From Mess to Less: Decluttering Strategies for Every Style and Situation

You know what’s not fun? Feeling like your home is slowly being swallowed by stuff. 

Papers pile up, closets overflow, and before you know it, your space starts stressing you out instead of helping you unwind. But here’s the thing—there’s no one right way to declutter. 

The best approach depends on your time, energy, ability, and honestly, how much you even care about getting organized. Some people love a full weekend purge, while others can barely get through a junk drawer without needing a break. And that’s okay.  

Decluttering isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. You have to experiment. Maybe the KonMari method works for you (if it doesn’t spark joy, it’s out), or maybe you need a more flexible, no-pressure approach—like tackling one tiny section at a time. Some people thrive with strict minimalist rules, while others just need to clear the chaos enough to function. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, there’s a strategy that fits your style.  

So, if you’re drowning in stuff but don’t know where to start, keep reading. I’m breaking down a mix of proven decluttering strategies from experts—fast hacks, slow-and-steady approaches, and mindset shifts—to help you reclaim your space without losing your sanity. Because less mess isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making room for the life you actually want to live.  

1. Room-By-Room With Joshua Becker

Joshua Becker, a leader in the minimalism movement, promotes a practical approach to decluttering: room-by-room decluttering. Instead of trying to tackle your entire home at once, you focus on one space at a time, making gradual but impactful progress. 

This method works well for people who feel overwhelmed by the idea of decluttering everything and need a structured way to start. However, a key benefit is its flexibility. You can dedicate a weekend to one room or spend just 10-15 minutes a day decluttering. 

2. The Konmari Method

Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method is all about keeping only what sparks joy. Instead of decluttering room by room, you declutter by category—starting with clothes, then books, papers, miscellaneous items, and finally sentimental belongings.  

One of the biggest benefits of KonMari is the mental clarity it brings. It works best for people who are emotionally attached to their belongings and need a structured way to make decisions. By physically holding each item and asking if it truly brings joy, you become more mindful of what you allow into your life. 

3. The Moveout Party With Katie Holdefehr

Katie Holdefehr’s Moveout Party method is a fun way to declutter—treating it like you’re moving out, even if you’re not. 

The idea is to take everything out of a space, then put back only the things you actually use and love. By emptying a space completely, you get a fresh perspective on what truly belongs there. This approach works great for people who feel stuck in clutter but don’t know where to start.  

If you want a high-impact, visual transformation quickly, this approach is a great way to make a big difference in a short time. It is especially useful for decluttering closets, kitchens, or home offices—places where things accumulate without much thought. 

4. Ann Marie’s 40 Bags in 40 Days

The 40 Bags in 40 Days challenge, created by Ann Marie from White House Black Shutters in 2011, is a slow-and-steady decluttering method where you aim to fill one bag of clutter each day for 40 days. 

Ann continues to host the challenge yearly during Lent (Ash Wednesday to Easter). 

This approach works well for people who need structure but don’t have the time or energy for massive decluttering sessions.  It’s very manageable. You can use large trash bags or small grocery bags—whatever fits your lifestyle. 

By tackling small areas daily, it prevents decision fatigue and creates a habit of letting go. If you feel overwhelmed by clutter but don’t want a dramatic, all-at-once purge, this method helps you clear space in a sustainable, low-pressure way.  

5. Leo Babauta’s Guide to a Minimalist Home

Leo Babauta, founder of Zen Habits, lays out a comprehensive guide to decluttering, emphasizing slow, mindful progress rather than a rushed purge. His method involves removing visual clutter first, focusing on one surface at a time, and adopting minimalist principles for long-term maintenance.  

If you’re someone who’s tried decluttering before but always ends up back at square one, his guide provides a roadmap for sustainable minimalism. It’s ideal for people who want lasting change rather than a quick fix. Babauta’s approach encourages decluttering as a lifestyle, helping you build habits that prevent clutter from returning. 

