Breaking up with junk in your home can be liberating! Here are 8 effective ways to declutter and say goodbye to the unnecessary:

1. The One-Year Rule

If you haven’t used it, worn it, or even noticed it in a year, it’s time to let it go. This applies especially to clothes, kitchen gadgets, and hobby items.

2. Declutter by Category (à la Marie Kondo)

Sort by categories instead of rooms — e.g., clothes, books, papers, etc. This helps you see duplicates and make more decisive choices.

3. The 20/20 Rule

If something costs under $20 and can be replaced in under 20 minutes, toss it. This rule is great for freeing up space from "just in case" items.

4. The 4-Box Method

Label four boxes: Keep, Donate, Trash, and Relocate. As you go through a space, sort items into these boxes to stay focused and organized.

5. Set a Timer

Give yourself 15–30 minutes a day to declutter. Limiting time keeps the task from becoming overwhelming and builds a habit over time.

6. Pretend You're Moving

Ask yourself: Would I pack and pay to move this item to a new home? If the answer is no, it’s probably junk.

7. Use the One-In, One-Out Rule

For every new item that comes into your home, get rid of one. This prevents clutter from building back up once you've cleared it.

8. Take Photos of Sentimental Items

If you’re holding onto something purely for memory’s sake (like an old trophy or greeting card), take a picture and let the item go. You keep the sentiment without the space-hogging object.