Decluttering Strategies To Clear Out 5 Small Spaces For Immediate Impact!

decluttering strategies

When we use savvy decluttering strategies, space clearing does not have to be an all-day project!

And one component of a savvy method is when it takes less than hour from start to finish. If you can carve out more time than that, wonderful! But it’s not necessary. 

In other words, when we employ quick decluttering strategies to clear out high traffic zones, we can get immediate gratification. We will see and enjoy the fabulous results daily, as opposed to clearing out our attic or basement.

Small bites with this approach will then motivate us to keep going. Maybe now we’ll feel ready to tackle the attic! More doing, less delaying … how good is that? 

So let’s get to today’s handpicked 5 small spaces! 

decluttering strategies

Today is all about using smart decluttering strategies in tiny spaces to achieve big results!

extreme decluttering

Decluttering Strategies | #1: Handbag or Tote

Start with your workhorse: the survival bag which contains the things you [think you] need on a daily basis. Is it possible that the bigger the bag, the more extras you lug around?

Fashion rules waffle between oversized Neverfull totes and compact Gucci clutches. Regardless, taking 10 minutes to sort through the contents makes sense. I mean, who doesn’t accumulate crumpled tissues, loose change, stray mints and other miscellaneous passengers that need to exit?

And go ahead and file (or shred if not needed) those receipts. Toss the scraps of paper. Remove the old makeup products. When you’re decluttering and organizing your bag on a weekly basis, like on a Sunday night, you’ll be ready for the start of the week, Monday morning!

In fact, you may even conclude you don’t need to carry such a large handbag. Or, you might revel in using the same but albeit much lighter bag…you choose!

 

decluttering techniques
image by beata dudová from pexels

Decluttering Strategies | #2: Makeup 

Isn’t it amazing how cosmetics seem to multiply like bunnies in the bathroom drawers? These small spaces quickly get jam-packed. We accumulate free samples. We try different colors. Or we snag the latest celebrity endorsed makeup. Before you know it, you have more products than you will ever use!

But what if you set into a box or a specified drawer only the items you currently used in the last few weeks? It might surprise you to see how many remain behind that you just don’t touch. How many “some day” or “just in case” items do you need? Think about it!

 Whatever you don’t plan to keep, consider donating unopened items to a local women’s shelter. Everyone deserves a chance to look their best, don’t you think?

And don’t forget: all products have a limited shelf life. Consider replacing your makeup every 6-9 months. Because no one wants a skin or eye infection … these are supposed to be beauty enhancers, not detractors!

 

decluttering and organizing
image by jessica lewis from pexels

Decluttering Strategies | #3: Kitchen Counter

Why is the kitchen counter such a magnet for stuff unrelated to cooking? You walk in the door and automatically deposit things there!

Mail, keys, receipts, sunglasses … any number of miscellaneous items land there. Unfortunately, many never leave and then there’s barely any work surface for meal prep.

My suggestions? Start designating specific homes for the things you use and carry back in every day. Have a decorative bowl or hook where your keys go. Take 5 minutes to sort through the mail and do this right over the trash can so you can immediately toss the junk mailers. Anything that needs action, set in a designated folder for review later. Consider a specified day/time to handle that paperwork.

Decluttering a room in 30 minutes becomes super easy when you create daily routines to put things where they belong the first time. Then you can actually get cooking when it’s meal time!

where to start decluttering
image by burst from pexels

Decluttering Strategies | #4: Nightstands

Here are more small spaces which become catchall surfaces. And in a room meant for rest and relaxation! If you think about it, the only things that really belong here should be supportive for a good night’s sleep or a romantic interlude.

However, most folks tend to deposit their phone or electronic device next to the bed. It’s the first thing they reach for when they wake up. It’s not a healthy practice! You might be surprised how much it actually interferes with your mood and mindset.

The first time I left it in the kitchen felt very odd … like I was missing a body part, lol! But now, it feels liberating to have it in another room. And I’ll admit, I am better at springing out of bed in the morning … so I can get to my phone!

Take five now and remove all the odds and ends that have landed on your night stand. Imagine how refreshing it will be to see a calming vignette of what matters when you wake up in the morning. You’ll never want to turn out the light on a cluttered nightstand again!

declutter a room in 30 minutes
image by max vakhtbovych from pexels

Decluttering Strategies | #5: Refrigerator

Lastly, think about how often this appliance gets opened and what may have overstayed its welcome inside. Generally, the doors are chock full of condiments rarely if ever used. Fruits and veggies have the shortest lifespan of your fridge contents so turnover is critical in the produce drawers.

Pausing to clear out and wipe down the surfaces is a smart way to take inventory before heading on your next grocery run. And it never hurts to pitch the items of temptation if you’re embarking on a clean eating regimen, does it!

The Wrap with Mary V
image by content pixie from pexels

The Wrap: Today we considered just a few of the many small spaces you can dig into when you are ready to kick out decluttering strategies in an hour or less. 

Take a stroll around your home and make note of small decluttering zones that you could conquer in less than an hour. Then when you’re ready to kick on some short but effective decluttering and organizing, refer to your list and get going!

To avoid getting distracted, have a bag or a bin to deposit items that belong elsewhere. Put those items away where they belong at the end of your session. Afterwards, enjoy the sense of accomplishment…you’ve earned it!

For more tiny tips, start with reading 

Clutter: What Exactly Is It & How Do We Collect So Much of It? 

Or check out this video on eliminating visual clutter over here!

Your turn!

  • Which small spaces are clutter magnets in your home?
  • How do you plan to tackle those hot zones?

Drop your thoughts below … and thanks for stopping by!  

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.