Ready to finally take back your home from the chaos?
You’re not alone. 54% of Americans say they feel completely overwhelmed by the state of clutter in their homes. And here’s the thing…
The average American home has a jaw-dropping 300,000 items living inside of it.
That’s INSANE.
The good news is home decluttering doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, with the right approach and a few storage unit hacks–like tips for storage units in Arizona and beyond–you can reclaim your home from the grips of clutter.
Today, I’m here to teach you exactly how to do that.
In This Article, You’ll Learn:
- Why Your Home Is Cluttered (And It’s Not What You Think)
- The Ultimate Home Decluttering Method That Actually Works
- Smart Storage Unit Hacks To Maximize Your Space
- How To Keep Your Home Clutter-Free Long-Term
Why Your Home Is Cluttered (And It’s Not What You Think)
First up, something you might not realize…
80% of clutter in homes is NOT due to a lack of space. No, the real problem is disorganization.
Which means even small apartments can be organized. The issue isn’t the size of your home. It’s how you’re using it.
Think about it…
How many things have you bought in the last year because you already owned it and couldn’t find it? Hours of your life. Searching for your keys, your phone charger, that important file…
That’s the true cost of clutter. It’s not just about making your home look nice… It’s about the time, money, and mental energy you lose.
And if you’re one of the 11% of households that currently rent a storage unit, you’re already on the right path.
But there’s an even better way.
The Ultimate Home Decluttering Method That Actually Works
Ok, let’s cut to the chase. Here’s the one method of home decluttering I’ve found that actually works.
It’s simple. Yet brutal. You’ve probably heard of it.
Sort. Decide. Execute.
Yes, it really is that simple.
Sort Everything Into Categories
Pick one room in your home. One room only.
Pull every single item out and sort them into three piles:
- Keep – Things you use all the time or deeply love
- Storage – Seasonal items or things you need but don’t use often
- Remove – Donate, sell, or trash
The most important part? Be ruthless. If you haven’t used it in the last year, the chances are you don’t really need it.
I know, I know, you’re thinking: “But what if I need it one day?”
Truth be told, that day will never come. If it does, you can probably borrow it or buy it for less than it’s mentally costing you in storage fees.
Make Quick Decisions
Don’t overthink this process.
Limit yourself to 5 seconds for each item. Can’t decide in 5 seconds? Chuck it.
This prevents you from getting sucked into “what if” black holes that stop you making any decisions at all. Most people agonize over whether or not to keep items for hours.
Execute Your Plan Immediately
Execution is everything.
You can sort items perfectly, make all the right decisions in the world… And then leave everything in giant messy piles for weeks. Don’t do that.
Put boxes of donations in the car to take to the thrift store TODAY. List items for sale online as soon as you’ve sorted them. Schedule a donation center pickup or drop-off within the next 48 hours.
The faster you get unwanted items out of your home, the better.
Smart Storage Unit Hacks To Maximize Your Space
Sometimes you just need more space. And that’s ok. Storage units are great for that.
But here’s the truth. Most people use storage units completely wrong. They just dump all their junk they couldn’t sell or donate in there. Big waste of money.
Use them like this instead:
Store Seasonal Items Only
Winter coats in the summer. Christmas decorations in January. Kayaks, bikes, and camping gear in the off-season.
These are perfect for storage units because you do need them… You just don’t need them right now.
Keep Business Inventory Separate
If you work from home, storage units are a game-changer.
Keep business inventory completely separate from your home. It makes work/home life boundaries super clear. This helps your mental health immensely.
Create A Storage Unit System
Organize your storage unit like your home.
Label everything. Create a clear inventory list. Keep things you access frequently near the front. Stack boxes so heavier items are on the bottom, lighter on top.
Don’t just throw random boxes in willy-nilly. Treat your storage unit like an extension of your home.
Use Vertical Space
Storage units have high ceilings. Use that to your advantage.
Shelving units allow you to stack items vertically, rather than spreading them across the floor. This frees up more space and makes everything easier to access.
How To Keep Your Home Clutter-Free Long-Term
I’ve saved the best for last.
Decluttering is great, but if you don’t change the way you live, clutter will just keep coming back.
Want to prevent that?
One-In-One-Out Rule
For every new item you bring into your home, one old item must leave.
Got a new shirt? Donate an old one. Brought home a new kitchen appliance? Chuck the old one you never use.
One in, one out.
Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions
Set aside 15 minutes every week for decluttering a single small area in your home.
Just one. A drawer, a shelf, a closet corner.
Mini-sessions like this every week prevent clutter from creeping back in.
Stop Buying Things You Don’t Need
I know, this is a tall order, but I’m throwing it out there.
Before you buy anything, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I really need this?
- Where will I put it?
- What am I getting rid of to make space for it?
The sad truth is most impulse purchases become clutter within months of entering your home.
Use Storage Solutions Properly
Bins, baskets, and organizers are great. But only if you use them correctly.
Don’t buy storage containers to hide away junk. Buy them to organize the things you actually need and use.
The difference is huge.
Maximize Every Square Inch
Need to get more out of your space? Try these hacks:
Furniture with built-in storage is a godsend. Look for ottomans with hidden compartments, beds with drawers underneath, and coffee tables with shelving.
Wall-mounted organizers in your garage, closet, and bathroom free up floor space and make everything easier to see.
Digitize paperwork whenever you can. Scan important documents and store them in the cloud. No more filing cabinets full of paper.
Small changes like these add up to a big difference in your available space.
Final Thoughts On Decluttering Done Right
Home decluttering and using storage units properly isn’t about being a minimalist. It’s about being intentional with your space.
You don’t need to get rid of everything. You just need to keep the things that matter to you and store them in an organized way.
Remember:
- Start small with one room at a time
- Be brutal with your decisions
- Use storage units only for things you need now but don’t have space for in your home
- Enforce a one-in-one-out rule
- Schedule regular mini-decluttering sessions
Home decluttering strategies like this, and using storage units, can help you create a home that feels spacious, organized, and relaxing… Even if your actual square footage is limited.
Ready to give it a try?
Pick one drawer in your home RIGHT NOW and declutter it. Just one. Feel the rush of accomplishment from that mini-victory.
Then keep going. One drawer, one shelf, one cabinet at a time.
Your clutter-free home awaits you.
