Do you ever feel like clutter is taking over your home and your life? Whether it’s piles of laundry, overflowing pantries, or junk drawers that won’t close, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and not know where to begin.
But the good news is: you don’t have to do it all at once. A smart, room-by-room approach to decluttering makes the process more manageable, more effective, and far less stressful.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to declutter your entire home step by step, breaking it down by room with practical tips, suggested tools, and mindset shifts to help you succeed. By the end, you’ll have a clear, easy-to-follow strategy that actually works — not just for now, but for keeping your space clutter-free long term.
Why Decluttering Room-by-Room Works
Decluttering your entire house can feel like an impossible task. But by focusing on one space at a time, you:
- Build momentum and confidence
- Avoid overwhelm and decision fatigue
- See quick wins that motivate you to keep going
- Create systems that are easier to maintain
The key is to start small, stay focused, and move through your home in a logical order — not randomly.
Room-by-Room Decluttering Strategy
Let’s walk through your home one room at a time, starting with the spaces that impact your daily routines the most.
1. The Entryway (Start Here for a Daily Win)
Why it matters: Your entryway is the first and last area you see every day. A tidy entrance sets the tone for the entire home.
Decluttering tips:
- Remove old shoes, umbrellas and random items dumped near the door
- Use a shoe rack, coat hooks or baskets to contain daily-use items
- Add a tray for keys and wallets to avoid cluttered surfaces
Quick win: Install wall hooks for bags and hats so they’re off the floor.
2. The Kitchen
Why it matters: A cluttered kitchen can make meal prep feel chaotic and stressful. Decluttering makes it easier to cook, clean, and enjoy time in the heart of your home.
Decluttering tips:
- Clear benchtops — only keep items you use daily (e.g. kettle, toaster)
- Toss expired food, duplicate utensils and unused appliances
- Use drawer dividers, clear pantry containers, and turntables for visibility
Storage idea: Labelled, stackable pantry containers (available at Kmart or IKEA) create order instantly.
3. The Living Room
Why it matters: This is where you relax and connect with others. Clutter in this space can impact how peaceful or welcoming it feels.
Decluttering tips:
- Remove items that don’t belong (e.g. mail, shoes, toys)
- Keep flat surfaces (coffee tables, shelves) mostly clear
- Use storage ottomans, baskets or entertainment units to hide clutter
Bonus tip: Style shelves with a “less is more” mindset — books, a plant, and one decorative item per shelf is a good rule of thumb.
4. The Bathroom
Why it matters: Bathrooms are small, so clutter builds quickly. A tidy bathroom makes mornings smoother and evenings more relaxing.
Decluttering tips:
- Toss expired skincare, makeup, and medications
- Group like-items in bins or drawers (e.g. haircare, skincare, first aid)
- Use vertical space — add shelves or a cabinet over the toilet
Best buy: Stackable drawer units from Bunnings work wonders in under-sink cupboards.
5. The Bedroom
Why it matters: Your bedroom should be your sanctuary — a place to rest, not store laundry or clutter.
Decluttering tips:
- Clear nightstands and under-bed storage
- Donate clothes you haven’t worn in 12 months
- Keep surfaces (dresser, bedside table) minimal
Decluttering habit: Make your bed daily and avoid letting clothes pile up on “the chair”.
6. The Wardrobe
Why it matters: A streamlined wardrobe helps you get dressed faster and feel more confident in your clothes.
Decluttering tips:
- Sort clothes by category (tops, bottoms, dresses, etc.)
- Try the “hanger trick” — face all hangers the same way; flip when worn
- Be honest: if it doesn’t fit, suit your lifestyle, or spark joy, let it go
Must-have tool: Space-saving velvet hangers instantly neaten your wardrobe.
7. The Laundry
Why it matters: The laundry room is often neglected, but decluttering here reduces stress and speeds up a dreaded chore.
Decluttering tips:
- Store detergents and cleaners in labelled baskets
- Hang a drying rack on the wall to save space
- Keep a small container for lost socks or pocket finds
Quick fix: Declutter your laundry bench or sink area for a more functional feel.
8. The Home Office (or Study Nook)
Why it matters: Whether you work from home or pay bills at a desk, clutter here kills productivity and focus.
Decluttering tips:
- File or scan loose papers — ditch the filing cabinet if possible
- Use drawer organisers for pens, paperclips and cables
- Keep only essential tech on your desktop
Top product: IKEA SKÅDIS pegboards are perfect for organising office tools or crafting supplies.
9. The Kids’ Rooms and Toys
Why it matters: Clutter in kids’ rooms can lead to overwhelm (for them and you). A simple system makes tidying up a breeze.
Decluttering tips:
- Involve your kids — teach them to sort and donate
- Use open baskets or cube storage for easy cleanup
- Rotate toys seasonally to reduce clutter and spark interest
Pro tip: Label toy boxes with both words and pictures to help young kids stay organised.
10. The Garage or Shed
Why it matters: Out of sight often means out of control. This is where unused items tend to pile up — especially if you’re storing “just in case” things.
Decluttering tips:
- Sort items into zones: tools, garden, sports, seasonal
- Use shelving and clear tubs to keep everything off the floor
- Let go of broken tools, paint tins, or project items you’ll “get to later”
Bonus: Bunnings offers heavy-duty shelving units ideal for this space.
General Decluttering Tips That Work in Every Room
- Set a timer: Work in 20–30 minute blocks to avoid burnout
- Have a donation box ready: Make it easy to let things go
- Ask “Would I buy this again?” — if not, it may be time to part ways
- Avoid perfection: Progress over perfection keeps you moving
- Maintain regularly: A weekly 10-minute tidy keeps clutter from returning
Final Thoughts
Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming or exhausting. By following this room-by-room strategy, you’ll build momentum, see real progress, and create a home that feels lighter, calmer and more aligned with your lifestyle.
Ready to simplify your space and start fresh? Book your free consultation with Ducks in a Row Home Organisation and get expert support to transform your home one room at a time.
