Easy Guide to Declutter Your Home in One Weekend

Maxim Ross
June 3, 2024
Reading Time: 8 minutes

We’ve all been there—looking around our homes and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff we’ve accumulated over the years. Life gets busy, and clutter sneaks in without us noticing. Suddenly, our once-cozy spaces feel chaotic, and it’s hard to relax or focus. But what if I told you that you could turn this around in just one weekend?

I get it—decluttering can feel like an impossible task. But with the right mindset and a simple, step-by-step plan, you can transform your space in just two days. Imagine waking up Monday morning to a calm, organized home that feels like a fresh start. That’s exactly what this guide will help you achieve.

Set the Stage: Preparing for Your Decluttering Weekend

Create a Vision for Your Space

Before you start tossing items into donation boxes, take a moment to imagine how you want your home to feel. For me, I always picture a space that feels airy, peaceful, and functional. I want to walk into my living room and feel like I can breathe deeply and relax. Think about what this vision looks like for you. Is it a clutter-free kitchen? A calm, organized bedroom? Write it down or even create a quick vision board to keep yourself inspired throughout the weekend.

Gather Your Supplies

Decluttering isn’t just about making decisions—it’s also about having the right tools on hand. I’ve learned this the hard way after starting a big project and realizing I didn’t have enough trash bags or storage bins. Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need:

Sturdy trash bags (for items to discard)
Boxes or bins for donations
Labels or sticky notes
A timer (to stay on track)
Cleaning supplies (because a tidy space deserves a quick wipe-down)

Set Realistic Goals

One of the biggest mistakes I used to make was trying to declutter everything at once. That approach only left me feeling frustrated and exhausted. Instead, break the weekend into manageable chunks. For example, focus on one or two rooms per day. Refer to my Room-by-Room Guide to Decluttering Your Home if you’re not sure where to start.

Clear Your Schedule

A successful decluttering weekend requires focus. Let friends and family know you’re busy, and try to eliminate distractions. When I did my first full-home declutter, I treated it like an appointment with myself—no skipping or rescheduling. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Get in the Right Mindset

Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things; it’s about making space for what truly matters. I often remind myself of this when I struggle to let go of sentimental items. If this resonates with you, check out my post on A Simple Way to Let Go of Sentimental Clutter for some tips.

Declutter Like a Pro – Start with Quick Wins

Tackle the “Low-Hanging Fruit”

The easiest way to build momentum is by starting with areas that have obvious clutter. These are spaces like your junk drawer, bathroom counter, or entryway. I call this the “warm-up” phase. It’s amazing how much motivation you can gain from seeing immediate results.

Set a Timer and Race the Clock

When I feel stuck, I use a timer to challenge myself. For example, I’ll set it for 15 minutes and see how many items I can sort through before it dings. This trick works wonders for staying focused and keeping the energy up.

Reflective Question: What’s one space in your home that would feel instantly calmer with less clutter?

Use the “One-Touch” Rule

I try to handle each item only once—meaning I immediately decide whether to keep, toss, or donate it. This prevents me from second-guessing myself and keeps the process moving forward. You can explore this concept further in my 5 Questions to Simplify Decluttering Decisions.

Celebrate Small Wins

After clearing a surface or drawer, take a moment to appreciate your progress. When I finished decluttering my kitchen counters for the first time, I made myself a cup of tea and just soaked in how much lighter the space felt. Small victories are worth celebrating!

Decluttering Room by Room – The Heart of the Weekend

Now that we’ve tackled the easy wins and warmed up, it’s time to dive into the heart of decluttering—room by room. This part of the process is where real transformation happens. By focusing on one space at a time, you can make meaningful progress without feeling overwhelmed.

I’ve found that breaking the process down into smaller steps not only makes it manageable but also gives me the satisfaction of completing entire rooms, which keeps the momentum going.

The Kitchen – Clearing the Chaos

The kitchen is often the most used (and cluttered) space in the home. When I declutter my kitchen, I focus on clearing countertops, streamlining cabinets, and letting go of gadgets I rarely use.

Countertops: If it’s not essential for daily use, it doesn’t stay out. This simple rule keeps my kitchen feeling spacious.
Utensils and Gadgets: I pull everything out of drawers and ask myself, “When was the last time I used this?” If it’s been over a year, it goes.
Pantry Check: Toss expired items and donate non-perishables you won’t eat. This alone can create so much space!

A while ago, I found three bottle openers hiding in the back of a drawer. I laughed, picked my favorite, and donated the rest. It’s these small but effective decisions that make a difference.

Reflective Question: What kitchen item have you been holding onto “just in case” but haven’t used in over a year?

For a deeper dive into kitchen organization, my Room-by-Room Guide to Decluttering Your Home has more specific tips.

The Bedroom – Creating a Calm Retreat

Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary, not a storage space. I always start here when I need to create a sense of calm quickly.

Nightstands: Limit them to the essentials—a lamp, book, and maybe a photo. Anything else tends to invite clutter.
Closet Clean-Out: I use the “one-year rule.” If I haven’t worn it in the last year, it’s time to part ways. If you find this challenging, I recommend my post on 20 Things to Declutter Today for Instant Calm for more inspiration.
Under the Bed: Clear out anything stored there and reconsider if it needs to be kept at all.

Once, I found an entire box of old notebooks under my bed that I hadn’t touched in years. Flipping through them, I realized I didn’t need them to hold onto the memories, so I recycled them and felt lighter instantly.

Reflective Question: How would your bedroom feel with fewer items on every surface?

Living Room – Simplifying the Shared Space

The living room is often the trickiest because it’s where everyone gathers—and where clutter collects. I treat this space with a “less is more” approach.

