How to Declutter Your House.
Does your house feel cramped and messy, even though you clean it regularly? You're not alone. Many homeowners struggle with clutter that builds up over time. The good news is that decluttering your house doesn't have to be overwhelming or impossible.
Learning how to declutter house spaces properly can change your life. A tidy home reduces stress, saves time, and makes house cleaning much easier. Whether you're decluttering a house before moving, preparing for a deep house cleaning, or simply want to create a more peaceful living space, this guide will show you exactly what to do.
At Bali Fresh Cleaning, we've helped hundreds of Auckland families transform their homes through professional house cleaning services and decluttering support. Today, we're sharing our best tips so you can tackle this project yourself.
Key Points
Before we dive into the room-by-room guide, here are the main things you need to know about how to declutter your house:
Start with one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed
Use the "keep, donate, bin" method for every item you touch
Set realistic time goals (30 minutes to 2 hours per session)
Focus on high-traffic areas first for quick wins
Regular maintenance prevents clutter from building up again
Professional house cleaning services can help maintain your decluttered space
Why Decluttering Your House Matters
The Hidden Costs of Clutter
Clutter doesn't just make your house look messy. It actually costs you money, time, and mental energy every single day.
When your house is full of clutter, you spend more time looking for things. The average person wastes 10 minutes every day searching for lost items. That's over 60 hours per year! You also buy duplicate items because you can't find what you already own.
Clutter makes house cleaning services more expensive, too. Professional cleaners like Bali Fresh need more time to work around the mess, which means higher costs for you. When you declutter house spaces first, our cleaning teams can focus on deep cleaning rather than moving things around.
Mental Health Benefits
A cluttered house affects your mental health. Studies show that people with messy homes have higher stress levels. When you walk into a clean, organised space, you feel calmer and more in control.
Decluttering the house also improves your sleep quality. A tidy bedroom helps your brain relax at night. Many of our customers report sleeping better after they declutter and book our house cleaning services for a deep clean.
Essential Supplies for Getting Started
What You'll Need
Before you start decluttering your house, gather these basic supplies:
Large rubbish bags (black for rubbish, clear for donations)
Storage boxes or baskets
Labels and markers
Cleaning cloths and all-purpose cleaner
A timer (your phone works perfectly)
Comfortable clothes you can move in
You don't need fancy organising products yet. Focus on removing clutter first. Once you see what you actually need to store, then you can buy the right storage solutions.
The Three-Box Method
This simple system works for decluttering house spaces of any size. Get three boxes or bags and label them:
Keep - Items you use regularly and love
Donate - Good quality items you don't need
Bin - Broken, damaged, or unusable items
As you work through each room, every single item goes into one of these three categories. Don't create a "maybe" box. That's just postponing the decision.
How to Declutter Your House in One Day (Or Weekend)
Is It Really Possible?
Many people search for "how to declutter your house in one day" or "how can I declutter my house in one day." The honest answer? It depends on your house size and how much clutter you have.
For a small flat or single room, yes, you can absolutely declutter house spaces in one day. For a larger family home, plan for a full weekend. The key is focusing on visible areas first.
The One-Day Declutter Plan
Here's how to declutter house spaces quickly when you're short on time:
Morning (3-4 hours)
Start in the living room (high-traffic area)
Move to the kitchen
Tackle one bedroom
Afternoon (3-4 hours)
Finish the remaining bedrooms
Clear the bathroom
Sort the hallway and entrance
Evening (1-2 hours)
Take donation bags to charity shops
Put rubbish out
Do a quick clean of decluttered spaces
This schedule works best when you're decluttering for selling your house or preparing for a move-out house cleaning service.
Room-by-Room Decluttering Guide
Living Room: Your First Win
The living room is the perfect place to start decluttering the house. It's where guests see first, so cleaning it gives you instant satisfaction.
Start with surfaces: Clear your coffee table, side tables, and TV unit. Put everything in your three boxes. Be ruthless with old magazines, dried-up pens, and things that don't belong in this room.
Tackle the sofa: Remove cushions and vacuum underneath. Check down the sides for lost items. Donate cushions you never use.
Sort entertainment items: Go through DVDs, games, and books. Keep only what you've used in the past year. Donate or sell the rest.
Deal with cables and tech: Bundle cables with ties. Recycle old chargers and broken gadgets. Our house cleaning services Auckland customers often find dozens of unused cables hiding in living rooms.
Quick tip: Put a basket near the sofa for remote controls and current reading material. This stops new clutter from building up.
