9 Decluttering Methods That Actually Work for Busy Moms Like You

Decluttering. It's that word that strikes a chord with every mom, especially if you're a busy work-from-home mom like me. I used to feel like decluttering was this monumental task that would never end. The piles, the mess, the overwhelming feeling when you’re just trying to tackle it all. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to tackle it all at once. Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple, effective ways to make decluttering not only doable but also a freeing experience.

Now, let me take you through the 9 decluttering methods that have actually worked for me, and I’m confident they’ll work for you, too. (And I’ll even throw in some of my favorite resources and products that can help you out, with links to save you time—no sales pitches, just helpful tools.)

1. The 30/10 Rule

I’ve found that the best way to approach decluttering is with small, manageable chunks. Enter the 30/10 rule. This is something I adopted into my routine, and it’s been a total game-changer. Instead of devoting hours at a time to decluttering, I decided to spend just 10 minutes a day for 30 days. That’s it. Just 10 minutes.

You might think, “That’s not enough time!” But let me tell you, it adds up. In those 10 minutes, I focus on a small area—whether it’s a kitchen drawer, the nightstand, or that junk drawer (we all have one, right?). At the end of 30 days, you’ll have spent 300 minutes—5 whole hours—making progress in your home without feeling like you’re drowning in it.

Pro Tip: Use a timer to keep yourself on track and set an alarm on your phone so you don’t forget. It’s the little wins that make a big difference!

2. Sentimental Items Come Last

This was a big one for me. I used to think I was “too sentimental” to get rid of anything that had meaning—whether it was an old concert ticket, a sweater from my mom, or a drawing my daughter made at school. And sure, those things hold value... but not when they’re buried under a pile of stuff you don’t even remember owning.

My advice? Leave sentimental items for later. Start with the easier stuff like kitchen gadgets, office supplies, or your bathroom shelves. Once you’ve tackled the less emotional areas, you’ll feel more empowered to take on the sentimental items. And don’t feel bad about letting go of things that no longer serve you—it’s about making room for what really matters.

3. The Swedish ‘Death Cleaning’ Method

Now, don’t get scared by the name! The Swedish “death cleaning” method isn’t as morbid as it sounds. It’s a unique way of thinking about decluttering—what items will your loved ones actually want to keep when you're gone? It’s about focusing on the items that bring joy or have real value, and letting go of the things that aren’t important.

This method can be a real eye-opener. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by sentimental clutter, you start thinking, “What will my daughter appreciate in 10 years? What do I want her to remember me by?” It's a perspective shift that helps you prioritize.

Actionable Tip: Take a walk through your home and start thinking about each item in terms of its value to someone else. Does it make your life easier, or is it just a thing taking up space?

4. The Four-Box Method

When I’m tackling a bigger decluttering session, I break it down into four boxes:

• Trash

• Donate

• Keep

• Relocate (Things that don’t belong in the space but need to go somewhere else in the house)

This method helps you stay organized and ensures you aren’t left with piles of “stuff” to sort through later. If you’re decluttering your kid's room, for example, you’ll find toys that belong in the kitchen or books that should be in the living room. Keeping these categories separate makes the entire process smoother.

5. Reverse Decluttering

This method is a little different. Instead of focusing on what you need to get rid of, you start by focusing on what you want to keep. This can actually be less overwhelming, because you're concentrating on your favorite, most used items. When going through your wardrobe or cluttered drawer, take a second to think: “What do I love and use regularly?” This mindset shift helps avoid the dreaded feeling of loss.

Actionable Tip: After decluttering, consider donating items that are still in great shape but just don’t fit your needs anymore. You can sell them or donate to local charities or organizations like Goodwill or The Salvation Army.

6. The Minimalist Game

I came across this fun challenge from the Netflix documentary The Minimalists, and it’s one of my favorites. Here’s how it works: Each day, for 30 days, you get rid of the same number of items as the date. On Day 1, you get rid of 1 item. On Day 2, you get rid of 2 items. And so on, until Day 30, where you’ll have cleared out 30 items. It’s a fun way to declutter with a built-in sense of progression.

Start with bigger items (like furniture or toys your kids no longer use), then move on to the small stuff at the end of the month. You’ll be amazed at how much you can declutter in just 30 days!

7. The Closet Hanger Trick

This one is simple but effective. Turn all of your hangers in your closet the opposite way. After you wear an item, hang it back the “normal” way. After three months, take a look—any hangers that are still facing the opposite way are clothes you haven’t worn. Time to declutter those items and donate or sell them. It's a great way to refresh your wardrobe without feeling guilty about letting go.

8. Seasonal Decluttering

This method works perfectly for anyone who needs a little reminder to declutter each season. As you pull out your winter clothes or holiday decor, take a moment to assess whether there’s anything you didn’t use the year before. If it’s just taking up space and no longer sparks joy, consider donating it. Seasonal decluttering helps you stay on top of your stuff, and it’s easy because it happens naturally as you switch out seasonal items.

9. Declutter with Someone

Sometimes, the hardest part of decluttering is staying motivated. This is where accountability comes in. Whether it's a friend, partner, or even a virtual community, having someone by your side can make the process so much easier and even fun! You could even join a decluttering challenge or support group to keep you on track.

Wrapping Up

Decluttering doesn’t have to feel like an impossible task. By using these methods, you’ll not only reclaim your space but also create a calmer, more organized environment that allows you to thrive as a busy mom, entrepreneur, and everything in between.

Start small, keep it consistent, and remember that less is more when it comes to your space—and your peace of mind. Happy decluttering!

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