Things You Can Do Right Now To cut Clutter
If you are looking for a quick fix for the mess in front of you, this list of things you can do right now to cut clutter will jump start that motivation and get you on track. From easy fixes to realistic solutions (plus a few bonus tips), you’ll be ready to take the first steps toward simplifying your home. Create a calmer, more organized space by focusing on what truly matters and letting go of the rest.
Your guide to simple living that helps you to weed out what to keep and what can go so you can start to set up a home that is less stressful and a joy to be in.
Nothing zaps my motivation faster than clutter. It’s overwhelming, draining, and honestly, just plain exhausting. If you’ve been feeling this way too, you’re not alone.
Imagine this for a moment – how can you cook dinner when you can’t even see your countertops? Or pay a single bill when your desk is buried under a mountain of papers? Clutter doesn’t just make your space messy; it piles on the stress, too.
The good news is you can break free. Keeping your spaces clear and organized has a huge impact on your day-to-day life. And guess what? It doesn’t have to start with a massive decluttering project. Right now, there are small, manageable steps you can take to tackle the chaos and give yourself a much-needed breather.
These tips will help you cut clutter right now so you can gain control, even if you’re not quite ready to fully declutter yet.
Start Small with These Things You Can Do Right Now to Cut Clutter
1. If You See It and Don’t Need It, Get Rid of It
Every time you open a drawer or cabinet, you’re probably greeted by things you haven’t touched in months (or even years). Does this sound familiar? The trick here is to use those little moments to your advantage.
Next time you’re grabbing something, take a couple of extra seconds to pull out one or two items you don’t need. Toss them into the trash or your donation box (we’ll get to that in a minute). Doing this regularly stops clutter from creeping up on you. It’s a game-changer for keeping those dreaded “junk” drawers or cabinets under control.
2. Always Have a Donation Box Nearby
This tip is pure magic, and it’s one of the most effective things you can do right now to cut clutter. Dedicate a box or decorative basket in your home for donations. The idea is simple – every time you come across something you no longer need, toss it in.
Once your donation box is full, seal it up and put it straight into your car. That way, the next time you’re out, you can drop it off at the closest donation center without a second thought. Pro tip? Resist the temptation to dig through the box again; once it’s in there, consider it gone!
3. Use a “Put It Here for Now” System
Clutter often multiplies because of distractions. You start folding laundry, spot a toy, and head to your child’s room to put it away… before you know it, you’re rearranging their bookshelf, wiping down surfaces, and your laundry is forgotten. Sound familiar?
Instead of bouncing from task to task, designate a “catch-all basket” in each room. These baskets are temporary homes for items that need to go somewhere else. This way, you stay focused on your current project and clean things up properly later.
We’ve even created a Catch-All Basket System that can help you simplify this process even further. Trust me, when you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
ABenkle Small Woven Storage Basket with Handles – 12JIA QAQ Square Cotton Rope Samll Baskets With Handles for Nursery, Toys, Household, Handcrafted Woven Gift Baskets for Storage and Organization,13.5x11x9.5inch (white-grey)
StorageWorks Wicker Basket, Baskets for Organizing, Storage Basket with Built-in Handles, Water Hyacinth Shelves (Medium 2-Pack, Natural Hyacinth)
4. Make Laundry a Family Affair
Laundry never stops, does it? But what if you could make it less of a solo mission? Simple – announce to your family, “If your dirty clothes aren’t in the laundry room right now, you’ll be washing them yourself!”
It’s funny how fast socks, PJs, and towels make their way to the laundry basket after that. Not only does this save you from having to hunt down clothes hidden in every corner of the house, but it also clears up clutter quickly and effortlessly. Having a family laundry system can be a game changer with the stuff lying around your home.
5. Use the Hanger Trick to Declutter Your Closet
Closet chaos is one of the hardest types of clutter to manage. That’s why I love this simple trick to figure out what you actually wear. Go into your closet right now and turn all your hangers backward.
When you wear something, put it back with the hanger facing the correct way. After a month or two, it’s easy to see what’s being worn and what’s gathering dust. Anything untouched? It’s time to donate it.
