Decluttering as a busy mom can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right strategies, you can transform your home into a calm and organized space—even on a tight schedule. These 10 hacks are designed to make decluttering manageable and effective, helping you create a more peaceful home without added stress.
1. Start Small: Focus on One Drawer or Shelf
Starting with something small like a junk drawer is ideal because it’s a defined space with a manageable number of items. When you complete one drawer, it gives you that instant “win,” and it’s easier to move on to the next task with confidence.
Instead of tackling an entire room and feeling overwhelmed, pick a small area like a single drawer, one shelf, or even just a corner of a room. Starting small helps you see quick progress, which motivates you to keep going. Plus, small tasks can fit easily into your busy schedule.
Grab a basket or box and start sorting: toss trash, put items in their proper places, and donate what you don’t need. Keep only what’s useful or meaningful. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes to keep it short and focused.
2. Use the “One-Year Rule”
If you haven’t used or thought about an item in the last year, it’s probably time to let it go. This applies to clothing, kitchen gadgets, toys, and more. Be honest with yourself—if you didn’t need it in the past 12 months, chances are you won’t need it in the next 12 either.
As you sort through items, ask yourself: “Have I used this in the last year? Does it still serve a purpose in my life?” If not, add it to the donation or trash pile.
This rule is particularly useful for seasonal items or things that tend to accumulate, like clothes or gadgets. It helps you make decisions faster because you’re basing it on objective criteria, not sentimentality.
3. The One-In, One-Out Rule
For every new item you bring into your home, commit to removing one existing item. This habit prevents clutter from building up over time and keeps your space balanced and manageable.
Make it a rule for yourself and your family. For example, if you buy a new pair of shoes, donate or toss an old pair. The same goes for kids’ toys or kitchen tools.
This works especially well for busy moms because it’s a proactive way to manage clutter before it starts. It teaches kids to value what they have and think twice about acquiring more.
Picture This: A new pair of trendy boots is proudly displayed on a clean shoe rack, while an older, worn-out pair sits in a donation box ready to be passed on.
4. Set Up Bins for Quick Sorting
Sorting is easier when you have a system in place. Create three bins labeled “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Trash.” Use these bins every time you declutter, so you can make decisions quickly and avoid creating piles that just sit there.
Keep the bins handy in areas you declutter often, like the living room or kids’ playroom. As you sort, drop items into the appropriate bin.
This method is effective because it simplifies the decision-making process. You don’t have to overthink or second-guess—just categorize and move on. It’s also easy to involve kids, so decluttering becomes a family task.
Picture This: Three bins lined up in the corner of the living room, one filled with neatly folded clothes to donate, one with broken toys destined for the trash, and one holding items ready to be put back in their proper places.
5. Declutter While Doing Other Tasks
Use “dead time” to tackle small decluttering tasks. For example, go through your kitchen drawers while waiting for water to boil or sort papers while watching TV. Combining decluttering with other activities helps you fit it into your busy day.
Keep a basket or box nearby for sorting as you multitask. Break tasks into bite-sized chunks so you’re not overwhelmed.
This hack works well because it doesn’t require setting aside extra time for decluttering—you’re just making use of moments that would otherwise go unused.
Picture This: A mom sorting through a pile of old receipts and junk mail while sitting on the couch, watching her favorite show, with a trash bin and shredder nearby.
6. Keep a Donation Box Handy
Always have a designated donation box in your home. Whenever you come across something you don’t need, drop it in the box. Once it’s full, make it a point to drop it off at your local charity or thrift store.
Keep the box in an accessible spot, like your laundry room or garage, so it’s easy to use. Encourage your family to add to it too.
Having a dedicated box makes decluttering feel less like a big “event” and more like an ongoing habit. It’s also incredibly satisfying to see the box fill up over time!
Picture This: A cardboard box tucked neatly in the laundry room, filled with outgrown clothes, unused toys, and extra kitchen gadgets, ready for donation.