Inherited Items: Ask yourself—do I love this, or do I feel obligated to keep it?

Decluttering sentimental items may take 1-2 hours per session, depending on how much you have. 

Set a timer for 30 minutes. If you’re still good, carry on another 30 and stop if it becomes draining.

Step 7: Optimise Storage & Functional Spaces—Week 9

Refine the look.

Rearrange furniture to improve flow. Does your space feel good? If not, shift things around until it does.

Use smart storage solutions—vertical shelving, hidden compartments, drawer organisers.

But less is more. My wife and I live in an apartment with no attic, basement, garage or garden.

This means space is a premium. 

On the plus side, it means we cannot afford to hoard or we would be quickly overwhelmed.

We’re not minimalist but creative in our solutions.

For instance, I bought a sofa with storage compartments underneath it.

We’re focused on avoiding unnecessary purchases.

Two hacks: 

1. Only buy what you intend to when out and about. Once in a while an impulse buy is okay, but don’t make it a habit.
2. Online shopping—stop impulse buys dead. For non-urgent items, keep them in the basket for 24 hours. See if you still want to buy it.

Make daily habits effortless. 

Keep everyday items within reach and seasonal ones tucked away. 

Your space should work for you, not against you.

Month 3: Refining, Maintaining & Transforming Your Space

At this stage, your home is transformed. Now it’s making these changes stick.

Step 8: Declutter Digital Spaces—Week 10

Physical clutter is obvious. Digital clutter? More insidious.

• Emails – Unsubscribe from junk, delete unread newsletters, organise into folders.
• Phone & Computer – Delete unused apps, back up important files, clear old photos.
• Social Media & Subscriptions – Do they add value or waste time?

With each task complete, your mind will feel lighter instantly.

Step 9: Stop Clutter Before It Starts (Your Long-Term Game Plan)—Week 11

Decluttering isn’t a one-time event. It’s a lifestyle shift.

• Create a 10-minute reset routine—a quick tidy-up before bed or after meals.
• Set a weekly check-in to reassess. If clutter is creeping back in, adjust.
• And be mindful of what you bring in. Before buying a new item, ask: Do I truly need this? Will it add value or take up space?

Week 12

This week is intentionally left open for you to complete any unfinished areas or fine-tune your space. Think of it as your victory lap.

If you’ve made it this far and completed 50% of your intended tasks—celebrate! That’s progress worth recognising. Break out the Champagne, baby! 🥂

Need a break? Take one. When you’re ready, go again. You have all the tools for success.

If you’ve completed 75% or more, congratulations! You’re in the home stretch. The hardest part is behind you—continue refining and maintaining.

Revisit your vision. Keep going at your own pace. 

The finish line is close.

Step 10: Celebrate & Honour Your Transformation (End of Month 3+)

Take a deep breath. Look around. Compare your before and after photos.

This isn’t only a tidier home. It’s clarity and peace from letting go of deadwood.

Donate the last of your unused items. Host a giveaway. 

Finally, reward yourself—a spa day, a quiet evening with a book, a celebratory evening with friends—invite them for dinner and together enjoy the lightness of your space.

Because this isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of a new way of living.

Before We Wrap Up

We’re not trying to be perfect nor minimalist. 

Minimalism is an extreme that doesn’t work for most people and can be anti-social.

Should you never have any clutter?

Here’s the mini get-out clause you’ve been craving.

Have ONE drawer or ONE little pocket—a small chest to dump stuff and deal with later.

But be warned. If there’s no space in it to dump anything else…

Well, you know what to do!

The Home—and Life—You Want Is Within Reach

You might’ve tried decluttering before.

You started with good intentions but lost steam when faced with too much overwhelm—too many decisions, too many memories, too much stuff.

Part of you wonders, Can I do this? Can I trust myself to follow through?

And if you’re honest? There’s a little voice whispering you’ll end up back where you started.

The mess will creep back, you’ll lose motivation, you’re not the kind of person who stays organised.

But here’s the truth:

That voice? It’s lying to you.

Because you are the person who creates a home that feels peaceful.

You’ve invested time and energy reading this because you are capable of transforming your space and your entire energy.

In effect, you have already started.

You’re committing to a plan of action.

In your heart, you know it’s time to let go of things that no longer serve you.

Do you know how powerful this is?

Do you realise how much courage it takes to release the past and make space for a better brighter future?

It’s not about stuff. It never was.

It’s clarity, ease and flow with your environment.

Knowing exactly where things are instead of feeling like life is slipping through your fingers.

Creating an environment reflecting who you are—not who you once were.

Decluttering isn’t a chore. It’s a revelation, and a revolution.

A revolution against overwhelm, self-doubt and the story that says you can’t change.

You can. You are.

And if you keep going, your home—and your mind—will finally have more peace, clarity, and lightness you deserve.

It’s not simply a tidy home you are after—it’s shedding the weight of what no longer serves you.

Waking up feeling refreshed and light. And stepping into a space mirroring the new you—not the stagnant past you were afraid to let go of.

Start now with Step 1: Grab a pen and write your Intention. Visualise your dream space and make if feel real.

Plan to execute.

Did you know, if you diarise the days and times you set aside for this, you more than double the probability of following through?

Keep going, your future is waiting.