While some people get a kick out of decluttering, others - like myself - see it as more of an anxiety-inducing chore. But, like all chores, it needs to be done, which is why it’s handy to know how to declutter a house fast.
In theory, having a decluttering checklist to hand can help you declutter your home quickly with minimal fuss and effort, but the reality is that people have less and less time to spend at home. Because of this, people tend to fall into one of two categories: they either put decluttering off for as long as possible, or they spend all of their downtime decluttering their house, leading to decision fatigue and overwhelm.
So, the first step to mastering how to declutter a house fast is changing that mindset and realising that it’s possible to quickly and efficiently rid your home of clutter. All you need to do is follow these 7 steps, shared by decluttering experts.
1. Before you start, do your research
While it’s easy to throw yourself into the task and start decluttering before you manage to talk yourself out of it, preparation is key when it comes to decluttering a house fast. The more prepared you are, the quicker the whole process will take - and knowing how to get rid of items after a declutter before you declutter is key.
This is echoed by Shannon Murphy, a professional organiser from Simpl Living Co, who says, ‘Before you even start, research where your decluttered items will go. Is your local charity shop accepting donations? Does a pet rescue centre need unwanted bedding? Could a local playgroup use children’s toys? If you need to visit the recycling centre, check if you need to book in advance.’
She adds, ‘Having a clear plan for where things will go eliminates decision fatigue and stops clutter from piling up in another part of your home.’
It’s also a good idea to have some of the best cleaning products and your vacuum cleaner on hand before you start, too. Then, it should be a seamless process. Personally, I always like to keep this Gtech Multi Platinum Handheld Vacuum by my side to clean up the dust and debris the clutter has left behind.
2. Create a decluttering playlist
Decluttering doesn't have to be a punishing experience, so why not use it as a chance to listen to your favourite music or a podcast and make the job less laborious? If you have fun, time should also go much quicker.
'The secret to making any decluttering job quicker and easier is simply to create a clutter-clearing playlist,' explains Sheena Taylor, APDO member and Founder of Your Professional Organiser.
'By setting the mood with energising music, not only is a timeframe for the session established but it also infuses enjoyment into the task,' adds Sheena. 'Music can make the most mundane chores more enjoyable, boosting focus and motivation so the job gets done.'
3. Ask for help
A problem is halved if a problem is shared, right? So if you know that you'll find decluttering hard or you're unsure where to start, asking for help can not only make the process easier - but also cut down how long it takes to declutter.
Chris Hutton, storage expert at Adams Selfstore, agrees. He says, 'Decluttering can be overwhelming, so don't be afraid to ask for help from family or friends if you have a big task at hand. Working together not only makes the process faster but also more enjoyable.'
Of course, if you have a large house to declutter or are struggling to bring efficient storage solutions into the mix, you could also get help from a professional organiser who can make the process quicker and easier.
And if you can't physically have another person there, setting up a video call with a friend and decluttering together will help you tackle the job on a time limit.
4. Choose a decluttering method
As more and more aim to rid their homes of unwanted junk, more and more decluttering methods have made their way out of the woodwork. But choosing the right method can be difficult when there are so many out there. Thankfully, Emma Cottrell, an expert from BoConcept has offered a solution.
She says, ‘When considering how to declutter your home, a good starting point is to figure out how decluttered you want it to be. Explore websites, magazines and Pinterest. Look for a room image that demonstrates your ideal level of minimalism. But be realistic: an all-white room with two pieces of furniture might appeal to the design lover in you, but would it fit your lifestyle?’
When you’ve found the image that fits your ideal home best, you can then narrow down your search to find a method that works for you and your home. This might be the four-box decluttering method or perhaps the Minimalists' "out-in-the-open" rule.
5. Tackle one area at a time
When you want to declutter a house fast, you may end up spreading yourself too thin and not really achieving much at all. So, start small and don't be tempted to empty every cupboard at the same time otherwise you'll be trying to sort through a huge amount of stuff, which can feel overwhelming if you don't have a lot of time.