This is such a low-effort way to stay on top of closet clutter while giving your clothes room to breathe. Bonus – your wardrobe stays in better shape when it’s not packed to the brim!
6. Go “Shopping” Before You Shop
Before running errands or buying anything new, take a lap around your house with a shopping bag. The goal? Collect as much as you can that you don’t need anymore.
This strategy does two great things. First, it stops you from bringing in more clutter because you’re reminded of all the stuff already in your home. And second, you might discover you own something you’re about to buy. It’s a win-win for tidying your space and saving money.
Next-Level Tips for Advanced Clutter Busters
If you’re already putting these steps into practice, here are a few next-level tips for tackling clutter like a pro.
Clutter Tip #1 – Get Rid of the Dressers
If you have a decent-sized closet, consider this radical idea – ditch your dressers entirely. By storing everything in your closet, you’ll keep your bedroom minimal and serene, with far less furniture to clean or dust.
My bedroom has only the essentials – bed, nightstands, a bench, and a mirror. No dressers. No clutter. It’s amazing how much calmer your mornings and evenings feel in such a peaceful space.
Clutter Tip #2 – Create a Weekly Planning Basket
Paper clutter is relentless. Between mail, schoolwork, and other important documents, it can feel impossible to stay ahead of it. Enter the Weekly Planning Basket.
Use this basket to store all the paperwork that needs attention. Pick one day each week (I like Sundays) to sit down, go through everything, and sort it. By dedicating this time, you can keep paper clutter under control without feeling overwhelmed.
Clutter Tip #3 – Keep Counters Clear
A clutter-free countertop is the secret to staying sane in your kitchen. The less you have out, the calmer (and cleaner!) the space feels.
We only keep daily essentials like the coffee maker and toaster on the counter. Everything else? It’s stored away until we need it. It takes just a few seconds to grab that blender or food processor, but the mental relief that clean counters bring is invaluable.
Tackle Clutter, Clear Your Mind
Remember, your home didn’t get this way overnight, so you don’t have to fix it all at once. Start with these quick, actionable Things You Can Do Right Now To cut Clutter. And as you practice new habits, you’ll notice the difference in both your space and your mind.
A clean countertop, an organized corner, or even a clutter-free drawer can be the motivation you need to keep going.
Step by step, you’ll take control of your home and create the tidy, peaceful environment you deserve. Start cutting clutter right now – no stress, no overwhelm, just progress.
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great tips! it makes a huge difference when I make conscious choices and efforts to declutter. you’ve given me some good reminders. Thanks!
Hi, Linda,
Thanks so much for stopping by. Love your blog by the way!
Tracy Lynn
Wow, what a helpful post! There are tons of articles on clutter on the web and I have read too many to count so when I came across this post with so many ideas I’ve never heard of I must say I am shocked and impressed! This is such a helpful post with actionable steps I can put into practice. The ninja tricks are so fun and I love the idea of living without a dresser! Thanks for sharing these great tips!
Hi, Bonnie!
I am so glad this article helped you out! Your comment made my day, thank you so much for stopping by!!
Tracy Lynn
Just want to share that since I’ve started following your blog and FB pages, I’ve managed to learn to part with a lot of stuff that was cluttering up my home. I’ve made some headway but still have A LOT of “STUFF” to go through. Picture this…one pick-up truck load left my house yesterday! Taking the extra cash made from the stuff I’ve sold so far to do a much needed face lift to my home…room by room…day by day. So far it’s looking pretty good. My hubby is working extra hard on reconstructing, remodeling, and painting everything, while I clean out and clear out. So proud of the progress we’ve made thus far. When it starts to feel a little overwhelming, I just repeat this mantra “One day at a time, one piece at a time…it didn’t get this way overnight.” 🙂 Happy Friday!! God bless!
Thank you so much for sharing Jeannette! I am so happy you are finding the help and support you need to clear things out. I know it can be very overwhelming and that is why I like the slow and steady approach. Keep us posted on your progress!!
Tracy Lynn