Declutter Before You Redesign: 3 Key Questions

Make space for the home you really want.

Decluttering your home can feel overwhelming, but breaking the process into manageable steps makes it much easier to tackle. By following these tips, you can create a space that feels lighter, more organized, and ready for your next home project.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Over the last 100 years, the average home size has quadrupled from 750 sq ft to 2,800 sq ft.

• The average home contains around 300,000 items.

• Surprisingly, we only use about 20% of the things we own.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide, with information from Heather Shingleton, the expert behind Clutter Company in Gallatin, TN:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, grab some boxes or bags to divide your items into four piles:

• Keep

• Donate

• Trash

• Maybe (or) Relocate

Step 2: Start with One Room or Area

Focus on one room or even just one section of the room at a time—don’t try to tackle everything at once. This will make the process feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

Step 3: Evaluate Each Item

As you go through your things, ask yourself:

• Do I use this regularly or love it?

• Does this item add value or joy to my space?

• Does it support the way I want my home to function?

Step 4: Sort Items Into Piles

For each item, decide which pile it belongs in:

• Keep: Items you use often or truly love.

• Donate: Items in good condition that you no longer need but might be useful to someone else.

• Trash: Things that are broken, worn out, or simply no longer useful.

• Maybe/Relocate: Items that you’re unsure about or might want to try out in a different space. Set these aside and plan to revisit them in 3 months. If they haven’t been used by then, it’s time to either donate or toss them.

Step 5: Consider Selling Valuable Items

If you have valuable items that are still in good condition, don't forget that you can sell them instead of donating. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace can be great for selling furniture, decor, or other gently used items, putting some extra cash in your pocket while keeping your home clutter-free.

Step 6: Follow Through

Once your piles are sorted, take immediate action:

• Donate items as soon as possible—don’t let them linger in your home, or your car.

• Trash anything that’s broken or no longer useful.

• Relocate items from the “Maybe/Relocate” pile if you find they have a better place in your home. If after 3 months you still haven’t used them, it’s time to make a final decision.

  
  

Step 7: Repeat

Decluttering doesn’t have to happen all at once. Take it slow and tackle one area at a time. Gradually, you’ll create a home that feels organized and reflects your style and needs.

By dividing your items into these four categories and following through, you’ll be well on your way to a decluttered and more intentional living space.

Thanks to Heather Shingleton for providing this helpful process, which has made decluttering manageable for countless homeowners!

Let Me Help You

Ready to redesign your space once it’s decluttered? Let’s chat about how I can help make your home reflect the lifestyle you truly want. Book a free phone consultation with me at www.615interiors.com and let's chat!