How To Declutter Any Room Quickly
This Article Written By
Carly C.
Author / Co-Owner
Hi there, my name is Carly! I am a massive New England Patriots fan, I cannot start my day without Starbucks, and… growing up, I was my mom’s messiest kid. Who would’ve thought I would be the one to own a cleaning business.
Hey, it’s Carly from FreshLee Cleaning Co.! We all know how cluttered rooms can make a space feel chaotic, but don’t worry—decluttering doesn’t have to be a huge project that takes up your whole weekend. Whether you’ve got unexpected guests on the way, or you just want to freshen things up in a flash, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into how you can declutter any room quickly and effectively with just a few simple steps!
Start With a Quick Scan
Before you dive into serious organizing, take a minute to do a quick scan of the room. Look for anything that’s clearly out of place—cups, papers, or random items that belong in other rooms—and start by gathering those up. Place them in a basket or bin to return them to their proper homes later. This instantly clears some space and gives you a little breathing room to work with.
Pro Tip: If you’re really in a time crunch, carry a laundry basket with you as you scan. Toss anything that doesn’t belong in the room into the basket for easy relocation later.
Clear Off Flat Surfaces
Nothing makes a room look cluttered faster than messy countertops, tables, and shelves. Focus on clearing off any flat surfaces by putting away items like papers, books, keys, or miscellaneous gadgets. Keep only what you absolutely need on display—think decorative items or things you use daily.
Pro Tip: Use trays or baskets on countertops to keep frequently used items organized and easy to access without cluttering the space.
Create Three Piles: Keep, Donate, and Trash
This is where we get serious about decluttering! Grab three bags or boxes, and start sorting. Label them Keep, Donate, and Trash. This simple method works wonders for any room, whether it’s your bedroom, living room, or kitchen.
- Keep: Items you regularly use and love that belong in the room.
- Donate: Things you no longer need but are in good condition for someone else to use.
- Trash: Anything broken, outdated, or no longer useful.
Be decisive—if you haven’t used it in months and it doesn’t bring you joy, it’s time to let it go. Toss trash items immediately to avoid second-guessing yourself.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about certain items, place them in a “maybe” box. If you don’t reach for them in the next few weeks, it’s time to donate or toss them.
Set a Timer for 15-Minute Sprints
Sometimes the idea of decluttering can feel overwhelming, so here’s a trick I love: Set a timer for 15 minutes and tackle just one area at a time. Whether it’s a drawer, a closet, or a corner of the room, focus solely on that space until the timer goes off. You’ll be surprised at how much you can get done in short bursts!
Pro Tip: If you’re doing a quick declutter for guests, start with the areas they’ll see most—living room, kitchen counters, or bathroom surfaces. You can tackle the hidden clutter later!
Contain the Clutter
For the items you do want to keep but seem to clutter up the room, invest in some storage solutions. Bins, baskets, and trays are great for containing small items and giving everything a designated home. Label your storage bins if you can—it’ll help you and your family remember what goes where!
Pro Tip: For quick cleanup, opt for closed storage like bins with lids or decorative boxes. It gives your space a clean, streamlined look while hiding the clutter.
Declutter on the Go
Decluttering doesn’t always need to be a planned event. Keep the habit going daily by doing a quick pass-through of rooms whenever you’re heading out the door or moving from one space to another. If you spot something out of place, take it with you and put it back where it belongs.
Pro Tip: Try the “one in, one out” rule: For every new item that comes into your home, remove something you no longer need. This helps prevent clutter from building up again.
Finish Strong: Give Everything a Wipe-Down
Once you’ve decluttered and reorganized, take a few minutes to wipe down surfaces. You’ve worked hard to clear the clutter, so now make it shine! A clean, fresh room feels so much more satisfying after a quick polish.
Pro Tip: Keep a small cleaning caddy nearby so you can do a quick surface clean right after decluttering. This way, you’re always ready to finish with that fresh, just-cleaned feel.
Need Professional Help?
Decluttering doesn’t have to be an all-day affair. With a few simple strategies, you can transform any space in no time! The key is to be consistent and focus on one area at a time, so it never feels overwhelming. Before you know it, you’ll have a tidy, stress-free room that’s ready for anything.
And if you ever need an extra hand with deeper cleaning tasks, FreshLee Cleaning Co. is just a call away. Happy decluttering! ✨