Spring cleaning gets all the glory, but in real life, clutter doesn’t wait for April. Keeping your space tidy makes everything feel lighter and calmer, potentially improving your mental health and sense of control. If your apartment’s been feeling a little too lived-in lately, here’s how to declutter your apartment without committing your entire weekend.
Calendar It Like a Real Appointment
Waiting until “you have time” is code for never. Treat decluttering your apartment like you would a doctor’s appointment—non-negotiable. One hour every other Saturday? Block it out. A 20-minute Wednesday session while your laundry’s running? Perfect. Keep your appointments realistic by focusing on one area, like your bathroom counter or the bedroom closet.
Pro tip: Want to declutter your apartment but tend to procrastinate? Invite a friend to come over after your session. The pressure of knowing someone’s coming can keep you on track.
Take Advantage of Storage Furniture
Upgrade your furniture to storage MVPs. Besides the well-known ottoman, think:
- A bed frame with drawers or under-bed rolling bins
- A narrow entryway bench with cubbies for shoes, bags and umbrellas
- A lift-top coffee table for remotes, chargers or random clutter
Follow One In, One Out for Specific Categories
When you buy one thing, something else goes. That works as a general rule, but to really make it powerful, apply it to categories. Bought a new book? Give away a book you probably won’t read again. New sweatshirt? Pick an old or unworn one to donate. This keeps similar items from multiplying, like travel mugs or T-shirts.
Tap Into Your Vertical Space
Knowing how to declutter your apartment involves a bit of out-of-the-box thinking, like using vertical space. Vertical space is like unchartered territory full of opportunity, as even one shelf can replace a cluttered countertop. Try:
- Over-the-door organizers for shoes, snacks or cleaning supplies
- Free-standing bathroom shelves for extra toiletries
- A hanging fruit basket to free up counter space
Tackle What You Can’t See—But Still Feel
Decluttering your apartment includes focusing on what’s not visual. It can be that drawer of tangled cords or the dust under the stove. If an unseen area could use a spruce-up, deal with it now.
Clear out:
- The everything drawer: Be ruthless. If you haven’t used that mystery charger in two years, let it go.
- Hard-to-reach areas: Move furniture to check for random objects underneath, look into closet corners, etc.
- Expired spices and sauces (we’re looking at you, random fast-food condiment packets).
Clear Your Mind
Knowing how to declutter your apartment doesn’t just clear living areas, it clears mental noise too. Follow these tips to create a peaceful space you love to come to home to.