Kitchen: The Clutter Hotspot
Kitchens collect more clutter than any other room. Here's how to declutter house kitchens properly:
Empty the cupboards: Take everything out, one cupboard at a time. Wipe the shelves as you go. This is where house cleaning service teams see the most forgotten items.
Check expiry dates: Bin anything out of date. Be honest about ingredients you'll never use. That jar of specialty sauce from 2019? It can go.
Count your duplicates: Do you really need 15 mugs or 5 spatulas? Keep your favourites and donate the rest.
Clear the counters: Kitchen counters should only hold items you use daily (kettle, coffee maker, knife block). Everything else goes in cupboards or drawers.
Organise the pantry: Use clear containers for dry goods. Label everything. Group similar items together.
After decluttering, book a deep house cleaning to get your kitchen sparkling. Bali Fresh Cleaning specialises in kitchen deep cleans that make your workspace shine.
Bedroom: Your Peaceful Retreat
Decluttering my house always feels most rewarding in the bedroom. This is your personal space, and it should feel calm.
Start with the wardrobe: Use the "one-year rule." If you haven't worn it in a year, donate it. Be extra strict with clothes that don't fit or are damaged.
Sort the bedside tables: Keep only essentials like a lamp, your current book, and perhaps an alarm clock. Remove old receipts, packaging, and random bits.
Clear under the bed: This isn't storage space. It's a dust trap. If you must store things here, use proper under-bed storage boxes.
Declutter the dresser: Empty all drawers. Fold clothes properly using the file-folding method (clothes stand upright so you can see everything).
Deal with sentimental items: Photographs and keepsakes are fine, but display them properly or store them safely. Boxes of random memories gathering dust aren't honouring those memories.
A tidy bedroom combined with our residential house cleaning services creates the perfect sleep environment.
Bathroom: Small Space, Big Impact
The bathroom seems small, but it can hide lots of clutter. Here's how to declutter house bathrooms effectively:
Empty all cabinets and drawers: Check every product's expiry date. Makeup expires faster than you think. Bin dried-up products, nearly empty bottles, and anything expired.
Reduce your products: Do you need 6 different face creams? Keep what works for you and donate unopened products.
Organise by category: Group similar items together (haircare, skincare, first aid, etc.). Use drawer dividers or small boxes.
Clear the shower: Use a shower caddy for daily products only. Everything else goes in the cupboard.
Sort towels and linens: Keep 2-3 sets per person maximum. Donate old, scratchy towels to animal shelters.
Our house cleaning maid services near me teams can deep clean your bathroom after you declutter, making everything fresh and hygienic.
Hallway and Entrance: First Impressions
The entrance sets the tone for your whole house. Decluttering the house should include this often-forgotten space.
Create a shoe system: Keep only shoes you wear regularly by the door. Store or donate the rest. Use a shoe rack or cabinet to keep pairs organised.
Manage coats and bags: Install hooks or use a coat rack. One hook per family member prevents pile-ups.
Clear the floor: The hallway floor should be clear for safe walking. No bags, boxes, or random items.
Sort the mail: Set up a system for incoming post. One tray for action needed, one for filing. Deal with it weekly.
A clean, tidy entrance makes coming home feel welcoming. Combined with our clean house service, your entrance will always impress.
Home Office: Boost Your Productivity
If you work from home, decluttering my house office space dramatically improves focus and productivity.
Clear your desk: Your desk should only hold your computer, keyboard, and perhaps one personal item. Everything else goes in drawers.
Sort papers properly: Create a simple filing system. Use folders or magazine holders for active projects. Bin anything you can access digitally.
Organise cables: Use cable management boxes or ties. Label cables so you know what they're for.
Declutter digital spaces: While you're at it, clean your computer desktop and email inbox. Digital clutter is still clutter.
Manage stationery: Keep one of each pen, pencil, highlighter, etc., that works. Bin dried-up pens and broken items.
Regular house cleaning services help maintain your organised office, so you can focus on work, not mess.
Storage Areas: Garages, Sheds, and Lofts
These spaces often become dumping grounds. Here's how to declutter house storage areas without getting overwhelmed:
Schedule dedicated time: Storage areas need more time. Block out a full morning or afternoon.
Empty completely: If possible, take everything out. This helps you see what you actually have.
Sort by category: Group tools, sports equipment, decorations, etc. You'll spot duplicates easily.
Apply the two-year rule: If you haven't used it in two years, you probably never will. Donate or sell it.
