There’s a transformation that takes place when we begin to declutter our homes and minimize the number of possessions inside it.
The benefits are life-giving to everyone in the family.
People who intentionally decide to own less realize quickly that it’s not just about the removal of objects; it’s about the freedom and focus we gain, the unnecessary burdens we remove, the space we open up for new experiences and ideas, and how the process entirely reshapes our view of the world.
However, a challenge still lies for many in choosing where to start this journey.
I’ve long believed and taught that our approach to decluttering should begin with the spaces we spend the most time in. When you begin decluttering the most lived-in areas first, you quickly experience the benefits, feel the difference, and find momentum to eventually declutter every area in your home.
Starting with the attic or garage, while tempting, can often be overwhelming and less immediately gratifying. Instead, start where you’ll see and feel the difference every single day.
With that approach in mind, here are the five most important rooms to start minimizing possessions in:
1. Bedroom
Your bedroom is your personal sanctuary, a place of rest and rejuvenation. Minimizing clutter in this room can dramatically improve the quality of your sleep and overall well-being.
Waking up to a serene, uncluttered space sets a peaceful tone for the day. When there’s less to distract the eye and the mind, you begin and end your day with less stress.
Plus, with fewer items, cleaning and maintaining order become so much simpler.
2. Living Room
The living room is where we spend most of our time together as a family. When you minimize here, you create more space for bonding, creativity, and relaxation.
An uncluttered living room invites conversations, quiet reading moments, and spontaneous family game nights. It’s easier to maintain, and every family member can enjoy the tranquility it offers.
3. Bathrooms
Bathrooms are where we start our mornings, get ready for the day, and end our nights. A decluttered bathroom makes morning routines smoother and evening wind-downs more relaxing.
Simplifying your toiletries, cosmetics, and other items not only makes your space aesthetically pleasing but also functional and efficient.
It’s about making room for self-care rituals that enhance your day rather than distract from it.
4. Kitchen
There is something refreshing and life-giving about a clean, uncluttered kitchen.
It sets the tone and culture for the home. It communicates calm and order. It promotes opportunity and possibility. It saves time and ensures cleanliness. The kitchen truly is the heart of your home.
It can be a bit more difficult to declutter than the bedroom or living room, but it’s definitely worth making it one of the first.
5. Kids’ Bedroom
Children also benefit from decluttered spaces. An uncluttered kids’ room is not only safer but also promotes creativity and focus. Fewer toys mean that each one is cherished more and leads to deeper play.
Plus, teaching children the value of decluttering early sets the foundation for mindful living as they grow.
Minimalism is about more than removing things; it’s about embracing a life of intention, where our possessions promote purpose and values. Owning less paves the way for a more intentional home, focused on the things that matter most.
These five rooms are your best starting point. So begin here, and let every cleared space inspire you to dive deeper into minimalism.
Dana K. White is such an inspiration opposed to empty posts like these. Like, gee, so eye opening to find out that the most important rooms to declutter are the living room, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen. Truly an amazing insight.
I watched her on YouTube and it is such an inspiration. I love the crap-a-lanch “decluttering” way to get rid of the excess, grab and go, and unload heavy stuff like plastic containers that are stacking up. Some great ideas!
Wow, Dana. You should seek counseling for the kind of anger that makes you strike out from behind the shield of your computer at someone who’s trying to help people.
In addition to these tips, I also find that releasing negativity and hatred towards people tends to make my life lighter. I find tearing other people down requires a lot more energy that being kind and enjoying other people express their creativity and passion.
For example: I love these posts because they’re succinct reminders put together in a thoughtful way.
Good luck to you.
Love these tips. Totally agree with the first rooms to get “tackled”.
I would suggest or I would need a specific “staging” area. So we can sort our donate, trash and keep piles. And at end of the “blitz” remove to appropriate action needed. Garbage, storage area, donation centers. Etc.
I would add the front hall or mud room, wherever people first enter the home or launch from the home. Purging clutter from these spaces helps me keep the rest of the house organized and spares me from dying of embarrassment if the doorbell rings. Dana K. White has wonderful tips for tackling these notoriously cluttered hot spots.