10 Ways to Declutter Faster

Creating a decluttered environment is one of the best things you can do to boost your happiness and peace of mind. But let’s be honest—sometimes you just want to declutter faster. Staring at piles of accumulated stuff can feel overwhelming, like standing at the base of Mount Everest with no clear path to the top.

The good news? You don’t have to become a minimalist overnight, and you definitely don’t have to do it the hard way. If you’re looking for smart, practical tips to speed up the process and make it feel less daunting, you’re in the right place. Here are 10 proven ways to declutter faster—and get closer to the calm, clutter-free space you deserve! 😊

#1. Write It Down

Before diving into decluttering, start by making yourself a cozy cup of something warm and settle into a comfy spot with a pad and pen. ☕️📝 Why? Because writing down your goals is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to set yourself up for success. In fact, psychologists have found that you’re 42% more likely to complete a goal if you write it down.

There’s something almost magical about putting your thoughts onto paper. Whether it’s a detailed step-by-step task list for clearing off the kitchen counters or a big-picture vision of a spotless, peaceful home, writing helps you clarify your goals and focus on the end result.

And that clarity? It’s what propels you from thinking about it to actually doing it. So grab that pen and paper—it’s the perfect first step to a clutter-free space!

#2. Enlist Help 

You don’t need to send out formal invitations to your entire extended family—just having one person there can make a big difference. It could be your best friend stopping by 🥰 Even if they’re just hanging out in the corner playing DJ, having someone present adds a little bit of accountability, which can help you declutter faster and stay on track.

I use this trick all the time, even for the smallest tasks. If I need to run to the convenience store but don’t feel like moving, I’ll invite Matt to tag along. Suddenly, a boring chore becomes a fun little outing.

The same goes for decluttering—having someone there, even in the background, can make the process more enjoyable and help you declutter faster than going it alone.

#3. The Process Of ‘Actual Selection’

The third way to declutter faster is by using what I call the ‘Process of Actual Selection.’ Instead of going through your clutter piece by piece, deciding as you go, flip the script: intentionally select only the items you know you’ll need or love and set those aside. Then, let go of everything else.

This approach is much faster than what I call the ‘Thunder Eggs Method,’ where you slowly chip away at clutter, item by item. Inevitably, you’ll stumble upon something sentimental—old photos, a childhood workbook, or your grandmother’s diaries—and suddenly, you’re deep in a memory spiral. It’s captivating, yes, but it’s also a guaranteed way to slow down or even stall the process entirely.

If you want to declutter faster and more efficiently, focus on choosing what stays rather than painstakingly deciding what goes. Once you emotionally detach from the rest, you’ll find it’s easier than you think—and you won’t miss it as much as you imagine! 👌🏻

These are really the only two methods of minimizing your belongings (you can see more about them in the linked post).

If you want to declutter faster and avoid being trapped for weeks by boxes of stuff people may or may not want, skip the selling spree. Instead, find a place to donate your items and enjoy the bonus of doing something kind for someone else—it’s a win-win!

Donating is much easier and far less time-consuming than trying to sell everything. Think about the hours spent taking pictures, posting listings, answering questions, and following up, all for what—$20? It’s often just not worth the effort. Instead, box it up, drop it off, and reclaim your time.

Remember, the goal here is speed and simplicity. By donating, you’re saving time, helping others, and getting closer to that clutter-free space without all the extra hassle. Keep it quick, keep it easy, and keep moving forward.

 #5. Organic Decluttering

The fifth way to declutter faster is to use a method I call “organic decluttering.” This approach lets you naturally declutter as you go about your day without setting aside a huge chunk of time.

For example, if you have stairs in your home and a box of things that need to go to the garage, don’t make a special trip. Instead, grab the box on your next trip downstairs. It’s all about moving things along organically without interrupting your flow.

Or, if you’re in the kitchen waiting for water to boil, instead of gazing wistfully out the window, use those spare moments to clear out a junk drawer or declutter a shelf. It’s amazing how quickly these small, intentional actions add up—one item and one moment at a time!

Organic decluttering makes it easier to stay consistent, save time, and chip away at your clutter without it feeling like a monumental task.

#6. Create A Sense Of Urgency

Tend to mull things over for months before finally taking action? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. The good news is you can train yourself to kick into gear faster by creating a little internal time pressure with some simple techniques.

One of the easiest ways to do this is by using a timer. Here’s a fun challenge to try: set your timer for five or ten minutes and make it your mission to declutter as much as you can within that time.

Ready, set, go! You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish when you focus and work against the clock.

There are plenty of great apps that can help with this too. I personally love the Pomodoro app—it’s a game-changer for both work and decluttering projects. Give it a quick Google—it’s worth checking out! The key is to create small bursts of energy and action that get you moving rather than letting decisions drag on indefinitely.

#7. Recharge First

One of my biggest secrets for getting things done—especially decluttering—is taking the time to get into the right mindset. You can choose to make it fun! I often tell my students, “If you approach a decluttering session thinking it’s going to take all day and be a total drag, it probably will.” That’s the power of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Ask yourself: How do I want to feel while decluttering? The truth is, we have the ability to self-regulate and set the tone for our experience. If you want to feel energized and motivated, make that decision with intention. Maybe that means cranking up your favorite playlist and turning the session into a dance party.

On the flip side, if you’re craving clarity and calm, you can set a different tone. Think about what sensory experiences or activities help you feel grounded. For me, a quick walk outside with a meditation track works wonders for creating focus and ease.

The first step is getting your mind in the right place—your body will follow. Whether you need a burst of energy or a sense of calm, intentionally shaping your mindset can transform the experience and make the process feel a whole lot easier (and maybe even enjoyable!).

You can see what I mean in this video about 10 healthy habits.

#8. Remove Distractions

We’ve all been there. You set out to tackle a task, and before you know it, you’re deep into your friend’s wedding photos on Facebook or bingeing the latest show on Netflix. Distractions are sneaky like that—they pull you away without you even realizing it.

And when you’re distracted, time becomes this endless void that just stretches…and stretches. Before you know it, half the day is gone, and your to-do list hasn’t budged.

The simplest solution? Eliminate the distractions. Put your phone in flight mode, turn off the TV, and create a focused environment. You’d be amazed at how much time you’ll save—hours, honestly. With distractions out of the way, you’ll be able to stay on track and declutter faster than you ever thought possible.

#9. Don’t Get Too Comfortable

If you want to have a long, leisurely decluttering session with a cup of tea and some relaxing music, that’s totally fine—no shame in that at all. But here, we’re talking about how to declutter faster.

Sometimes, I won’t even let myself sit down. I’ll tell myself, “Nope, this is just a five-minute task, and I can stand for five minutes!” Skipping the cozy, feel-good extras like music, snacks, or elaborate setups can really help keep the process moving. It’s not about rushing through but about staying focused and intentional so you can knock out more in less time.

So, if speed is the goal, keep it simple, stay on your feet, and power through! You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish when you strip away the distractions.

#10. Rip Off The Band-Aid