Seven Easy Steps to Simplifying Your Life: Decluttering Tips for Busy Moms

In the whirlwind of motherhood, finding time to declutter can seem like an impossible task. With the constant demands of children, work, and household responsibilities, it’s easy for clutter to accumulate and overwhelm even the most organized mom. However, the good news is that decluttering doesn’t have to be a daunting chore; by implementing some simple strategies and making them a part of your routine, you can reclaim your space and create a more peaceful environment for you and your family.

1. Set Clear Goals: Before you begin decluttering, take some time to define your goals and visualize the outcome. What do you want your home to look like? Do you yearn to create more space, reduce stress, or simply organize your belongings more effectively so that your family’s everyday life runs smoothly? Having a clear vision will help you stay motivated and focused as you declutter.
2. Start Small: When you’re on the go from sunup to sundown and beyond, the thought of tackling an entire room or closet can be overwhelming. Instead of trying to do it all at once, start small. Break out the timer and set aside just 15 minutes a day to focus on decluttering a specific area. Whether it’s a kitchen drawer, a shelf in the living room, or a corner of the bedroom, breaking the task into manageable chunks makes it more achievable.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Let Go: One of the biggest challenges of decluttering is letting go of sentimental items or things that we think we might need someday. While it can be difficult to part with certain belongings, holding onto them only adds to the clutter and chaos in our lives. Practice letting go of the things that no longer serve you, whether it’s clothes that no longer fit, gadgets that are gathering dust, or knick-knacks that are collecting clutter. Remember, decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff – it’s about making room for the things that truly matter.
4. Get the Kids Involved: As a busy mom, you likely have little ones running around who contribute to the clutter. Get them involved in decluttering by turning it into a game or fun activity. Challenge them to find items they no longer use or need and encourage them to donate or recycle them. Not only does this teach them valuable organizational skills, but it also lightens your own decluttering load.
5. Create Organizational Systems: Investing in storage solutions and organizational systems can make a world of difference in keeping clutter at bay. Whether it’s clear plastic bins and baskets for toys, a filing system for paperwork, or a shoe rack for the entryway, finding the right tools to organize your belongings can streamline your life and make it easier to maintain a clutter-free home. And remember to make good use of your trusty Sharpie or label maker – you’ll save a LOT of time opening containers when you’re searching for an item.
6. Declutter Regularly: Clutter has a tendency to sneak back into our lives, especially when we’re busy. Make decluttering a regular part of your routine to prevent it from piling up again, for example, setting aside a specific day each month to tackle clutter hotspots. Military families often purge their clothes closets seasonally – do you really want to fix a zipper on a jacket that should be tossed? Those that I’ve worked with also have a policy of “fix it now or toss it” because if they’re given relocation orders tomorrow, they won’t have time to repair anything before the move, and they’ll either toss it then or drag the broken item cross-country – ugh!
7. One In, One Out: Adopting a “one in, one out” rule can help prevent clutter from building up in the first place. Every time you bring something new into your home, whether it’s a toy, a piece of clothing, or a kitchen gadget, make a commitment to remove something else. This simple strategy can help you embrace a refreshing minimalist mindset and maintain a clutter-free environment over time.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a daunting task for busy moms – it can actually be enjoyable and empowering! By incorporating these simple strategies into your routine and mindset, you can reclaim your space, reduce stress, and create a more peaceful environment for you and your family.

Remember to start small, set clear goals, involve your kids, and embrace a minimalist mindset. With a little time and effort, you can simplify your life and enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free home.

Kitti Andrews

Author Kitti Andrews, known as “The ONE Lady,” provides personalized decluttering solutions to people who are challenged with procrastination and overwhelm, so they can thrive in a calm and productive environment – FOR LIFE! As CEO of Declutter the Brain, Kitti regularly shares her step-by-step “ONE” decluttering system via in-person and virtual stages and national magazines.