Whether you tackle it as part of downsizing effort or simply to simplify your life, decluttering an entire home is a big job. The best way to tackle it is in stages—to focus on one room, one space, or even one zone within a room (like your kitchen cabinets), completing the job fully before moving on to the next space. This will also build confidence as you experience visible success at each step.
You don’t need fancy tools to declutter your home, but you do need five baskets or bins defined for these four purposes:
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Put Away
Items that have crept out of their storage spaces should be put away first. This could mean a coffee cup in the bathroom or a sweatshirt in the kitchen. Go room by room and put these back in their designated spots.
Recycle
Items that need to be recycled, such as paper, plastic or glass should be placed in an additional bin. Get rid of any old bills, magazines, receipts and any miscellaneous products that are old and adding to the clutter.
Fix and Mend
Use a container to divide items that need further tinkering. These can include a pair of shoes that you love but which need to be cleaned or an old watch that needs a new battery.
Trash and Donate
Get a basket for items that are simply trash— things that can go into the household trash immediately. Designate another basket for items that you can donate to a charitable organization or another person.
These should be items that you can imagine another person wanting or needing.