How to Declutter Your Home in 3 Days: A Step-by-Step Guide

a person holding a plaid cloth in a plastic container

Decluttering your home can feel overwhelming, but with a focused plan, it’s possible to transform your space in just three days. Whether you’re preparing for a move, hosting guests, or simply craving a cleaner, more organized home, this step-by-step guide will help you tackle clutter efficiently and effectively. Let’s get started!

Day 1: Tackle the Main Living Areas

1. Living Room

Clear Surfaces: Remove items from coffee tables, shelves, and TV stands.
Sort Items: Create piles for keep, donate, sell, and trash.
Organize: Use baskets or bins to store remotes, magazines, and other small items.

2. Dining Room

Clear the Table: Remove everything and only put back essential items like a centerpiece or placemats.
Declutter Storage: Go through china cabinets or sideboards and donate unused dishes or servingware.

3. Entryway

Shoes and Coats: Donate or toss items you no longer wear.
Organize: Add hooks, a shoe rack, or a basket for keys and mail.

Pro Tip: Set a timer for 1-2 hours per room to stay focused and avoid burnout.

Day 2: Conquer the Kitchen and Bedrooms

1. Kitchen

Pantry: Check expiration dates and donate non-perishables you won’t use.
Cabinets and Drawers: Keep only the utensils, dishes, and cookware you use regularly.
Countertops: Clear everything and only keep daily essentials like a coffee maker or toaster.

2. Bedrooms

Closet: Use the “hanger trick”—turn all hangers backward and only keep items you’ve worn after six months.
Dresser: Donate clothes that no longer fit or suit your style.
Nightstands: Remove clutter and keep only essentials like a lamp, book, or alarm clock.

Pro Tip: Use the “one in, one out” rule—for every new item you bring in, remove one you no longer need.

Day 3: Finish with Bathrooms, Home Office, and Storage Areas

1. Bathrooms

Medicine Cabinet: Dispose of expired medications and old products.
Under the Sink: Toss empty bottles and organize cleaning supplies.
Towels and Linens: Donate old or unused towels and keep only what you need.

2. Home Office

Desk: Clear paperwork and file or shred what you don’t need.
Supplies: Donate unused stationery or office supplies.
Cables and Tech: Recycle old electronics and organize cords.

3. Storage Areas (Attic, Basement, Garage)

Sort Items: Divide into keep, donate, sell, and trash piles.
Organize: Use labeled bins for seasonal items like holiday decorations or sports gear.
Let Go: Be ruthless with items you haven’t used in over a year.

Pro Tip: Take before-and-after photos to stay motivated and celebrate your progress.

Tips for Success

1. Set Clear Goals

Decide what you want to achieve each day and stick to your plan.

2. Use the Four-Box Method

Label four boxes as Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash to streamline decision-making.

3. Stay Focused

Avoid distractions by turning off your phone or setting a timer for each task.

4. Ask for Help

Enlist a friend or family member to keep you motivated and make the process more fun.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

Reward yourself after each day’s progress to stay motivated.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering your home in three days is an ambitious but achievable goal. By breaking the process into manageable steps and staying focused, you can create a cleaner, more organized space that feels refreshing and inviting. Remember, the key is to let go of what no longer serves you and make room for what truly matters. Happy decluttering!