Your first step in the right direction doesn’t need to be a big one.
Too often, when we think about decluttering, our minds race to the toughest areas in our homes to declutter. We think about the garage, the attic, or the home office. We wonder about getting rid of sentimental items, or photos, or hobby supplies.
But it can be both time-consuming and frustrating to declutter those spaces. We begin, get overwhelmed, and quickly throw up our hands in disgust.
Instead, start your decluttering journey with an easier step.
Find one small victory. And allow it to motivate you to take the next hardest step… and then the next… and then the next.
Here are 20 “First Step” Decluttering Ideas to Help You Get Started
1. Declutter the inside of your car.
2. Clear off your bathroom counter.
3. Remove ten items from your wardrobe.
4. Declutter the visible areas of your entertainment center.
5. Clear off your nightstand.
6. Walk around your home and fill one box with items to donate.
7. Walk around your home and fill one bag for trash pick-up.
8. Remove old or expired food from your pantry and fridge.
9. Declutter old or unused coats and items from your coat closet.
10. Clear off the top of your refrigerator.
11. Recycle old magazines or newspapers that are left out and piled up.
12. Declutter your underwear and/or sock drawer.
13. Clear five items from your kitchen counter.
14. Remove excess towels and linens from your linen closet.
15. Declutter your laundry space.
16. Clear off the tops of your living room side tables.
17. Minimize your Tupperware (start with anything that doesn’t have a lid).
18. Declutter your shower keeping only what is essential and used daily.
19. Clear out your medicine chest.
20. Return toys to the toy room or bedroom where they belong.
Of course you can only choose one “first” step from the list above to get started. But you don’t need to stop there.
Choose one first step above, and then another, and then another.
And before you know it, you’ll be on your way to owning less and living more.
About Joshua Becker
The car is one of the last places people think of decluttering. I admit it – I did too! Recently I’ve minimized the number of Tupperware I had lying around, too. I rarely have leftovers, so it made no sense to keep so many.
This is a great starter list, for sure. I know people who can’t even get started, but a list like this doesn’t look so intimidating. :)
Very specific & practical! Lots of times I’ll set a timer for just 20 minutes. It helps to get started.
Not everything needs a lid! Lidless containers are still useful to corral things in drawers, on shelves, etc.
Toss
Love this list.
Back to basics and a great reminder.
Thank you!
Check and see if you have items that can be returned. I was really unhappy with the scent of a new bottle of shampoo and was able to return it for a refund instead of throwing it away.
Joshua,
I am so grateful to God for the wisdom he has given you to share with us. It is hard to admit, but there was a time in my life when I was very organized and a much cleaner housekeeper than at present. I had a cleaning schedule/routine which was revised as time progressed and my family grew. Circumstances changed again and now I am easily overwhelmed more often than not. When I can apply one or two of your insights to my daily living it does make a difference in how I feel about my surroundings. Thank you.
I have decided today to unsubscribe to everything in my email that is distracting like sales! I love to shop, but I don’t need to and by looking at it I always feel like i am getting a good deal and I don’t need it. I first must go through my closet. Thank you for these great articles!
Congratulation! Best decision you’ll ever make. There is so much out there for you to get more into your life. Blessed.
I appreciate these “first steps” recommendation because it is often just getting started that is so difficult. These are logical and approachable steps. Keeping this list in a handy place for easy reference. Thanks!
At least I don’t have a car to declutter. Or an “entertainment center.”
Getting rid of the car would also be a good step towards a simpler life. With the car go tires, insurance, fuel costs, loans…. Unfortunately, not so easy, especially in rural areas.
I like lists like this. Tangible tasks—- 👍🏻
I agree!
These are great tips. Even if you do one or two a day and repeat the cycle you’ll begin to see a difference.