Step-by-Step Home Decluttering Using a Category Approach

Jamila Renee Washington

Decluttering can be daunting, and tackling it room by room often leads to frustration. Instead of moving clutter from one place to another, consider a “declutter by category” approach. With this method, you organize by item type (clothing, books, kitchenware) rather than location. This method not only reduces duplicates and highlights what you truly need, but it also transforms decluttering into a journey with meaningful, lasting results.

One well-known approach is the KonMari method, where you focus on item type and ask if each piece “sparks joy.” But a category-based system is more flexible, letting you tailor it to your own pace and needs. A practical start? Make a decluttering checklist by category. This checklist can serve as a guide and motivation tool, helping you keep track of what you’ve accomplished and what’s next on the list.

And if you’re someone who feels overwhelmed easily, a checklist makes it manageable—one step at a time, one category at a time.

Getting Started with Decluttering by Category: Your Day-by-Day Guide

To kick things off, create a decluttering calendar, breaking the process down into daily, manageable steps. By dedicating each day to a specific category, you can avoid burnout and stay on track. Here’s a simple guide to get you moving in the right direction:

  • Day 1: Clothing and Accessories
  • Day 2: Books and Magazines
  • Day 3: Paperwork and Documents
  • Day 4: Kitchenware and Pantry Items
  • Day 5: Toiletries and Bathroom Supplies
  • Day 6: Electronics and Cables
  • Day 7: Sentimental Items

This daily approach means that by the end of a week, you’ll have tackled a variety of categories, creating noticeable change without feeling overwhelmed.

For a more engaging experience, consider setting up a “30-Day Declutter Challenge,” where you dedicate a few minutes each day to a specific category or subcategory, starting small and building momentum. It’s a great way to make the process feel structured, focused, and yes—even fun.

Essential Categories for Decluttering

Starting with the right categories is key. Below is a checklist of essential categories to help you tackle clutter with purpose:

  • Clothing and Accessories: Collect everything—jackets, scarves, shoes, and anything wearable. Ask, “Do I wear this?” and if it’s been over a year, it might be time to part with it.

  • Books and Magazines: Books and magazines can accumulate quickly. Ask yourself, “Would I read this again?” or “Would I recommend this?” If the answer is no, add it to your donate pile.

  • Paperwork and Documents: Sort papers into categories like “essential,” “to shred,” and “to digitize.” Immediate junk mail and outdated documents should go first.

  • Kitchenware and Pantry Items: From pots and pans to those three extra spatulas, simplify the kitchen by keeping only the essentials. When it comes to food items, toss anything expired, and organize the rest by category.

  • Toiletries and Bathroom Supplies: Gather bathroom items like toiletries, makeup, and grooming tools. Ditch anything expired, used up, or duplicated. Limit yourself to items you use every week.

  • Electronics and Cables: Electronics like old chargers, phones, and random cables can create chaos. Hold on to only what you use regularly, and organize the rest in a labeled storage container.

This checklist of categories will keep you organized, helping you create and maintain a tidy, calm home environment. And once you have everything in one spot, the decision-making process gets a whole lot easier.

 

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Practical Tips for Decluttering Key Spaces

Decluttering by category is effective in part because it spans across spaces in the home. Here’s how to tackle common areas without losing focus:

Closets

Closets become dumping grounds for clothes, shoes, bags, and random items. Start by gathering every piece of clothing and accessory from around the house, then sort by “keep,” “donate,” or “discard.” Once your closet has only what you wear, you’ll have a tidy, easy-to-manage wardrobe.

Kitchen

The kitchen holds everything from appliances to pantry items. To start, take out all your pots, pans, and utensils, then separate duplicates and items you rarely use. For pantry items, clear out expired goods and organize the rest by category, making it easy to see what you have on hand.

Bathroom

Between toiletries, cleaning supplies, and grooming tools, bathroom clutter can sneak up fast. Gather all your items, check for expiration dates, and toss anything old or unused. Keep the essentials and give them a designated space, ensuring your bathroom stays functional and clutter-free.

Decluttering each space by category keeps the process simple. By sticking to this checklist, you’re more likely to maintain an organized home, with each area serving its purpose.

Embrace the Emotional Benefits of Decluttering by Category

There’s more to decluttering than just creating physical space—it’s about how you feel in your home. By organizing your belongings by category, you reduce the mental load of constant mess, creating a space that feels calm and centered. It’s surprising how much lighter you feel when your surroundings are clear and intentional.

Plus, each item you keep will be something you actually use, making daily routines easier and more enjoyable. With every unnecessary item you part with, you’ll notice a growing sense of accomplishment that motivates you to keep going. This journey of decluttering is as much about creating a peaceful environment as it is about letting go of things that no longer serve you.

Staying Organized: Tips to Maintain a Tidy Home Post-Declutter

Decluttering by category isn’t just a one-time event; it’s about adopting new habits to keep clutter at bay for good. After all, what’s the point of a tidy, organized home if it doesn’t stay that way? Here are some effective strategies to help you maintain the order and calm you’ve created:

Establish a “One In, One Out” Rule

One of the simplest ways to keep clutter from creeping back in is to adopt a “one in, one out” policy for each category. Bought a new book? Donate or sell one you’ve already read. Picked up a new sweater? Let go of an older one. This approach ensures that the number of items in each category remains manageable, and it encourages more intentional buying habits.

Schedule Regular Check-Ins by Category

To avoid a buildup of unnecessary items, schedule regular decluttering sessions, focusing on one category at a time. For example, dedicate a day every season to sort through your clothing, kitchen items, or paperwork. This process doesn’t have to be as intensive as your first declutter—it’s more about assessing what you currently have and making sure it still serves your needs.

Many find that incorporating these check-ins into a calendar helps them stay organized without overwhelming their schedule. A calendar reminder every three months can be just the push you need to keep clutter from taking over again.

Make Your Decluttering Journey Fun with a Declutter Challenge

If maintaining order feels like a chore, try turning it into a personal challenge. A 30-day “Declutter Challenge” can keep you motivated while preventing burnout. Here’s a sample challenge you can tailor to your needs:

  • Week 1: Focus on clothing and accessories—start with items you wear daily.
  • Week 2: Move on to books, magazines, and paperwork.
  • Week 3: Tackle kitchenware, pantry items, and electronics.
  • Week 4: Finish with bathroom items, sentimental objects, and any leftover miscellaneous items.

Each day, set a small, achievable goal, such as letting go of one item or spending 10 minutes tidying up. By the end of 30 days, you’ll have worked through major categories without feeling overwhelmed.

Practical Tips for Staying Tidy and Organized

Decluttering isn’t the only part of the process—staying organized is key to maintaining your progress. Here are some habits that can make a big difference:

  • Create a Designated Spot for Everything: Ensure that every item you keep has a specific place. This makes it easier to return things to where they belong, keeping surfaces clear and preventing clutter from accumulating.
  • Clean as You Go: For high-traffic spaces like the kitchen and bathroom, clean up as you use these areas. Put things away after each use, and regularly wipe down surfaces to keep things fresh and organized.
  • Use Storage Containers for Specific Categories: Containers aren’t just about hiding clutter; they’re a tool for organization. Use labeled bins for paperwork, toiletries, or office supplies. This way, you’ll know exactly where to find and store items without creating unnecessary mess.

The goal of maintaining a tidy home isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about establishing routines that make your space feel consistently organized and calming.