Feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home? You’re definitely not alone, and the good news is, decluttering doesn’t have to feel like a massive, complicated project. In fact, most professional home organisers rely on a simple 3-step decluttering method to tackle even the messiest spaces – without stress or second-guessing.
This method works whether you’re decluttering a single drawer or your entire house. Ready to give it a try? Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Declutter: Decide What Stays & What Goes
Before you can organise anything, you need to clear the clutter. This step is all about making thoughtful decisions, what you truly need, use, and love vs. what’s just taking up space.
How to Declutter Like a Pro
- Take everything out: Whether it’s a drawer, a cupboard, or an entire room, start fresh. Take everything out so you can see exactly what you have.
- Sort into categories: Group similar items together (e.g., clothes, books, kitchen gadgets).
- Use the 3-Box Method: Label three boxes or bags:
- Keep (items you love and use)
- Donate/Sell (items in good condition you no longer need)
- Trash/Recycle (items that are broken or unusable)
- Ask yourself:
- Do I use this regularly?
- Would I buy it again today?
- Does it serve a purpose or bring me joy?
If the answer is “no,” it’s time to let it go.
Pro Tip: Having a hard time letting go of sentimental items? Take a photo of the item to preserve the memory before letting it go.
Step 2: Categorise – Create an Easy-to-Maintain System
Now that you’ve decluttered, it’s time to categorise what’s left. This step makes your space functional and easy to maintain.
How to Categorise Your Belongings:
- Group similar items together: This makes it easier to find what you need later without rummaging.
- Store items by use: Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
- Use storage solutions you already have: Baskets, bins, or even shoe boxes work great.
Examples of Categories
- Kitchen: Baking supplies, snacks, canned goods, coffee/tea station.
- Bathroom: Hair tools, skincare, first aid, cleaning products.
- Kids’ Room: Art supplies, LEGOs, stuffed animals, books.
- Wardrobe: Everyday wear, formal wear, seasonal clothing.
Pro Tip: Think about who uses the space. If you want your family to help keep things organised, make sure the system makes sense to them, too!
Step 3: Set Up & Label – Make It Easy to Maintain
The final step is setting up your organised space so it stays that way. This is where smart storage solutions and labels make all the difference.
How to Set Up an Organised Space:
- Use containers to keep things tidy: Baskets, bins, and drawer dividers help prevent clutter from creeping back.
- Maximise vertical space: Floating shelves, wall hooks, stackable bins, they’re perfect for small homes or apartments.
- Label everything: A clear label means no more guessing where things go—and it helps everyone in the house know where things belong.
Best Labelling Tools for the Job:
- Brother P-Touch Label Maker – Great for simple, professional-looking labels.
- Cricut Joy Vinyl Labels – Perfect for stylish, custom labels.
- Phomemo D30 Bluetooth Label Maker – Budget-friendly and connects to your phone.
Pro Tip: If you have kids, use picture labels so they can put things away, too!
Final Thoughts: Decluttering Made Simple
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter is completely normal, but the best part is, it doesn’t have to stay that way.
By using this simple 3-step method: Declutter, Categorise, and Set Up & Label, you’ll go from chaos to calm, one space at a time. You’ll create a home that’s easy to maintain and free of clutter stress.
Start small: a drawer, a shelf, or that one “drop zone” that always collects clutter.
With every small win, you’ll build momentum and start seeing real change, not just in your home, but in how you feel living in it.
No more guessing where things belong. No more clutter stress. Just a home that feels lighter, more functional, and more you. And remember, organising isn’t a one-time fix, it’s a lifestyle shift. Once your systems are in place, it becomes easier to keep things tidy, manage daily messes, and actually enjoy your space again.
So, where will you begin? That overflowing kitchen junk drawer? The closet that won’t close? Wherever you start, just start. We’d love to see your progress!
Tag us in your before-and-after photos on Instagram @yourducksinarow or leave a comment below and share your favourite decluttering tip.
Ready for more inspiration?
Explore our blogs for room-by-room guides, smart storage ideas, and expert tips to keep your organising journey going strong. You’ve taken the first step, now let’s keep the momentum going!