Store smart: Use shelving units, clear plastic boxes (so you can see contents), and labels. Keep frequently used items at eye level.
Think vertical: Use wall hooks and overhead storage to maximise space.
After decluttering, consider our exterior house cleaning Auckland service to clean the outside of your home too.
Special Situations: Decluttering Tips
How to Declutter When Moving House
Moving house is the perfect time for a major declutter. Here's the best way to declutter your house before a move:
Start 6-8 weeks before moving: Don't wait until the last minute. Begin with rooms you use least.
Pack by category and declutter: As you pack books, for example, only pack ones you want to keep. Donate the rest immediately.
Use the "new home" test: Ask yourself: "Do I want to unpack this in my new home?" If the answer is no, don't even pack it.
Label donation boxes clearly: Keep them separate from moving boxes. Drop them at charity shops before moving day.
Book a move out house cleaning: After you've moved everything out, book our move out house cleaning service. This ensures you get your bond back and leave the property spotless.
How to Declutter for Selling House
Preparing to sell? Estate agents say decluttered homes sell faster and for more money. Here's how to declutter for selling house:
Remove 50% of items: This sounds extreme, but buyers need to imagine their stuff in your house, not see yours.
Depersonalise completely: Pack away family photos, children's artwork, and personal collections.
Clear kitchen counters: Leave only a kettle or coffee maker visible. Everything else gets stored or donated.
Minimise furniture: Remove extra pieces to make rooms look larger.
Deep clean after decluttering: Book our deep clean house cleaners to make your property show-ready. Clean homes sell faster.
How to Declutter a Hoarders House
If you're dealing with serious clutter or hoarding, the process is different. Here's how to declutter a hoarders house safely:
Get professional help: Hoarding is a mental health condition. Work with a therapist who specialises in hoarding disorder.
Go slowly: Don't rush. Start with one small area, like a single drawer.
Respect feelings: Hoarding causes real distress. Be patient and supportive.
Consider professional organisers: Specialists in hoarding can help create systems that work.
Use house decluttering services: Professional help me declutter my house services can support you through the process.
At Bali Fresh Cleaning, we've helped many families in these situations. Our house decluttering service teams are trained to work sensitively and professionally.
Creating Systems to Stay Decluttered
Daily Habits (5-10 Minutes)
Decluttering your house isn't a one-time job. These quick daily habits prevent clutter from building up:
The one-touch rule: When you pick something up, put it in its proper place immediately. Don't set it down "for now."
Evening reset: Spend 10 minutes before bed returning items to their homes. Walk through your house with a basket, collecting things that are out of place.
Deal with mail immediately: Open post over the recycling bin. File what you need, bin the rest. Never let mail pile up.
One in, one out: When you buy something new, donate or bin something old. New shirt? Donate an old one.
Weekly Maintenance (30 Minutes)
Sunday sweep: Spend 30 minutes doing a quick declutter of each room. This stops clutter from getting out of control.
Donation bag system: Keep a bag in your wardrobe. When you notice something you don't wear, add it immediately. When the bag is full, drop it at a charity shop.
Fridge check: Every Sunday, check your fridge. Use up food that's about to go off. Bin anything out of date.
Monthly Deep Dives (1-2 Hours)
Choose one area each month to declutter more thoroughly:
January: Wardrobes and clothes
February: Kitchen cupboards
March: Bathroom cabinets
April: Paperwork and files
May: Children's toys and books
June: Garage or storage areas
July: Living room and entertainment
August: Bedroom furniture
September: Linen cupboards
October: Home office
November: Entrance and hallways
December: Holiday decorations (keep only what you used this year)
Pair your monthly declutter with our house cleaning service for a truly fresh start each time.
When to Call Professional Help
House Decluttering Services
Sometimes you need extra help. Professional house decluttering services make sense when:
You're overwhelmed and don't know where to start
You have a deadline (moving house, selling, or family visiting)
You're dealing with a relative's estate
Physical limitations make decluttering difficult
You want to learn better organisational systems
Bali Fresh Cleaning offers house decluttering service near me for Auckland residents. We can work with you to create systems that actually stick.
Combining Decluttering with House Cleaning Services
Here's the secret: decluttering and deep cleaning work best together. Here's why:
Declutter first, then deep clean: Once you've removed clutter, our house cleaning services can properly clean every surface. We reach areas that were hidden by mess.
Maintain with regular cleaning: After the initial declutter, book regular cleaning house services. Our teams will maintain your tidy space, so clutter doesn't creep back.