6. The 12-12-12 Challenge

This method, created by Joshua Becker, is simple: find 12 things to throw away, 12 things to donate, and 12 things to return to their proper place. It works well for people who don’t have much time but want an easy, structured way to declutter.  

It turns decluttering into a game…a game that values genorosity. It’s great for families—kids love the challenge of finding 12 things to let go of. It’s worth trying for anyone.

7. The Minimalists’ 30-Day Challenge

The 30-Day Minimalism Challenge, created by The Minimalists, is a progressive decluttering method where you get rid of one item on Day 1, two items on Day 2, and so on until you reach 30 days. By the end of the month, you’ve eliminated nearly 500 items.  

This challenge works best for people who need accountability and enjoy setting goals. It’s especially helpful if you have a lot of clutter but feel intimidated by the idea of tackling it all at once. The gradual increase in difficulty makes it surprisingly manageable.  

8. The 20-20 Rule

If you’re debating whether to keep something, ask yourself: Can I replace this for under $20 in less than 20 minutes? If yes, let it go. 

This rule helps eliminate “just in case” items that take up unnecessary space. It’s made for small homes or apartments, where every inch matters. If you tend to hold onto things out of fear that you might need them, this rule helps you shift to a more practical mindset.  

9. The 90-90 Rule

Another minimalist trick is the 90-90 rule. Ask yourself: Have I used this in the last 90 days? Will I use it in the next 90 days? If not, it’s time to let it go.  

This method is particularly effective for clothes, kitchen gadgets, and hobby-related items. It helps eliminate guilt-driven clutter, forcing you to be realistic about what you actually use.  

10. Project 333

This capsule wardrobe challenge, Project 333, by Courtney Carver encourages you to choose just 33 clothing items (including shoes and accessories) and wear them exclusively for 3 months.  

If your closet is a disaster zone, this project helps you simplify without fully committing to minimalism. It’s a great way to experiment with a smaller wardrobe without permanent commitment.  

11. Swedish Death Cleaning

The Swedish Death Cleaning method, made famous by Margareta Magnusson, is about decluttering as an act of kindness for your loved ones. It encourages people—especially those over 50—to let go of unnecessary belongings so family members won’t have to deal with them later.  

If you’re looking for a deep, intentional decluttering process, this method ensures your belongings truly reflect what matters to you.  

12. Project 10-10-100

Project 10-10-100 is a creative and structured approach to decluttering where you tackle 10 items, 10 spaces, for 100 minutes total. This method works well for people who want a mix of organization and efficiency without spending an entire day decluttering.

It’s particularly useful if you have clutter spread throughout your home and don’t know where to start. By limiting the number of items and spaces, you make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. This method also builds momentum—you might start with 100 minutes but find yourself wanting to keep going!

13. Decluttering Bursts for 10 Minutes

If the thought of decluttering for hours makes you want to quit before you start, decluttering bursts might be the perfect solution. The idea is simple—set a timer for 10 minutes and tackle as much as you can.

This method is great for busy people who don’t have a lot of extra time but still want a cleaner, more organized home. Over time, these small bursts add up, making it easier to stay on top of clutter without dedicating an entire weekend to the process.

14. Anita Yokoto the Ski Slope Method

The Ski Slope Method is a practical approach to decluttering that helps you make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. 

Instead of tackling everything at once, you start at the top of the slope with the easiest and most obvious clutter—things that are broken, expired, or clearly unnecessary. As you work your way down, you gradually deal with harder decisions, like sentimental items or things you might need one day. 

This method works well for people who struggle with decision fatigue or feel paralyzed by the idea of decluttering an entire space at once. It creates a natural flow, helping you gain momentum and confidence as you go. 

The Verdict

The best decluttering strategy is whatever resonates with you. It depends on your time, mindset, and long-term goals. Just keep going. 

Decluttering is an ongoing process. So, there’s time to try a few strategies if you want to.