For some, the micro-decluttering method may suit you best as this will allow you to make a big impact even whe you don’t have the time. And Monika Puccio, Head Buyer at Sofa Club, also suggests that you focus on high-impact areas first.
She says, ‘If you’re short on time, prioritise the most visible areas—like the living room, kitchen, and hallway. Clear surfaces, straighten cushions and fold throws neatly over the sofa. A stylish, clutter-free sofa instantly makes the whole space feel more inviting.’
Alternatively, you could declutter by category instead. ‘To declutter fast, tackle categories like clothes, books, or beauty products rather than entire rooms,’ says Monika. ‘Grab a bag and do a quick sweep for anything you don’t use or love. This keeps you focused and prevents decision fatigue.’
If you need a little helping hand to keep on track, you could also enlist the help of this To Do List Checklist Board from Amazon.
6. Set a timer
There are two kinds of people in this world: those who like deadlines and those who don’t. If you do, setting a timer will always help you declutter a house fast - and it’s down to you to choose the timescale that works for you. For some, a ten-minute declutter may be all their house needs. For others, you may need a 30-minute declutter to obtain the best results.
You may even need more if your home is full of sentimental items, as you will undoubtedly come across items like old cards, cuddly toys, etc, and you can easily get distracted from the task at hand.
Mark Godman of Gentleman & A Van advises 'setting a timer and work in blocks to prevent burnout.' By sticking to a time frame, you will be more focused on the end goal.
If there are sentimental things you want to look at, set them to one side so you can look at them another time, and then you can decide how to get rid of emotional clutter.
7. Keep storage solutions to hand
There’s nothing worse than trying to declutter when you’re sitting in a pile of clutter. Before too long, you’re on the verge of crying and unable to determine what you’ve decided is junk and what you want to keep. That’s why one of the best ways to declutter a house fast is to utilise handy storage solutions throughout the process.
By utilising the best best decluttering products - like storage baskets, vacuum bags, and rubbish bags - at your disposal, you can make instant decisions that give your items a new home. But these storage ideas don’t have to be an eyesore.
Monika says, ‘Stylish storage solutions can be a game-changer. Ottoman sofas, decorative baskets and sleek shelving help keep your space organised without sacrificing aesthetics. Think of storage as part of your decor, not just a necessity.’
It's always a good idea to have storage baskets nearby when you want to declutter a house fast. These ones can either be used to store essentials when you're done, or used to separate items during the decluttering process.
Decluttering doesn't necessarily mean throwing everything out. For the essentials you want to keep - like shoes, bags, kids sports equipment etc - a storage bench like this one can keep them out of sight but still in reach when you need it.
Most people forget just how handy vertical storage space can be, which is why self-adhesive hooks can lend a helping hand when trying to declutter a house fast. Use them to store coats or clothing, storage baskets, and more.
FAQs
What should I remove first when decluttering?
'The first thing to remove when decluttering is the mindset that keeps you stuck,' explains Helen Sanderson, author and professional organiser. 'If you don’t do that, you will not make any real or lasting progress. Clutter is the physical manifestation of your beliefs, habits and behaviours. So, you need to get to the root of why you have clutter in the first place, or it will just grow back.'
'It may sound obvious, but the first things to declutter are the things you can easily let go of,' adds Helen. 'Keep your focus on looking for what you no longer need and can let go of, not what you want to keep.'
Where do I start when my whole house is cluttered?
If your whole house is cluttered and you don’t know where to start, it’s best to start with visual clutter that you have no emotional attachment to (i.e. items that are out in the open rather than in drawers or cupboards). This could be the old receipts you keep lying around, pens that no longer have any ink in them, electronics that no longer work, and anything else that will serve no practical purpose.
By tackling these open areas like bedside tables, worktops, and shelves first, you can make your home feel tidier and less cluttered in a matter of minutes. Then, when you have the time and energy, you can move onto the items that aren’t as visible and the items that you have an emotional attachment to.
So grab a timer, some baskets and get decluttering. And if you have your own tips to declutter a house fast, let us know in the comments!
