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Image credit: Maryna Terletska/Getty ImagesWhen was the last time you took a moment to declutter your bedroom closet? Your pantry? Or even your mudroom? If it’s been a while, chances are it’s time for a full-house declutter. Although the idea may seem overwhelming, don't worry—there's a way to tackle it! In fact, with a month at your disposal, decluttering your home is totally manageable. Just make sure you have a clear plan in place. Here’s how a professional organizer suggests you approach a whole-house declutter in 30 days.
Week One: Start with the Common Areas
Shantae Duckworth, a professional organizer and the founder of ShantaeIze Your Space, recommends starting your decluttering journey by tackling high-traffic common areas in your home. Begin with the living room. 'Ensure that only items meant for the living room remain there; declutter things like books, magazines, and mail. Fold any blankets and fluff up the pillows!'
If you have children, expect toys or sports equipment in these spaces. Duckworth advises relocating these items from the living room and storing them elsewhere. 'Also, pick up any shoes or clothing that may have been left out.'
Once you've finished with the living room, Duckworth suggests moving on to the dining room, if you have one. Clear away seasonal decor (like those unused Christmas placemats) and any broken housewares, such as that malfunctioning air fryer.
Next, Duckworth recommends removing any mail cluttering the dining table and pushing in the chairs to refresh the area.
Don’t overlook the hallways, which often become a catch-all for miscellaneous items like shoes, laundry, and empty boxes.
Finally, don't overlook the laundry room. It's time to toss that stain treatment you tried once and didn’t care for, or that lone dryer sheet that’s been sitting around. And while you're at it, make sure to restock any essentials you may be running low on.
Week Two: Focus on the Kitchen
Kitchens are notorious for getting cluttered due to their high-traffic nature. 'Go through your kitchen cabinets, drawers, and countertops. Get rid of expired products, donate cookware you no longer use, and organize everything that’s left.'
Don't forget other areas of the kitchen. Dispose of those stained dish towels. Check under the sink for cleaning products and throw away items like that empty multipurpose spray bottle.
Duckworth recommends clearing out the pantry and organizing its contents. 'Dispose of expired items, combine duplicate goods, and grab any new storage containers you might need. I like to use this time to prepare a meal using up any ingredients that are about to expire!'
Week Three: Get the Bedroom Organized
Have you been putting off cleaning out your closet for months? It’s time to stop procrastinating. 'Sort through the laundry, go through your closets, check your bedroom linens, and clear out all trash and excess items from the bedrooms. Tidy up the bedside tables and put away any books you're not currently reading,' advises Duckworth.
Don’t forget to tidy nightstand drawers and any desk drawers in your bedroom, if you have them.
Week Four: Tackle the Bathrooms, Garage, and Basement
Start by decluttering your main bathroom. Go through everything from cabinets and drawers to the countertops. 'Dispose of expired toiletries, organize the essentials, and give the entire space a thorough cleaning,' says Duckworth.
Get rid of items you’ll never use, like that hair dryer that once sparked or your backup flat iron that’s seen better days.
Next, head to the garage and clear out any boxes or trash, and give it a thorough sweeping. 'The same goes for the basement! Don’t forget to finally donate any items you’ve been holding onto in your car!'
Take out the garbage, and just like that, your entire house is decluttered.
