Do you find yourself overwhelmed with clutter? I understand because I have been there myself!

It can be so hard to keep clutter at bay. Luckily, this list of 21 clutter-busting hacks will help you get (and stay) clutter-free.

I know you will find some amazing ideas that you wish you had known about sooner on this list!

1. Get Rid of Old Items Every Time You Buy Something New

This is one of my favorite clutter-busting hacks. I have found that you truly can’t rid yourself of clutter once and for all if you keep accumulating new things without saying goodbye to some of the old.

The best way to do this is to try to get rid of some old items whenever you introduce something new. If you buy a pair of shoes, try to donate, throw out, or sell a pair that you already have.

If you buy five new dresses, consider getting rid of a few. I have found that this helps me reduce clutter and makes me appreciate my new things more!

Here are more bedroom organization ideas to declutter space.

2. Identify Which Clothes You Use by Hanging them in the Opposite Direction

It can be hard to declutter your closet when you don’t know which clothes you need to say goodbye to! I like to spend a few weeks deciding which items I want to keep by hanging them in the opposite direction.

That way, once the decluttering day finally arrives, I can easily grab the things I need to get rid of and just say goodbye once and for all!

3. Identify Storage Space with Labels

I have found that when I have a designated space for everything, things don’t feel cluttered. Labels are a superstar when it comes to organizing, in my opinion!

If you label drawers, cabinets, bins, and more, it will make it more likely that things will go back where they belong. I love this label maker if you need one!

4. Schedule Time for Decluttering

If you are like me, life is busy! I totally understand how hard it can be to make time to declutter your home, and I have discovered that the best way to handle this issue is to simply schedule time to declutter.

Block off a weekend day here or an evening there to tackle a room or closet that needs to be decluttered. I like to write these in my calendar and treat them as I would any other appointment.

5. Use Clear Bottles to Reduce Visual Clutter

Visual clutter can sometimes be overwhelming! Clear bottles like this for things like soap, shampoo, conditioner, and more are the perfect solution.

6. Bring a Basket with You to Collect Clutter Around the House

Part of the issue with clutter, in my experience, is that it feels like such an effort to round everything up and put it back where it belongs. My simple solution is a clutter collection basket!

I recommend getting a basic basket like this. Carry it with you to hot spots in your home where clutter tends to accumulate.

7. Use Three Boxes to Sort Items

What do you tend to do with things you aren’t keeping when decluttering? I usually donate them, throw them out, or sell them.

This process is simpler if you grab three large boxes. Designate one as the donation box, one as the trash box, and the other as the sell box.

Following through on getting rid of items can sometimes be the hardest part of tidying up. This will make decluttering less of a hassle!

Find more things to get rid of today.

8. Focus on One Drawer or Cupboard at a Time

Do you ever get so excited about decluttering that you try to do too much at once? I am the same way!

Unfortunately, this can lead to unfinished projects. I have found that focusing on one drawer, cupboard, or closet at a time makes for better results.

9. Declutter One Category at a Time

Decluttering one category of items at a time is another way to ensure decluttering success. You can focus on jewelry during one session, shoes during another, cookware during another, and so on.

This will keep you focused on the task at hand!

10. Clear Out Your Purse

Do you have a chaotically messy purse? I can relate.

For me, clearing out my purse at least once a month is necessary. If you want to elevate this idea and add some more functionality to your purse, these purse organizer inserts are awesome.

11. Create a Clutter-Free Entryway

The last thing you want to welcome guests with is a cluttered foyer or entryway. Some easy storage solutions for these spaces include shoe racks like this, coat racks, and hanging hooks for backpacks, purses, and keys.

Find more shoe organizing hacks here.

12. Organize Files on Your Laptop

Do you have digital clutter? An overcluttered desktop or hard drive can make it hard to focus or find things.

Take a weekend to create folders for everything and organize your files properly. You may also want to declutter your inbox during this time!

13. Make a Decluttering Checklist

Are you a list maker? I am, too!

I find that when the clutter at my home gets overwhelming, it is so helpful to create a checklist. This will make you feel more ready to get started!

Making (and sticking to) a master decluttering checklist will make those daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal tasks more automatic!

14. Remove One Item Everyday

Does the decluttering process feel overwhelming? I’ve been there.

It can be helpful to commit to just removing one item every day. This will get the ball rolling and might even serve as motivation to do more!

15. Put Everything Away After Use to Avoid Clutter

Sometimes, the hardest part about decluttering is maintenance. I recommend taking some time to think about where everything will go and putting things away right after usage to ensure that clutter stays away!

16. Focus on Flat Surfaces First

Have you noticed that clutter tends to accumulate on flat surfaces? I know that I have been guilty of cluttered countertops, cluttered desks, and cluttered bathroom vanities.

Focus on tidying up flat surfaces first for a clutter-free space!

17. Take Before and After Pictures to Track Your Progress

Decluttering can be hard, and tracking your progress will inspire you to keep going! Take before and after pictures.

I promise that they will make you feel so proud and will provide motivation when you need it most!

18. Get Motivated with Some Music

The end result of decluttering is always exciting to me, but the process can be kind of boring. Put on your favorite tunes to make it more fun!

19. Get Rid of Expired Beauty Products

Did you know that beauty products expire? I recommend going through your haircare and skincare products ASAP.

It’s an easy way to free up space!

20. Get Rid of Expired Medication

This is another super easy clutter-busting hack. Saying goodbye to old medication that you will never use will instantly give you more space and make you feel productive!

21. Sort through Stationery and Discard Dry Markers and Pens

My kids have so many markers! At any given time, at least half of them have probably dried out.

Life will be easier if you aim to get rid of dried-out markers and pens on a regular basis!