Special occasion cleaning: Need your house perfect for an event? Our house cleaning companies near me service handles everything after you've decluttered.
Move-related cleaning: We offer specialised move out house cleaning and move-in cleaning services. These work best when you've already sorted your belongings.
Bali Fresh Cleaning provides professional house cleaning near me services across Auckland. Our clean house service near me teams are experts at maintaining decluttered spaces.
The Financial Benefits of Decluttering
Save Money on Cleaning
When you declutter your house properly, professional house cleaning services cost less. Here's why:
Faster cleaning times: Our residential house cleaning services teams work more efficiently in clutter-free homes. Less time means lower costs.
Better value: When cleaners aren't working around mess, they focus on deep house cleaning tasks that really matter.
Longer-lasting results: Clean, organised homes stay cleaner longer. You might need cleaning less frequently, saving money over time.
Make Money from Decluttering
Decluttering the house can actually earn you money:
Sell good quality items: Use TradeMe, Facebook Marketplace, or garage sales to sell things you don't need.
Get tax deductions: Keep receipts when you donate to registered charities. You might be able to claim tax deductions.
Reduce moving costs: Less stuff means cheaper moving costs. You'll pay less for boxes, trucks, and time.
Increase home value: A decluttered, clean house sells for more money. Estate agents recommend our house cleaning company near me service before listing.
Lower Storage Costs
Many people rent storage units because their homes are full. After decluttering, you might not need that expensive storage unit anymore. The average storage unit costs $150-300 per month in Auckland. That's $1,800-3,600 per year!
Decluttering with Kids and Families
Teaching Children to Declutter
Help me declutter my house gets easier when the whole family is involved:
Make it fun: Turn decluttering into a game. Who can find 10 things to donate fastest?
Use the one-year rule: If they haven't played with it in a year, it can go. Take photos of special items before donating, so they have memories without the clutter.
Donate to other children: Explain that other kids will enjoy their old toys. This helps children feel good about decluttering.
Let them choose: Children feel more control when they make decisions themselves. Guide them, but let them pick what goes.
Family Decluttering Days
Schedule regular family decluttering sessions:
Weekend mornings: Spend 2 hours as a family working on different areas. Play upbeat music and make it feel like teamwork.
Before birthdays and holidays: Clear out old toys before new ones arrive.
Seasonal switches: When you swap winter clothes for summer (or vice versa), declutter at the same time.
After a family decluttering day, book our house cleaning services Auckland team for a proper deep clean. Your whole family will appreciate coming home to a sparkling clean, organised house.
Sustainable Decluttering: Where Items Go
Donation Options in Auckland
Don't just bin everything. Here's where to donate items in Auckland:
Clothing and household items:
Salvation Army stores
Red Cross shops
St Vincent de Paul
Dress for Success (work clothes)
Women's Refuge (household items)
Books:
Public libraries
Hospice shops
Little Free Libraries around Auckland
Furniture:
Auckland City Mission
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Facebook "Buy Nothing" groups
Electronics:
Computer Clubhouse (working computers)
Free recycle drop-off points
Environmentally Friendly Disposal
At Bali Fresh Cleaning, we care about the environment. Here's how to dispose of items responsibly:
Recycle properly: Check Auckland Council's website for what goes in recycling bins.
Hazardous waste: Never bin paint, batteries, or chemicals. Use special hazardous waste disposal services.
E-waste: Old electronics need proper recycling. Many retailers offer take-back programmes.
Soft plastics: Collect soft plastics and drop them at supermarket recycling stations.
Using environmentally friendly house cleaning products and responsible decluttering makes a real difference.
Common Decluttering Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Starting Too Big
The best way to declutter your house is to start small, not tackle your whole home at once. Begin with a single drawer or shelf. This builds momentum and confidence.
Mistake 2: Buying Storage First
Don't buy storage solutions before decluttering. You might not need them! First remove clutter, then see what storage you actually need.
Mistake 3: Creating a "Maybe" Pile
The "maybe" pile is where decluttering goes to die. Force yourself to decide: keep, donate, or bin. No maybe.
Mistake 4: Keeping Things "Just in Case"
If you haven't used it in a year, you won't use it. Trust that if you really need it later, you can buy it again.
Mistake 5: Rushing the Process
Decluttering house spaces properly takes time. Don't try to do everything in one day unless you're doing a focused one-day declutter. Slow and steady works better for most people.
Mistake 6: Not Having a Plan
Random decluttering doesn't work. Use our room-by-room guide or the steps to declutter your house we've outlined here.
