How to Declutter Your Home in Just One Day

Clutter has a way of sneaking up on us. One day, you’re organizing your living room, and the next, you can barely find space for your coffee mug. If you’ve been putting off decluttering because it feels like an insurmountable task, I have good news: you can declutter your entire home in just one day. That’s right, no week-long projects or endless sorting sessions required.

As a professional junk removal expert, I’ve helped countless homeowners tackle their clutter in record time. With the right plan and a bit of determination, you can reclaim your space faster than you thought possible. In this article, I’ll share actionable tips and hacks to help you power through your decluttering mission in a single day. Ready to turn your home into a clutter-free oasis? Let’s dive in.

Prepare for Decluttering Success

Decluttering in one day requires focus, preparation, and a solid plan. Before you start, set yourself up for success by organizing your tools and mindset.

Set a Goal

Before diving into the process, take a moment to define what success looks like for you. Do you want clear countertops, an organized garage, or a clutter-free living room? Setting a clear goal helps you stay motivated and ensures you focus on the areas that matter most. For example, I once worked with a family who wanted to reclaim their dining room table from the mountain of mail and random items that had taken over. By focusing solely on that space, they were able to enjoy dinner together again that same evening.

Gather Your Supplies

Efficiency is key when you’re decluttering quickly. Gather all the supplies you’ll need before starting:

• Sturdy trash bags for items you’ll discard.
• Boxes or bins for donations, items to keep, and items that need relocating.
• Cleaning supplies like wipes, sprays, and cloths for quick cleanups as you go.

Having everything in one place eliminates the need to pause and hunt for supplies, saving you precious time.

Enlist Help (If Possible)

If you live with family or roommates, enlist their help. Assign specific areas to each person—one can tackle the kitchen while another works on the closets. If you’re solo, don’t worry! Breaking down the process into manageable steps (which we’ll cover) will keep you moving efficiently.

Tackle Your Home Room by Room

Decluttering an entire home in one day might sound overwhelming, but breaking it into rooms makes the task manageable. You’ll see progress quickly, which will motivate you to keep going.

Start with High-Impact Areas

Begin with spaces that have the biggest visual impact or are most frequently used, like the living room or kitchen. These areas tend to accumulate clutter quickly but can also be transformed just as fast. Clearing off surfaces like counters, coffee tables, and desks creates an immediate sense of accomplishment.

Apply the “One-Touch Rule”

When handling an item, decide its fate immediately: Keep, Donate, or Trash. Avoid creating a “maybe” pile, as this leads to procrastination and slows you down. A client once told me their biggest hurdle was overthinking every item. By applying the one-touch rule, they found it easier to stay focused and make quick decisions.

Work Systematically

Choose a logical starting point in each room, such as the left corner or top of a shelf, and work your way systematically to avoid missing spots. Clearing surfaces first gives you room to sort and organize items.

For example, in the kitchen, start with the countertops before moving to drawers and cabinets. This ensures the visible clutter is gone, giving the room an immediate sense of order.

Finish Each Room Completely

Once you’ve decluttered a room, take a moment to appreciate your progress before moving on. Celebrate the win, whether it’s a freshly organized living room or a clutter-free entryway.

Speed Up the Process with Decluttering Hacks

The faster you can sort and organize, the more you’ll accomplish. These hacks are designed to help you move quickly without sacrificing quality.

Use a Timer for Each Space

Setting a timer creates urgency and keeps you focused. Dedicate 30 minutes to each room, and when the timer goes off, move to the next space. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish when you’re racing the clock.

Employ the “Four-Box Method”

Label four boxes or bins: Keep, Donate, Trash, and Relocate. As you declutter, sort items into these categories. For instance, items that belong in another room go in the “Relocate” box, while gently used clothes go in the “Donate” bin. This system prevents clutter from simply being shifted to a different part of the house.

Declutter While You Clean

As you clear surfaces, take the opportunity to wipe them down. This small step gives your space a polished look and prevents dirt or dust from sticking around after the clutter is gone. For example, after clearing a coffee table, give it a quick spray and wipe—it’s the perfect finishing touch.

Handle Paper Clutter Efficiently

Paper clutter, like mail, bills, and old documents, can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to slow you down. Create three piles: Actionable (bills or paperwork to address), Shred, and Recycle. Toss anything outdated or irrelevant to quickly cut down the pile.

What to Do with the Clutter

Once you’ve sorted through your belongings, it’s time to deal with what’s leaving your home. This step ensures the clutter doesn’t linger and undo your hard work.

Donate Usable Items

Take usable items like clothing, toys, and furniture to a local donation center or charity. Many organizations offer pickup services for larger items, saving you a trip. Knowing your items are going to a good cause can make parting with them easier.

Trash or Recycle the Rest

For broken or unusable items, bag them up and take them to your local landfill or recycling center. Separating recyclable materials like plastic and paper reduces waste and benefits the environment.

Call in Professionals for Bulk Items

If you’re dealing with large furniture, old appliances, or a significant amount of clutter, consider hiring a junk removal service. They’ll handle heavy lifting, sorting, and disposal, saving you time and energy. I once helped a homeowner clear out their garage in under two hours—what would have taken them days on their own!

Keep Your Space Clutter-Free

Decluttering your home in one day is a huge accomplishment, but maintaining your space is equally important. A few simple habits can help you keep the clutter at bay.

Adopt the “One In, One Out” Rule

For every new item you bring into your home, remove an old one. For example, if you buy a new pair of shoes, donate or discard an older pair. This keeps your belongings balanced and prevents future clutter.

Create a Decluttering Routine

Dedicate 10–15 minutes each day to tidying up. Whether it’s clearing your countertops or organizing your mail, regular maintenance ensures clutter doesn’t build up again.

Organize Storage Spaces

Use bins, baskets, and labels to create a home for everything. Keep seasonal items or things you rarely use stored away neatly, leaving your everyday spaces clear and functional.

Transform Your Home in Just One Day

Decluttering your home in a single day may sound ambitious, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable. By preparing in advance, working systematically through each room, and using time-saving hacks, you can transform your space in no time. The effort is worth it—you’ll enjoy a cleaner, more organized home and the peace of mind that comes with it.

So why wait? Grab your trash bags, set your timer, and start decluttering today. Your clutter-free home is just a day away!