If you’ve ever stood in the middle of your living room, looked around, and thought, “Where did all this stuff even come from?” You’re not alone. Between busy schedules, sentimental attachments, and “I’ll deal with it later” piles, clutter can sneak up on even the most organized among us.
But the good news? You don’t need to be a minimalist or a cleaning fanatic to get things under control. Professional organizers know that successful downsizing and decluttering come down to a few practical, repeatable rules, not perfection.
At Clutterless Home Solutions, our Denver-based team applies these tried-and-true principles daily to help clients clear the chaos and create homes that feel lighter, calmer, and easier to maintain. Here are 10 pro decluttering rules we swear by (and you can, too).
1. Start Small, But Start Today
One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to tackle everything at once. You don’t need to organize your entire house in a weekend. In fact, you shouldn’t.
Start with a single drawer, shelf, or corner. Once you see the progress, that momentum carries over. Even ten minutes a day is progress. The key isn’t speed. It’s consistency.
2. Follow the One-In, One-Out Rule
This one’s simple: for every new item you bring into your home, one should go out. Bought a new pair of shoes? Donate or recycle an old pair. Picked up a new mug? Let one go.
This rule helps you maintain balance and prevents clutter from creeping back in after you’ve worked so hard to clear it. Over time, it becomes second nature.
3. Declutter First, Organize Second
Here’s a common trap: buying bins, baskets, and labels before sorting through your stuff. But professional organizers always declutter first.
You can’t organize what doesn’t need to be there in the first place. Remove the extras, duplicates, and “just-in-case” items first, then determine what type of storage you actually need. You’ll save time, money, and space.
4. Give Every Item a Home
Clutter loves company, and it usually shows up when items don’t have a designated place to live. If you want to keep your home organized long-term, every single thing needs a home.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. Keys go in a dish by the door. Mail goes in a wall sorter. Dog leashes hang by the entryway. When things have a consistent “home,” it’s easier to clean up and easier for everyone in your household to pitch in.
5. Set a Timer (and Stick to It)
Decluttering can feel endless, unless you give yourself boundaries. Set a timer for 20–30 minutes, turn on your favorite playlist, and focus on one area. When the timer goes off, stop. Walk away. You’ve accomplished something.
Short, focused sessions prevent fatigue and keep you from turning a small project into an all-day event. Professional organizers often use this method with clients to build confidence and momentum.
6. The 90/90 Rule: Be Honest About Use
Ask yourself:
- Have I used this in the last 90 days?
- Will I use it in the next 90 days?
If the answer is no, it’s probably safe to let go. The 90/90 rule works wonders for clothes, kitchen gadgets, and décor that’s been collecting dust.
If you can’t remember the last time you used something, that’s your answer right there.
7. Don’t Let Sentimental Items Control the Process
Sentimental clutter is where most people get stuck. Old baby clothes, gifts, and family keepsakes carry emotions, but holding onto everything from the past makes it hard to enjoy the present.
Here’s what professionals recommend:
- Keep the best, not the most.
- Take photos of sentimental items before letting them go.
- Choose a small box or bin specifically for keepsakes. When it’s full, it’s time to reassess.
Letting go of an item doesn’t erase the memory attached to it. It just frees up space for what matters now.
8. Use the “Container Rule” to Set Limits
Every space in your home is a container: your closet, your drawer, your bookshelf. Once it’s full, it’s full. That means if you buy a new sweater, one has to go.
This rule keeps you from overfilling spaces and helps you see your true limits. Instead of trying to fit more in, decide what deserves the space you have. For example, if your bookshelf is overflowing, don’t buy another shelf. Edit what’s on it until it fits comfortably.
9. Declutter by Category, Not Just by Room
When you declutter by room, you might miss duplicates hiding elsewhere. Instead, professionals recommend decluttering by category, for example:
- All coats
- All kitchen utensils
- All paperwork
Bring everything from that category into one spot. Seeing it all together helps you recognize how much you own and makes it easier to decide what to keep.
10. Progress Over Perfection
This is the most important rule of all. Decluttering isn’t about creating a “perfect” home. It’s about creating a home that works for you.
Maybe you don’t fold your towels like a Pinterest post. Maybe your pantry labels don’t match. That’s okay. The real win is walking into your home and feeling calm instead of overwhelmed.
Progress, not perfection, is what makes an organization sustainable.
Don’t Go It Alone
Decluttering is emotional work. It’s about making decisions, preserving memories, and setting priorities. And sometimes, having someone by your side makes all the difference.
That’s where professional organizers come in. We’re not here to judge your mess or make you throw everything away. We’re here to help you make decisions, create systems that fit your lifestyle, and get your home back to feeling like a place you love to live in.
Ready to Declutter Your Denver Home?
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure where to start, Clutterless Home Solutions is here to help. We bring professional, judgment-free home organizing services to Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs, helping you simplify your space and take back your peace of mind. Contact us today to get started. Let’s create a home that feels lighter, calmer, and perfectly you. Remember: Decluttering isn’t about having less. It’s about having room for what matters most.
