Things You Can Do Right Now To cut Clutter

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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.

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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.

More Simplifying Tips and Guides:

• 10-Minute Decluttering Tasks
• Simple Organizing Solutions
• How to Keep Your House Clean