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Ideabook 911: How Can I Declutter My Space?

10 Steps to Take Toward Minimalism

Becky Harris February 6, 2011

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected." I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More

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I was perusing our Questions board this week and came across the following question from houzz user leslehart: "How can I declutter my space to create a more minimalist home?" Well, I am right there with you, leslehart. Although I love a minimalist aesthetic, I am a bit of a clutterbug. I'm working on it, and here are some ways I've found to deal with it:

Modern Living Room by Elad Gonen

1. Sort. Grab a lot of big boxes or lawn and leaf trash bags. The first step is to RUTHLESSLY sort through your things, room by room, cabinet by cabinet, closet by closet, and think very carefully about why you want to keep each item you've put in the "keep" pile. Is it still really "you"? Does it hold some sentimental value? Do you use it? If not, do you think you really ever will again? I promise you'll feel lighter and more free when you've purged all of the things you don't use or love anymore.

Contemporary Living Room by Elad Gonen

2. Clear. Go room by room. Take a good look at every surface, then remove everything from it. Dust. Take a critical look at each item and decide which ones you may want to leave out in the open.

Contemporary Living Room by James Cleary Architecture

James Cleary Architecture

3. Curate. This means editing your items. Donate or sell the ones you have no use for anymore, and realize everything you keep does not need to be displayed at once; you can always rotate them in and out. This is actually a good way to keep your home feeling "new to you."

Here is some help: Collecting without Cluttering

Modern Bedroom by User

This credenza's surface is a good example of a successful curating effort.

Traditional Family Room by Cristi Holcombe Interiors, LLC

Cristi Holcombe Interiors, LLC

4. Compose. Experiment with arranging your items. Cristi Holcombe's easy tip for creating a great tablescape? "The easiest way is to group things in threes," she advises, "I also create visual triangles and balance."

Transitional Living Room Transitional Living Room

5. Corral. Items like trays can keep items neat and organized.

Modern Bedroom by User

6. Troubleshoot. Some spots are more prone to collect clutter. Once you identify these problem areas, make sure to provide storage. For example, magazines, books, a flashlight, Simply Sleep and other items tend to clutter up a nightstand. Solve this problem by getting one with ample drawer space.

Transitional Kids by Feldman Architecture, Inc.

Feldman Architecture, Inc.

Likewise, toys become clutter very easily. Go through the toys and donate the ones your kids have lost interest in; use baskets, storage cubes or storage benches to stash toys when not in use.

Contemporary Entry by ZeroEnergy Design

ZeroEnergy Design

7. Create storage solutions. All of the stuff you do keep needs a home. Having an entryway or mudroom outfitted with hooks, cubbies, and enforcing an immediate put away rule is crucial. Every family member should have a designated spot for shoes, bags and coats.

Contemporary Bathroom by ZeroEnergy Design

ZeroEnergy Design

Along these lines, keep every day items off counters but within reach, whether in a medicine cabinet, drawer or basket.

Traditional Closet by Stonebreaker Builders & Remodelers

Stonebreaker Builders & Remodelers

8. Embrace empty space. Realize the quality of blank space. Just because you have the shelves, it doesn't mean you need to make them chock-a-block full.

Contemporary Living Room by See Construction

See Construction

9. Use symmetry. When you're striving for a symmetrical balance, clutter will throw it off and stick out like a sore thumb. This can help you edit your items.

Modern Bedroom by The Brick House

The Brick House

10. One in, one out! Keep a donation box active at all times, and while you're shopping, you'll have to think about what you're going to have to get rid of at home in order to be allowed to bring in the new item.

Required reading: Being Minimalist When You Like Stuff

Houzz peeps, how do you keep the clutter at bay? Please let us know in the comments section!

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Comments (22)

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guava

Decluttering is always a challenge especially with children in the house. I find that if an item has a 'home' it has a much better chance of being put away. Most of our trouble is with items that we have not yet created a space for. They linger around and very quickly become clutter. If you have stuff but dont want to throw it away, consider freecycle.org - it is basically like a free craigs list. You post your stuff online and then the people that want it email you. You decide who to give it to and they come pick it up. I've given away tons of stuff including clothes, old TV's, plants, rusty old weights, etc. As they say, one man's junk . . . is another man's treasure. Just join the local group in your area. It always makes me feel much better to give something away instead of throwing it out and at times it has definately helped to declutter!

Like February 13, 2011 at 6:13PM

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Wendy Kibblewhite

Wow! Where did that fish print come from?

Like January 11, 2014 at 3:07AM

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Becky Harris

@Wendy Kibblewhite, I think that's actually the TV screen but I'm not sure!

Like January 11, 2014 at 3:44PM

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