Mistake 7: Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Decluttering once isn't enough. Build daily and weekly habits to stay clutter-free. Pair this with regular house cleaning services for best results.
Decluttering and Mental Health
The Psychology of Clutter
Understanding why we keep clutter helps us let go. Common reasons include:
Sentimental attachment: Items remind us of people, places, or times in our lives.
"Someday" thinking: We imagine future scenarios where we'll need these items.
Guilt: We feel guilty disposing of gifts or expensive items we don't use.
Fear of waste: We hate throwing away things that might be useful.
Overwhelm: When clutter builds up, it feels easier to ignore it than tackle it.
Emotional Benefits of Decluttering
When you finally declutter house spaces, the mental benefits are immediate:
Reduced anxiety: A tidy space literally calms your nervous system.
Increased focus: You can concentrate better without visual distractions.
Better sleep: Especially when you declutter my house bedroom areas.
More energy: You're not constantly stressed by mess.
Pride and accomplishment: Finishing a decluttering project feels amazing.
Many of our house cleaning services Auckland customers report feeling happier and more relaxed after combining decluttering with our deep house cleaning services.
Your Decluttering Action Plan
Ready to start? Here's your simple action plan for how to declutter your house:
Week 1: Prepare and Plan
Read this guide completely
Gather your supplies (bags, boxes, labels)
Choose which room to start with
Schedule decluttering sessions in your diary
Take "before" photos for motivation
Week 2: Living Areas
Living room (3 hours)
Kitchen (4 hours)
Dining room (2 hours)
Hallway (1 hour)
Week 3: Private Spaces
Main bedroom (3 hours)
Other bedrooms (2 hours each)
Bathroom (2 hours)
Home office (3 hours)
Week 4: Storage and Maintenance
Garage, shed, or storage areas (4 hours)
Set up donation drop-off
Deep clean decluttered areas
Create maintenance systems
Week 5: Book Professional Cleaning
Contact Bali Fresh Cleaning for a comprehensive clean house service. We'll make your newly decluttered home sparkle from top to bottom.
Conclusion
Learning how to declutter your house transforms more than just your physical space. It changes how you feel at home, how much time you spend cleaning, and even your mental wellbeing.
Remember these key points as you start your decluttering journey:
Start small and build momentum. You don't need to declutter house areas all at once. Even 15 minutes a day makes a difference.
Be honest about what you actually use. The one-year rule works. If you haven't used it, you don't need it.
Create systems that prevent clutter returning. Daily habits and weekly maintenance keep your home tidy long-term.
Don't do it alone if you need help. Whether it's family support or professional house decluttering services, asking for help is smart, not weak.
Combine decluttering with professional cleaning. Once you've decluttered, our house cleaning services make your home truly shine.
At Bali Fresh Cleaning, we're more than just a house cleaning company near me. We're your partners in creating a home you love. Our house cleaning services Auckland teams have helped hundreds of families maintain beautiful, organised spaces.
Whether you need regular cleaning house services, a one-off deep house cleaning, move out house cleaning, or specialised house decluttering service, we're here to help. Our residential house cleaning services are designed to fit your life and budget.
Ready to Transform Your Home?
Don't let clutter control your life any longer. Start your decluttering journey today, and when you're ready for professional help, Bali Fresh Cleaning is just a phone call away.
Our Services Include:
Regular house cleaning services
Deep house cleaning
Move out house cleaning
Office cleaning
House decluttering service
Environmentally friendly house cleaning products
Why Choose Bali Fresh Cleaning?
Experienced, professional cleaners
Flexible scheduling
Competitive cleaning house prices
Excellent customer reviews
Serving all Auckland areas
Contact us today for:
Free quotes on house cleaning services near me
Advice on how to maintain your decluttered home
Specialised cleaning to suit your needs
Visit www.balifreshcleaning.com or search "house cleaning near me" to find us. Let Bali Fresh Cleaning help you maintain the beautiful, organised home you've worked hard to create.
Your journey to a clutter-free, sparkling clean home starts now. Take that first step today – your future self will thank you!
About Bali Fresh Cleaning
Bali Fresh Cleaning provides professional house cleaning services across Auckland. From regular home maintenance to deep cleaning and decluttering support, we help busy families and professionals enjoy clean, organised homes without the stress. Our trained teams use environmentally friendly house cleaning products and proven techniques to deliver exceptional results every time.
Search "house cleaning services near me" or "clean house service near me" to discover why Auckland residents trust Bali Fresh Cleaning for all their cleaning needs.