Decluttering - Where and How to Start
If you’ve been inspired over the various articles to refresh, renovate or simply restyle your home, and have been living there more than three years then the most logical first step is to ‘declutter’ – its something most of us need to do. Decluttering is the process of clearing out and organising your belongings by removing items you no longer need, use, or love. It helps create a cleaner, calmer, and more functional living space. While the results of decluttering speak for themselves, knowing where to start can be overwhelming and exactly why most of us procrastinate with the task!
Tips to Make the Decluttering Process Easier
Start Small
Begin with one drawer, cupboard or corner of a room rather than tackling the whole house at once. Small wins help build momentum.
Use the “Keep, Sell, Donate, Dispose” Method
This keeps decisions clear and prevents moving clutter from one place to another.
Declutter by Category, Not Just by Room
Grouping similar items together (clothes, books, toys, paperwork) helps you see duplicates and unnecessary excess more easily.
Set a Time Limit
Short sessions of 30-40 minutes are often more productive and less overwhelming than trying to do everything in one day.
Ask Practical Questions
When deciding whether to keep something, ask:
- Have I used this in the last year?
- Would I buy this again today?
- Does it add value or function to my home?
Create Simple Storage Systems
Use labelled tubs, baskets or drawer dividers to make it easier to maintain organisation long term.
Clear Benchtops and Floors First
Visible surfaces instantly make a home feel cleaner, larger and more organised.
Be Realistic About Sentimental Items
Keep meaningful pieces but avoid storing large amounts of items purely out of guilt or obligation (hint: you don’t need ALL of their primary school artwork or you can digitise it).
Remove Items Immediately
Take donation boxes to charity shops or arrange rubbish removal quickly so clutter does not creep back in.
Adopt a “One In, One Out” Rule
For every new item brought into the home, remove one existing item to help maintain balance.
Digitise Paperwork Where Possible
Scanning documents, warranties and receipts can significantly reduce paper clutter and storage needs.
Don’t Aim for Perfection
The goal is a more functional and calm home, not a perfectly minimalist space.
Schedule Regular Maintenance Declutters
A quick seasonal clean-out every few months helps stop clutter building up again.
Some key contacts, who can assist with the process:
- The House Whisperer Co
Phone: 0413 359 285
Email: www.thehousewhisperer.com.au
- Banyule City Council – Hard Waste Collection
Phone: (03) 9490 4222
Email: enquiries@banyule
- Salvos Stores – Heidelberg
Phone: (03) 9457 5827
Address: 181 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, VIC 3084
- Rubbish Removal: At Junk – David Brentnall
Phone: 13 44 55
Email: david@junk.com.au