Surfaces and Shelves: I keep surfaces clear except for a few meaningful decorations. Too many trinkets make the space feel heavy.
Books and Magazines: I keep only the ones I truly love. The rest get donated.
Entertainment Area: Cords, old DVDs, and random tech gadgets used to clutter my living room. Now, I have one basket for remotes and essentials.

The first time I decluttered my living room, I ended up with a box full of old DVDs I hadn’t watched in years. Donating them not only cleared space but also simplified my choices when I wanted to relax.

Reflective Question: What’s one thing in your living room that no longer brings joy or serves a purpose?

Decluttering the Bathrooms

Bathrooms are often small but packed with clutter. I follow the “three-bin method” here: keep, toss, and relocate. If it doesn’t belong in the bathroom, it finds a new home.

Expired Products: Toss anything past its prime. This clears more space than you’d expect.
Duplicates: I used to have three half-used bottles of shampoo. Now, I keep just one at a time.
Countertops: Like the kitchen, I keep only the essentials out. This keeps my bathroom looking neat and easy to clean.

One weekend, I managed to fill an entire trash bag just from bathroom drawers alone. It felt like hitting the reset button on my morning routine.

Reflective Question: Is there anything in your bathroom that you’ve been keeping “just in case” but never actually use?

Entryways and Hallways

Entryways are clutter magnets. I often remind myself that the first thing I see when I enter sets the tone for the whole house.

Shoe Piles: Limit the number of shoes by the door. I keep just one pair of daily shoes out and store the rest.
Mail and Papers: I set up a designated spot for incoming mail to avoid piles accumulating.
Coats and Bags: I switch out coats seasonally and store out-of-season ones elsewhere.

I once created a small “drop zone” with hooks and a tray for keys, and it instantly made my entryway feel organized.

The Final Sweep – Bringing It All Together

By now, you’ve made significant progress, and your home is beginning to reflect the calm and simplicity you envisioned. The final step of decluttering focuses on tying up loose ends, tackling sentimental items, and ensuring everything has a designated place.

This phase might feel the most challenging, but I’ve found it to be the most rewarding. It’s where your space transforms from merely tidy to a reflection of your most intentional, peaceful self.

Dealing with Sentimental Clutter

The Emotional Connection

Sentimental items are often the hardest to part with. I used to keep boxes of letters, childhood mementos, and random souvenirs, convinced I needed them to hold onto the memories. But over time, I realized the memories don’t live in those objects—they live within me.

If you find it difficult to let go, I recommend A Simple Way to Let Go of Sentimental Clutter, where I share gentle strategies for preserving memories without holding onto unnecessary items.

Keep Only the Best: I allow myself to keep one or two items from a collection that holds meaning rather than the entire box.
Photograph It: For larger sentimental items, I take a photo and let the item go. This preserves the memory without the physical clutter.
Create a Memory Box: I keep a small box for truly special keepsakes, limiting the space so I’m forced to choose wisely.

A few years ago, I sorted through my grandmother’s belongings. I kept one of her scarves that I wear occasionally and donated the rest. The scarf holds more meaning than a pile of things I’d never use.

Reflective Question: What sentimental item are you holding onto that no longer aligns with who you are today?

The “Home for Everything” Rule

To maintain the decluttered space you’ve created, every item needs a designated place. I live by the mantra: “If it doesn’t have a home, it doesn’t stay.” This simple mindset shift prevents future clutter from creeping back in.

Use Storage Bins and Baskets: I love using baskets to corral loose items like blankets, toys, or pet supplies.
Labeling: I label shelves and storage areas, making it easy for the whole family to follow the system.
Vertical Space: I install shelves and hooks to maximize wall space, keeping floors clear.

During one decluttering spree, I added hooks by the front door for bags and coats. It instantly reduced the mess in my entryway, and I wondered why I hadn’t done it sooner.

Reflective Question: Is there an item in your home that consistently doesn’t have a place? How can you change that?

Get It Out of the House

One of the most crucial steps is ensuring that donations and discarded items leave the house immediately. I used to let bags of donations sit in my garage for weeks, which only made me feel like the clutter hadn’t truly left.

Schedule a Pickup: Many organizations offer donation pickup services. I schedule it right after I finish decluttering.
Drop-Off the Same Day: If I’m heading out, I make sure to drop off donations the same day to avoid procrastination.
Recycle and Repurpose: I recycle what I can and repurpose items for new uses, but I stay mindful of not creating clutter with future “projects.”

There’s a sense of finality when those bags leave the house. I often feel a physical weight lifted, reinforcing the value of the hard work put in.

Conclusion

Decluttering your home in one weekend is not just about creating a tidy space—it’s about cultivating peace, clarity, and a sense of renewal. By following this guide, you’ve not only reclaimed your physical environment but also created space for more joy, focus, and ease in your daily life.

Remember, this isn’t a one-time task but the beginning of a habit that can reshape how you live. If you want to maintain this sense of calm, I suggest incorporating 10-Minute Daily Decluttering Habits for a Tidy Home into your routine.

As you look around your newly organized home, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. Every drawer, shelf, and room you’ve tackled is a testament to your effort and intention.

If you feel inspired, why not extend this process to other areas of your life? Decluttering your mind, schedule, and relationships can be just as transformative. For that, Declutter Your Mind for Inner Peace and Focus offers practical tips to clear mental clutter as well.

Thank you for trusting me to guide you through this process. I’d love to hear how your weekend declutter went—feel free to share your experience in the comments or reach out with questions. Your clutter-free, peaceful home is just the beginning.

References

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