Feeling overwhelmed by all the stuff piling up around your home? It’s easy to accumulate things over the years, and before you know it, they take over your space. The good news is decluttering doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little focus and practical steps, you can clear out the clutter and regain control of your space.

Here are five actionable tips to help you declutter and downsize faster. These tips aren’t just generic—they’re designed to work for the things we tend to accumulate, like tools, electronics, and sports gear. Let’s dive in!

1. Put Everything in Its Place

The fastest way to start decluttering is by putting everything in its proper place. Start with the rooms you spend the most time in—your home office, garage, or living room. As you go, you’ll quickly notice two things: some items don’t have a designated spot, and others are just sitting around unused.

By organizing and placing things where they belong, you’ll naturally start weeding out what doesn’t fit. Pro tip: avoid starting with the basement or attic if they’ve become dumping grounds. Focus on the spaces you use daily and work your way out.

2. Get Rid of Duplicates

You’d be surprised how much space duplicates take up. Think about it—how many power tools, electronic accessories, or sports gear do you really need? If you’ve got three power drills or a collection of remote controls for old devices, it’s time to let go.

Take an inventory of your duplicates, whether it’s tools, electronics, or camping gear. Keep the best and let go of the rest. You’re not likely to need every tool or gadget you’ve ever owned, and freeing up that space will make a huge difference.

3. Prioritize What’s Useful and Brings You Joy

A great way to declutter is to keep only what you actually use and what makes you happy. This isn’t about sentimental items but about the things that add value to your everyday life. If something doesn’t make your life easier, more enjoyable, or more efficient, it’s probably just taking up space.

This also goes for hobbies. If you’re into mountain biking, for example, keep the bike and gear you use regularly. If there’s old gear you no longer touch, let it go and make space for what truly serves you.

4. Address the Unfinished Projects

Unfinished projects are a big culprit of clutter. Whether it’s the car you’ve been meaning to work on or the home gym that never got set up, these incomplete tasks take up both physical and mental space.

Here’s the rule: if you haven’t touched a project in the last six months, it’s time to either finish it or get rid of it. You’ll free up valuable space and feel a weight lifted by letting go of those lingering projects.

5. Let Go of Broken or Unused Electronics and Gear

We all have broken or unused electronics stashed somewhere, whether it’s an old phone, laptop, or TV that’s on the fritz. Let’s be real: if it’s broken or unused for over a year, you’re probably not going to fix it or use it again.

Instead of letting these items collect dust, get rid of them. This applies to tools and sports equipment too. If something hasn’t been touched in over a year, it’s time to either repair it or say goodbye.

Bonus Tip: If You Haven’t Touched It in 12 Months, It’s Time to Let Go

If you haven’t used something in a full year, it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever use it again. Whether it’s an old tablet, unused workout equipment, or camping gear that’s been gathering dust, if it’s been untouched for 12 months, it’s time to let it go.

Decluttering can be tough, especially if items hold sentimental value, but the reward is worth it—a cleaner, more functional space that lets you focus on what really matters.

Feeling inspired? Start small and work your way up, and soon you’ll see your space transform. Got questions about buying or selling your home? Feel free to connect with me—just follow the link below to schedule a call.